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LEARN and CREATE – bangle bracelet in tubular even-count peyote stitch - part 1

You have learned all about even-count flat peyote and are ready to attack the tubular version. Of course, you could just make a flat strip and zip it up, but for a rope necklace we surely recommend to use the tubular peyote stitch.
Contrary to flat peyote, where you use mainly tubular beads, type Delica's, this may as well be a seed bead as a Delica project.

tubular even count peyote

Challenge:

Understanding the thread path and controlling the thread tension.

Supplies for the bangle bracelet in tubular peyote stitch:

  • Japanese seed beads size 8/0
  • dowel or knitting needle or thick straw or a paper tube-shape
  • thread, needle
  • scissors and beading mat

Weaving instructions for the tubular even-count peyote stitch:

  • to get yourself organized make little stacks of 4 beads

tubular even count peyote - getting organized

  • take a length of thread and pick up 8 seed beads

tubular even count peyote - starting

  • to make a circle, stitch back through all the beads as well as two extra beads

tubular even count peyote - forming circle

  • put the circle over the right size dowel in the sense that the beads are aligning nicely
  • block the tail of your thread on the dowel with your fingers
  • to create the first row: *pick up a new bead, skip a bead and go through the next bead**

tubular even count peyote - first round

SEE - part 2

LEARN and CREATE – bangle bracelet in tubular even-count peyote stitch - part 2

CONTINUATION: tubular even-count peyote

  • this part is very much similar to flat peyote, but you will need to push the beads upwards to ensure a tubular shape
  • the moreover you have to regulate the thread tension so that every new bead stacks nicely on top of the preceding round
  • repeat * ... ** three more times
  • to go to the next row, make a step-up by going through the next bead in diagonal, that is also the one which sticks out

tubular even count peyote - step-up

  • continue as before, pick up a new bead (here also a new color), skip a bead and go through the next bead
  • repeat * ... ** three more time and create the next step-up

tubular even count peyote - 2nd round

  • do not forget to maintain sufficient tension in your thread
  • furthermore after each step-up you start a new little stack of beads (in our sample also another color)

tubular even count peyote - upwards to next round

  • persevere during the first few rounds, as things will get easier in the next rounds
  • if you take a good look at the sides in vertical direction, you will see an alternation of ascending and descending lines
  • after four or five rounds, your tubular shape will be a given and you can remove the dowel

tubular peyote

  • continue stitching till you have reached the desired length
  • connect the ends together as the teeth of a zipper by making diagonal passes through the beads

In for a more dainty rope or bangle,

  • use Delica's in size 11/0 or seed beads in size 15/0
  • … and have fun alternating colors.

Of course, we would love to see you choose your beads @ http://dunebeads.com/en/japanese-seed-beads !

Do not forget: have fun, because practice makes perfect. See you soon!

LEARN and CREATE – the winged or flat spiral bracelet - part 1

Build out of a center with a set of identical mirroring and superposing wings, the flat spiral bracelet is delightfully easy to make. Its flexible drape permits you to convert it effortlessly into a stunning necklace.

the winged or flat spiral bracelet

Challenge:

  • Understanding the thread path of the flat spiral weave and learning to control its thread tension.

Supplies for a winged bracelet in flat spiral weave:

  • 3 types of beads :
    • 6x6 mm round Czech beads for the center or the spine,
    • 4x4 mm round Czech beads for the outer edge of the spiral
    • and 11/0 seed beads to connect them
  • thread, needle and toggle clasp
  • scissors and beading mat

Weaving instructions for a flat spiral bracelet:

  • pick up: two 6 mm center beads, four seed beads, one 4 mm outer edge bead and four seed beads

flat spiral bracelet - starting

  • circle back through the first two 6 mm beads
  • you have created your first wing

flat spiral bracelet - first wing

  • repeat for the other side: pick up four seed beads, one 4 mm outer edge bead and four seed bead

flat spiral bracelet - set up second wing

  • circle back through the same two center beads

flat spiral bracelet - creating second wing

  • push the wing to the opposite side so that both sides mirror each other
  • *to create the wing of the next segment: pick up a 6 mm center bead, four seed beads, one 4 mm outer edge bead and four seed beads

flat spiral bracelet - set up first wing of additional set

  • circle back through the last two center beads
  • as a result, you have a part of the wing that superposes the previous one

SEE - part 2

LEARN and CREATE – the winged or flat spiral bracelet - part 2

CONTINATION: flat spiral bracelet

flat spiral bracelet - creating first wing additional set

  • keep in mind to check the thread tension repeatedly
  • create the other mirroring wing : pick up four seed beads, one 4 mm outer edge bead and four seed beads

flat spiral bracelet - set up each second wing

  • go back through the last two center beads and push it to the opposite side**
  • you have created your second set of wings
  • to resume:

  • each wing is made of four seed beads, an outer edge bead and four seed beads
  • to grow the middle section, add one bead for the center at the beginning of the first wing of each set
  • to circle back, you always go back through the last two center beads of your work

flat spiral - thread path

  • repeat * to ** till you reached the desired length

  • as each set of wings holds down the other set, you will need to attach the ultimate pair to the penultimate pair by yourself
  • attach a clasp … while using French wire or creating a little loop in seed beads
  • add a little loop in seed beads to attach your toggle bar: pick up 7 seed beads, the toggle bar and 7 seed beads
  • reinforce your loop by making several passes
  • go back through the beads of the center to add the second part of the toggle on the other side

The dainty version:

For a more elegant bracelet or for a pair of earrings use :

  • 4x4 mm, round beads for the center,
  • 3x3 mm round beads for the outer edge
  • and 15/0 seed beads to connect

and do not hesitate … to be creative with the color scheme of the outer edge.

Ready to take the next step … get the instructions for a round spiral necklace @ http://dunebeads.com/en/kits-demonstrations !

Of course, we would love to see you choose your beads @ http://dunebeads.com/en/ ! :-)

Do not forget: have fun, because practice makes perfect. See you soon !

LEARN and CREATE - a beaded bracelet in flat vertical netting - part 1

With the netting technique one creates a grid of diamonds, using, just like with lace, the negative space. The smaller the beads used, the more this technique makes your work resemble lace. The netting stitch may also form the basis for a richly decorated piece of work.

beaded bracelet in flat vertical netting

For flat netting one determines either the width or the length of the workpiece in advance. As a result, you work with a fixed data and a variable data.

This leads to two types of flat netting, namely:

  • vertical netting: the width of the piece is fixed and the length varies
  • horizontal netting: the length of the piece is fixed and the width varies

The visual difference between the two kinds of netting:

  • vertical netting:

    • the opening of the crossover bead points vertically
    • the long diagonal of the diamond shape sits vertically
  • Horizontal netting:

    • the opening of the crossover bead points in horizontal direction
    • the long diagonal of the diamond sits horizontally

Challenge:

  • To gain understanding of the weave pattern of flat vertical netting and to learn to control the thread tension of it.

Supplies for the beaded bracelet in flat vertical netting:

  • opt for two types of small beads or for two different colors
  • for example, go for 3 mm beads or seed beads 8/0
  • choose also a stopper bead in a different size or distinct color
  • thread, needle and toggle
  • scissors and beading surface

Weaving instructions for a bracelet in 5-bead netting:

  • to keep it simple, you should choose a different color or bigger bead for the crossover bead
  • for reasons of clarity, we have used 4 mm beads in the pictures hereafter
  • cut of about 2 meters of thread and fix a stopper bead by going twice through it at 10-15 cm from the end
  • pick up a crossover bead and two other beads and repeat this 8 times in total

flat vertical netting - starting

  • make a U-turn and head back through the forth crossover bead

flat vertical netting - 1st U-turn

  • herewith you have created the first diamond shape
  • note that to make a U-turn, you need a turning bead and that each segment consists of two beads, a crossover bead and two beads
  • if you do not make a U-turn, a segment is made of two beads, a crossover bead and two beads, hence its name 5-beaded netting
  • *pick up a segment or 2 beads, a crossover bead and 2 beads

flat vertical netting - pick up one unit

  • skip a crossover bead and go through the next crossover bead**
  • pull constantly on the thread in order to maintain the checker pattern
  • repeat from * to **

flat vertical netting - create the first row

SEE - part 2

LEARN and CREATE - a beaded bracelet in flat vertical netting - part 2

CONTINUATION: flat vertical netting

  • you'll notice that you created a series of waves
  • on the edge of each wave you are going to attach the next diamond shape

flat vertical netting - waves to build upon

  • so never go through the middle crossover beads of the wave
  • create the next U-turn: pick up 2 beads, 1 crossover bead, 2 beads, an extra crossover bead for the U-turn and 2 more beads

flat vertical netting - creating a new U-turn

  • in short: you pick up 8 beads, that is, one segment, one crossover bead and 2 extra beads
  • pass through the first crossover bead on the edge of the next wave

flat vertical netting - top view of U-turn

  • pick up the next segment (2 beads, a crossover bead and 2 beads)
  • pass through the crossover bead in the middle of the edge of the next wavelet
  • create the next segment and pull firmly on the thread
  • make another U-turn and continue till you reached the desired length
  • persevere as the first two rows are the hardest

Note: you may modify the amount of beads between the crossover beads at will.

flat vertical netting with 9-bead segments

Enjoy and choose your favorite beads @ http://dunebeads.com/en/czech-fire-polished-round-beads !

Do not forget: have fun, because practice makes perfect. See you soon!

LEARN and CREATE – a delightful stretchy summer bracelet in right angle weave - part 1

Fun to wear, easy to make, our delightful summer bracelet will enchant in no time and introduce you to the right angle weave (RAW). Let's make this easy-peasy bracelet even more fun and alternate the colors to create a diagonal stripe effect.

Challenge:

  • Learn how to weave a single row in right angle weave and control the color scheme.

stretchy summer bracelet in right angle weave

Supplies for the stretchy bracelet in right angle weave :

  • 6x6 mm Czech glass beads in 4 colors: color A, color B, color C, color D
  • 5 mm stretchy cord
  • jewelry glue, scissors and a beading surface

Instructions for a striped bracelet in right angle weave :

stretchy summer bracelet in RAW - start

  • pick up a bead in color A, two beads in color B and one crossover bead in color A
  • slide the beads to the middle of the stretch cord
  • pass one of the cords in opposite directions through the crossover bead, this is the last bead you added in color A

stretchy summer bracelet in RAW - crossing 1

  • by closing the A-B-B-A circle, you formed a geometrical diamond with top and bottom in a different color

stretchy summer bracelet in RAW - complete row 1

  • visualize and complete the first diagonal stripe : * add a bead in color A on one side in order to create a diagonal of three beads in the same color
  • note : you have actually added a bead in the same color as the crossover bead

stretchy summer bracelet in RAW - add color C

  • introducing a new color : add two beads in color C on the other side, the last bead being the crossover bead

stretchy summer bracelet in RAW - crossing 2

  • pass the other cord in opposite directions through the crossover bead in color C
  • to summarize : you have one bead on the left cord, one bead on the right cord and one bead in which both cords cross each other

stretchy summer bracelet in RAW - complete row 2

  • align the second stripe : add a bead in color C on one side

SEE - part 2

LEARN and CREATE – a delightful stretchy summer bracelet in right angle weave - part 2

CONTINUATION: RAW or right angle weave

stretchy summer bracelet in RAW - add color D

  • add two beads in color D on the other side

stretchy summer bracelet in RAW - crossing 3

  • cross the cords in the last added bead in color D

stretchy summer bracelet in RAW - complete row 3

  • third alignment : add a bead in color D on one side

stretchy summer bracelet in RAW - repeat color scheme

  • add two beads in color B on the other side
  • note: you are now repeating the color scheme

stretchy summer bracelet in RAW - crossing 4

  • cross the cords in the last added bead
  • complete the fourth stripe by adding a bead in color B **
  • add two beads in color A and repeat from * till **

stretchy summer bracelet in RAW - ending

  • when finishing the pattern of 4 diagonal stripes, you will end with a bead in color B on one side and a bead in color D on the other side
  • pay attention to the alignment and keep your work flat
  • attach the ends together
  • finish with a surgeon's knot and a dab of glue
  • cut off the ends and tuck the knot in a bead.

Enjoy and why not ... make a second non stretch version with a clasp.

Choose your favorite beads @ http://dunebeads.com/en/czech-druk-beads-smooth-and-round !

Do not forget: have fun, because practice makes perfect. See you soon!

LEARN and CREATE – under, up and through … or the wrap bracelet in ladder stitch - part 1

With the summer heat also come bare arms just begging for a bracelet with a hint of relaxed glamour. The wrap bracelet in the ladder stitch meets all that.

wrap bracelet in ladder stitch

Challenge:

  • Regular and symmetrical weaving.

Supplies for the wrap bracelet :

  • 6x6 mm beads
  • 1,5 mm leather cord
  • S-lon weaving cord # 18
  • a 1,5 to 2 cm button
  • needles and jewelry glue
  • scissors, flush cutter and a beading surface
  • optionally beeswax

Instructions for wrap bracelet in ladder stitch:

  • two wraps take about 1,20 meter of leather cord or 60 cm for a one wrap bracelet
  • cut the leather with your flush cutter
  • fold the leather cord in two, thread the button and pull it to the center
  • make an simple overhand knot with the doubled leather cord

wrap bracelet in ladder stitch - attach button

  • cut off about 2,75 meters of S-lon cord; you want to have enough weaving cord to finish the bracelet in one go
  • pass the S-lon cord with a needle through a part of the leather knot and pull the cord through up to halfway
  • place the S-lon cords on the outside and keep both pieces of leather in the middle

Start braiding:

  • *pass the left weaving cord over the left leather cord and then underneath the right leather cord
  • next, pass the right weaving cord over the right leather cord and underneath the left leather cord
  • tighten up the weaving cords**, you just crossed two S-lon cords
  • while repeating the movement from * till ** three or four times, you will be creating a small piece in herringbone

wrap bracelet in ladder stitch - attach S-lon

  • tighten by pulling the weaving cords towards the base and secure them with a simple overhand knot
  • to work more easily, pass the weaving cords through some beeswax
  • wrap each weaving cord twice around its matching leather cord,
  • thus the left weaving cord around the left leather cord and the right weaving cord around the right leather cord
  • string a 6 mm bead on the right weaving cord
  • * pass the left weaving cord through the other side of the beads, thus in the opposite direction

wrap bracelet in ladder stitch - crossing the weaving cord

  • you just crossed the two weaving cords in the bead
  • now go with each weaving cord underneath its leather cord and then upwards,
  • thus right below right and then upwards
  • left below left and then upwards**

wrap bracelet in ladder stitch - preparing to attach the next bead

  • string another 6 mm bead on the right weaving cord and repeat from * till **

SEE - part 2

LEARN and CREATE – under, up and through … or the wrap bracelet in ladder stitch - part 2

CONTINUATION: the ladder stitch

  • this resumes to the following S-lon cord movement:
  • for the leather cord = right underneath and up, left underneath and up
  • for the bead = right through right and left through left
  • in short: under, up and through
  • maintain the tension in your S-lon cord and continue till you obtain the desired length.

bracelet in ladder stitch

To finish:

  • wrap the left weaving cord twice around the left leather cord en
  • wrap the right weaving cord twice around the right leather cord
  • cross the two weaving cords and make twice an overhand knot
  • create a small piece in herringbone:
  • * put the left weaving cord over the left leather cord and then underneath the right leather cord
  • after that you go with the right weaving cord over the right leather cord and underneath the left leather cord **
  • repeat this movement from * till ** three or four times
  • make twice a simple knot and assure yourself that they are in the center in between the pieces of leather
  • apply on both sides of your work a dab of glue on the knots.
  • add a loop for the button: make an overhand knot with the two leather cords together at a distance of 1,5 to 2 cm
  • do not tighten the knot completely, but first make sure that the loop is large enough for the button
  • if that is the case, apply a drop of jewelry glue inside the knot and tighten
  • let dry and cut the excess cords.

Comments:

  • vary also the width. For example, create 30 cm with 4 mm beads, 30 cm with 6 mm beads and to finish again 30 cm with 4 mm beads.
  • when working with smaller beads, you might want to replace S-lon cord with doubled S-lon thread.
  • Of course, instead of working with a single bead, you can line up several small beads or seed beads 6/0, give your imagination free reign. However, it would be advisable to work with 2 mm leather cord.
  • If you create this bracelet for sale, add two loops for the button so you may adjust the bracelet's size easily.

The plain whipping:

  • for a professional finishing touch and to hide the glue and knots, cover the ends with silk wrapping (S-lon weaving cord) in a harmonizing or contrasting color and a plain whipping knot (common whipping or wolf whipping). Plain whipping is an elegant ligature method which prevents the threads to unravel.

plain whipping or wrapping

Choose your favorite beads @ http://dunebeads.com/en/ !

Do not forget: have fun, because practice makes perfect. See you soon!