Make This:

Beaded Bracelet – Part 1

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This is a follow-up to the beaded rings project I posted a little while back. I’ve broken it into two parts – Part 1 is how to do peyote with an odd number of rows (commonly refered to as “odd-count peyote”) and Part 2 is how to add a clasp to this sort of beadwork.

 

You can, of course, make a bracelet with an even number of rows, like the rings. The problem with even-count peyote is that there is no center bead, so if you want perfect arrows, diamonds, or other designs that require a center line of symmetry it won’t work. Odd-count peyote is a great solution for that. I requires some extra steps, but it’s minmally more complicated than even-count.

 

Download the chart here!

 

This tutorial assumes you already understand the beaded rings tutorial. It requires the same materials.

As with the rings, make a temporary knot with one bead. Be sure that you leave a long enough tail to tie on another piece of thread if you’re planning to add a clasp.

 

You are working on the back of the finished piece because there’s a chance that small amounts of thread will show, so flip your pattern if the direction matters.

 

If your pattern has a specific end row be sure to start 5 to 6 rows in from the end. If your pattern is a simple repeat you don’t need to worry about that.

 

String on your first row of beads.

Work your way back, following your pattern. At the end you’ll have a bead with no easy way to stitch it into place.

These steps apply to the set-up rows only. Work your way back up the first row of beads you added. Be careful not to twist the rows, and double check that it matches your pattern properly at the end.

When you’re through to the end of that row, turn around and go into the first bead of the next row.

Work your way through the next two rows as usual.

Now you have the same problem – a loose bead at the end of this row. You will have this for every row.

Go through the top bead of the previous row.

Go through the next bead down and to the left.

Turn around and go up through the bead directly to the right.

Now go up through the bead you started at.

Stitch down into the last bead of the last row and you’re ready to continue. Be sure that you pull the threads up tightly enough to settle between the beads, but not too tight. With all of this extra work at one side of the strip you can cause it to gather a bit.

After a few rows you may find it easier to go through both beads at once instead of stitching one at a time. If you’re doing this, be careful not to pull too tight, and try not to stitch through the threads that are already in the beads. Stitching through threads can weaken them.

Keep working this way until you reach your intended length.

 

That’s it! If you’d like to use this exact design you can download the pattern here. I’ll wrap this up with how to add a clasp tomorrow!