The peyote stitch is an easy and enjoyable bead stitch to learn. Beginner beaders to advanced fall in love with the peyote stitch because of its versatility, flexiblity and beauty. The peyote stitch almost feels like fabric and can be use to make chokers, beaded purses… and endless bead designs.

Supplies:

40″ (60cm) Nylon beading thread
Beading needle
Size 11 seed beads

How To Bead A Peyote Stitch…

Step 1. Thread on a top bead

Step 2. Thread on 7 more

Step3. Thread another bead and then thread your needle through the 3rd bead from the end. Pull the thread so that the new bead sits on top of the 8th bead of the first row.

Step 4. Thread another bead and then thread your needle through the 4th bead from the end of the first row.

Step 5. Repeat Step 4, 2 more times, weaving the thread through every other bead on the first row. You will end the second row with the thread going through the stop bead. (your first bead). You should have added 4 new beads.

Step 6. Now, lets continue with a third row…
Thread another bead and then thread your needle through the first bead on the second row. Pull the thread so that the new bead sits on top of the stop bead

Step 7. Thread another bead and then thread your needle through the next bead on the second row.

Step 8. Continue like this until you have 4 new beads threaded for the third row.

Keep going! The peyote stitch takes a bit of practice at first. The trick is to keep the thread tension tight, and still allow the weave to lay flat. Practice with larger seed beads at first to get the hang of the stitch. Once you learn the peyote stitch, you will be hooked! Bead long strips of seed beads to make a choker!

Happy Beading!

Jennifer Thoden shares her love of beads and creativity with beginner beaders and jewelry designers. Her love of color and unique design shows in her bead patterns. Find her bead patterns and tutorials at http://www.beadpatternsonline.com