| Square Stitch Ladder Bracelet |
I was inspired to make this bracelet by something I saw on a friend's wrist. I am not above removing people's bead work from their person in order
to inspect it more closely or to try to trace the thread path if I see something unusual. Perhaps it's a beader thing, but most folks who know me have
gotten used to me asking them to remove pieces of their wardrobe so that I may photocopy it!!
After I had the idea for this bracelet in my head, I received a copy of a very interesting book, Carole Collier's
Three Bead Brick Stitch Necklace Expressions. Carole has devised an original
stitch using bugle and seed beads, in a manner similar to this. However, she uses a brick stitch method of bringing the beads together. This method uses more of a square stitch. When making this beaded bracelet, it has proven best to use regular round size 11/0 seed beads rather than delica type cylinder type beads, as the seed beads seem to match up much better to the length of the bugle beads. 599 Silver Lined Red 11/0 Seed Beads (approximately)
Gray Nymo "D" Thread
#12 Beading needle
1. Start by
square stitching a row of 3 #4 bugle beads.
2. Continue for 2 more rows, making the bracelet 3 beads high and 3 beads wide.
3. Next, add 6 seed beads next to the bugle bead, as a single bead. Pass back up through the bugle, and back through all 6 seed beads. Continue 2
more times for the row.
4. Add another row of 3 sets of 6 seed beads.
5. Continue pattern from Step #1 above, until bracelet is desired length.
6. Make the toggle by passing the thread through the first bugle in the first row, then out the inside (next to the middle bead) end of the first.
Add 6 seed beads, then 1 bugle, then pass back through the last 3 seed beads. Add 3 more seed beads, and pass through the last bugle bead. 7. Pass the
needle back through the second row of bugle beads, to the thread end and tie off. Secure knot with a drop of clear nail polish.
8. Make the loop by passing the thread through the first bugle bead on the other end of the bracelet, then out the inside (next to the middle bead)
end of the first. Add 14 seed beads, making a loop. Pass back through the first seed bead strung, and pass back through the last bugle bead. Pass the
thread back through the second row of bugles, exiting and tying off the thread. Secure with a drop of clear nail polish.
9. Weave a thread back through all rows to stabilize and secure the bracelet. This will make the finished piece stronger and less likely to stretch
out.
Of course, this bracelet can be made with any color seed beads or bugles you choose. It works up quickly and has a striking appearance. Try it with
different sizes of bugle beads, as long as you can match seed beads to the size of the bugle.
I like the Japanese bugles because they do not cut the thread as easily as other types of bugles. It has to do with the beads are processed after they have been cut into the bugle sizes. Also, this closure may be made stronger by by passing the thread back through both loop and toggle a second time. Beacause the bracelet is so lightweight, it will close securely and will stay closed. Enjoy this lovely and different beaded bracelet.
Here's what you'll need to get started:
54 #4 Japanese Bugle Beads (approximately)
