| Bedouin Beaded Necklace Part Two |
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In this Feature we started making an unusual Bedouin necklace, in this feature, we
will make the side motif pieces, join the side and center pieces of beading and finish the necklace with a beaded strap.
IN the last feature, we made the strips that run down the center of each section of the necklace. This next diagram reflects where we left off with the side portions of the necklace. Now we will work up and down each side of the previously made strips adding half-units to complete the sections. Orient your work so that it matches the diagram in terms of thread direction. Your thread should be coming out of the bottom black bead in the circle that joins the last two units. First we need to get our thread into the correct position to begin. Weave left through the next two black beads and through the top pink bead in the adjacent circle.
To add the first half unit, pick up 6 pink beads and go through the back of the fourth from the end. Continue through the next two beads in the circle and pick up two black beads. Go left through the bottom bead of the next circle up. Continue around the circle for two more beads, coming out from the top bead in the circle.
Each half-unit is made the same way with the same number of beads. The trick is in the thread routing involved in getting the shape we want without distorting anything. The general rule to avoid distortion is: Circles may only be entered or left by the top and bottom beads in the circle. Use these graphs to see what colors to use for each half-unit.
Add the second half-unit and attach it by going in the bottom bead of the next circle up. Now we have to skip a unit. The following diagram shows how to route your thread properly to avoid distortion and get the thread to where it needs to be.
Add two more half-units and repeat the above thread routing before adding the last two half-units. Now we need to cross to the other side to repeat this process. This next diagram shows how to accomplish this.
Now work down the right side in the same manner as you worked up the right. When you reach the bottom and your thread is coming out of the left hand side of the top bead in the final circle of your original strip you need to make a "u-turn" to get into position for the next row of half-units. This diagram shows you how.
Add one half-unit, then weave into position for the next using the following thread route. Add another half-unit, repeat the thread routing, and add one more half-unit to complete the right side of the section.
Use the following thread route to cross to the left side. Complete the left side of the section the same way as the right. Then repeat the entire process with your other side strip.
The central diamond shaped piece is made very similarly. There is no need to skip any half-units however so it's quite a bit easier. The process is as follows: work up the left side, cross to the right side and work down. Then do a u-turn and work up the right side. Cross to the left and work down. Make a u-turn and work up the left side, etc. This should become fairly obvious as you are working. The idea is to work a duplicate vertical row on each side of the center strip before beginning the next set of vertical rows. Cross between sides, u-turn to begin a new set. Here are examples of each:
Now all that's left to do is to connect the sections to create the finished necklace. Click here for a diagram with connection points and a suggestion for the number of beads to use for each connection. It is a suggestion because the number of beads needed to make a smooth curve varies greatly with the exact size of beads you use. So try the suggested number first and then adjust to make a smooth curve. Also, you will have to figure out the thread routing for this yourself, as long as you remember the rule "Circles may only be entered or left by the top and bottom beads in the circle" you will be ok.
The strap on the original is simply loops of seed beads from each end of the side sections that join into a single continuous string. A group of five single strands attached across the top edges of the side pieces would work well, but feel free to add the beaded strap of your choice to this beautiful Bedouin Beaded Necklace.
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