Join the Discussion "Bead Type Obsessions - What do you find yourself buying? This week, I'm stuck on silver lined Japanese 11/0's, last week I couldn't keep my hands off the Delicas" Pam Sani

Related Resources • Flat Peyote Stitch Instructions • Getting Started With Seed Beads • Tubular Peyote Even Count • Peyote Graph Tips and Tricks • Square Stitch • Dutch Spiral • Spiral Rope Chain • Easy Peyote Stitch Bracelet Pattern • Fab Fish Earrings - Easy Pattern in Brick Stitch

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Are you thinking "what do you mean what is Beadwork? Beadwork is working with beads, for heaven's sake!

Well, yes, it is.  And it's much more than that. And in some cases, less than that. Consider these things about beadwork in general:

• Beadwork is the combination of using a pattern and a needle and thread to create a beaded/stitched cohesive unit of beaded "woven" together to create that which looks like a piece of fabric.
• Beadwork in this respect uses small beads - seed beads, Delica brand cylindrical beads and in general what are known as seed beads ranging in size from as small as a 22/0 to as large as 6/0. Bead sizing in this manner is determined by how many beads will fit, hole up, to the inch; therefore the smaller the number. the larger the bead.
• Beadwork can be done on a loom or in hand with needle and thread or in a knitted fabric or can be  crocheted, tatted and embroidered on to fabric.
• Beadwork stitches include Peyote, Gourd, Brick, embroidery and its various stitches, bead knitting, bead crochet, herringbone stitch, right angle weave, spiral rope chain, Dutch Spiral, African Helix and many others.
• Generally, beadwork can be defined as a way to create an item for the purpose of embellishment.

For the purposes of this article, we will consider beadwork to be the use of beads to create a fabric type material, such as that created by the use of Peyote stitch, Brick stitch and other beadwork stitches. Most spiral type stitches are limited in use in that they create a tube of fabric, but are very useful in making necklaces, bracelets, bag straps and many other items.

Most new beaders will want to learn the basic stitches, and I have linked to some very good tutorials in the column on the left of this page. Begin with Peyote stitch, flat even count to get the basic feel for the stitch. A good hint: After stringing your first 2 rows of beads, take a thin piece of wire and thread it through every other bead, starting with the first bead you strung and going through every other hole. This will keep you from mixing up the first few rows and help you launch a smooth start. 

Once you get  the hang of basic Peyote stitch, you may want to try following a pattern. Amulet bags are excellent pieces for new beaders. Many of the designs can be done in flat Peyote, or you can simply make a long strip of Peyote and add a clasp to make a bracelet. I have included some links to several basic Peyote projects for you. 

Work on some Peyote projects and then give Brick stitch a try. It is a very versatile stitch for increasing and decreasing and any pattern designed to be done in Peyote can be turned 90 degrees (on its side) and worked in Brick. 

Decide which stitch you like best and then perfect it! After you have done several projects in Peyote or Brick, branch out a give some other stitches a try! Herringbone (also called Ndebele) is just as accommodating as Peyote or brick, and can be worked up in to some incredible projects. Right Angle Weave single and double needle is full of possibilities and netting, both vertical and horizontal , can be lots of fun. 

Beadwork is a wonderful and compelling hobby - there is so much history in beads themselves, it is no wonder many of us feel as though we have been consumed by our hobby! I hope you find it top be as wonderful as many of us do! And remember, I am here to help you as your find you way along the "beadin' path".