Native American Bead Work

Peyote Stitch - A very traditional stitch

Peyote Stitch patterns are off centered or alternating. Much of the Native beading you find is done in Peyote Stitch.

Peyote Stitch is made by alternating connections.
First, string a row of beads.

For the second row and each row there after: Bring your thread from the end of the first row up through the first bead then bring the thread down through the second bead (skipping the bead underneath). Continue adding beads.

Peyote Stitch is often done in the round and, flat or round, is the most often seen stitch. As you add beads your project will automatically grown up and around. You can find this stitch used in pen and lighter covers for sale at PowWow's. It's also used in roaches and to cover the ends of feathers.

Flat Stitch

Flat Stitch patterns are even. Unlike the Loom Stitch the Flat Stitch can be done in any width.

Flat Stitch is made one bead on top of the other.
First string a row of beads.

At the end of your first row, bring the thread up and through a new bead. Bring the thread back down and through the first bead then back up and through the added bead once again, to end up in the right direction.

Continue adding beads in this way until you reach the end. Turn and continue adding beads until you've finished your project.

Loom Stitch

This probably looks confusing but to do the Loom Stitch you need to understand that the beads are not woven onto the loom. A thread above and another below a row of beads holds that row of beads on.

To do the Loom Stitch first get a loom and string it. Then, use a long, long line of thread on your needle. To start and end, tie the thread to the loom strings.

Put the beads onto your thread in the pattern your design calls for in that row.
Place the row of beads under the strings of the loom. Push the beads up and carefully work the beads through the loom strings with one bead between each string. There should be final strings on the out sides of your row of beads.
Keep the beads in place with your hand. Be sure that you are pushing the beads UP through the loom strings and that the holes of the beads are exposed above the loom strings.
Bring the needle and thread back through your row of beads, keeping the needle and thread above the loom strings.
In this way you have a thread above and a thread below the loom strings.

Well, one way to get a loom is to make it. You can make one out of 1x2's, a couple metal screws, four eye hooks, and four bolts. Nail two short end pieces of wood to a longer piece to create the frame like the sides of a house. Put the eyehooks (2 for each end) at the top of the short pieces to hold the metal screws and bolts. Slide the metal screws through the eye hooks and secure with the bolt. The threading of the metal screws will help keep your thread separate.

One advantage to this is that you can make the loom as long as you want it to be.

Photo: My husbands loom and bead work.

To bead you will need a few essential tools. A beading needle is, of course, the most important. Beading needles are long, thin and flexible. They have a small 'eye' which makes it easy to go through the beads. They're easy to bend so don't worry when your needle starts to look a bit odd. As long as it's mostly straight it will work. Have plenty on hand for your project.

You'll need thread as well. A nice coated cotton thread is a good choice. This comes in larger spindles so you will have enough for your project.

You will also use a small scissors, needle nose pliers and measuring tape. You might also want to collect containers for your beads. If you buy beads by the hank (on strings) you'll need these.

If you get the wrong color bead in your project don't unstring the entire row. Just use your pliers to squish and break the bead to remove it. Be very careful when you do this and protect your eyes. Bead bit's will fly every where.

The eye of the needle is very small so it will go through the beads. Cut your thread at a slight angle and this will help you get the thread through.

Copy your pattern in color. You can save the original for later and write on the copy as you work. Mark off the rows as you do them.

Beads per Inch

Bead Size

# in 16 inch Strand

12.5

2mm

200

8.3

3mm

132

6.3

4mm

100

5.1

5mm

82

4.2

6mm

68

3.6

7mm

56

3.2

8mm

51

2.5

10mm

40

2.1

12mm

34

1.8

14mm

29

1.5

16mm

24

1.3

18mm

21

January

Garnet or Rose Quartz

February

Amethyst or Onyx

March

Aquamarine or Bloodstone

April

Diamond or Quartz

May

Emerald or Chrysoprase

June

Alexandrite or Moonstone or Pearl

July

Ruby or Carnelion

August

Peridot or Sardonyx

September

Sapphire or Lapis

October

Opal or Tourmaline

November

Topaz or Citrine

December

Tanzanite or Zircon or Turquoise

Free Patterns