With even-count peyote you can create charming bracelets with various patterns.
This can be done with both Delica beads, which create a smooth surface, and seed beads, which create a more playful effect.
The advantage of the even-count stitch is that you can easily thread through to the next row on both sides. The thread is held evenly and with the same tension on both sides, so your work stays evenly on both ends.
We’ll explain it step by step below.
START) Start by stringing a ‘stop’-bead and bring it to the end of the thread, leaving about 8 inches of thread tale. A stop bead is a bead that you string through twice, to keep it locked in the same spot. This bead prevents other beads sliding off the thread, while you are beading.
STEP 1) After this, string the number of beads that you want for the width of your bracelet. In this example it will become 8 beads wide, so that’s the number we will start with.
STEP 2) Pick-up a new bead (bead 9) and thread it back through the second-last bead (bead 7) of the previous row. The goal is to get the added bead (bead 9) exactly above the last bead of the previous row (bead 8). Sometimes the bead is tilted, you can then help with your fingers to bring it in the correct position.
STEP 3) String one bead (bead 10) onto your thread, skip 1 bead (bead 6) and string through the next bead (bead 5). Pull the thread and this will place bead 10 above the bead 6. Repeat this step 2 more times with bead 11 (which comes above the bead 4) and bead 12 (which comes above the bead 2) until you reach the end of your row.
STEP 4) In this step you go the opposite way again. Pick-up one bead (bead 13) and string throughbead 12. When you pull the thread (in horizontal direction) bead 13 will be placed exactly above bead 1. Pick up bead 14 and string through bead 11. Repeat until you have reached the end of your row.
STEP 5) Continue like this, with alternating the direction with every row.
TIPS, TRICKS AND INSPIRATION:
- When reading patterns, the first row is always the longest. This is because these are the first two rows you string together. This may sound confusing, but if you look closely at steps 1 and 2, you’ll see as you continue that some beads in the first row are higher and others lower. The beads that are lower are row 1. The beads that are higher are row 2.
- The first row is the most difficult because the beads are still a bit loose. As soon as you continue with the subsequent rows, it will come together nicely.
- When you try to make a pattern, it’s possible that the beads from the first and second rows in your first row get mixed up during stringing. This will cause your pattern to be incorrect. You can prevent this by stringing the first three rows in a random color before starting your pattern. You can easily remove these three rows once you’ve stringed enough beads.
- If you choose Fireline thread, it will be more compact and sturdy. If you want to keep it loose and flexible, choose Miyuki threading thread.
- The choice of which needle you like best differs per person, but if you do more difficult projects, a short needle is nice. This makes it easier to get into the small corners and thread the beads. A longer needle is then more difficult to hold and not convenient for aiming.
- You can also use other beads, such as spacers, bugles, or larger beads like sizes 6/0 and 8/0.
- You don’t always have to string just one bead per stitch. Adding multiple beads in a single stitch creates a playful effect. Adding two beads at a time is called a two-drop, three beads a three-drop, and so on. The more beads you add per stitch, the looser your work will be.
- When tightening the thread, it’s important to always pull it completely to the side before stringing the first bead of the new row. If you don’t, you’ll pull the bead out of place and your work will become messy.
- When using an even count, keep in mind that your bracelet will always be uneven at the ends. With wider bracelets, this won’t be noticeable, but with narrower ones, the clasp may be noticeably off-center.
- To finish your peyote work, it’s also nice to add an extra edge: a picot. This is easily done by stringing three beads from the outer row of your bracelet. If it doesn’t quite fit at the end, simply string one bead and then back again, and you’ve finished it nicely.
