Beads. All of us love them. Big ones, small ones. Bright ones, shiny ones. Of all shapes.
Beads don’t just look pretty. We can use them to make a lot of things. One of the most popular ways to use beads is with the Peyote stitch.
Peyote Stitch is a particular bead weaving stitch. Native Americans used a similar stitch called Comanche Stitch to create items used in worship. It is also known as Gourd Stitch, 2-Drop, and graph stitch.
Peyote Stitch is used to make a "fabric" of beads by weaving them together by hand ( no loom is used) in an offset row method. When completed, no thread shows between the bead or row, thus creating a "fabric" of beads. Thread is visible along the edge of the work, however.
There are a number of variations on this beading stitch including flat, even count (makes a flat piece of finished beadwork using and even number of beads per row) flat odd count (makes a flat piece of finished beadwork and uses an odd number of bead per row with a somewhat tricky turn at the end of each row) tubular even count (makes a tube shaped piece of finished beadwork using an even number of beads in a continuous spiral.) Also, Peyote Stitch can be worked with two beads at a time in each stitch, This is called "Two Drop Peyote Stitch."
Flat Round Peyote Stitch uses an even number of beads in the first row, alternating single and double bead rows cause the flat circular orientation to develop.
Peyote Stitch projects usually use an offset graph type pattern and can be increased and decreased easily. Also, bead numbers can be changed to add ruffles and other textural interest to Peyote Stitch.
Learn how to do the Peyote stitch. Use it to make yourself a beading mascot.
Leave a comment