Twin Bead Daisy Chain

You'll need the following quantities of beads per inch of beadwork. Be sure to multiply these numbers by the total inches of band you plan to make.

• 18 size 11/0 round seed beads
• 15 size 15/0 round seed beads
• 3 Twin beads


• See a list of online Twin bead suppliers.

You'll also need your basic beadweaving supplies, such as beading needles, thread, and beading scissors (for nylon thread only) or a thread burner.

• Learn more about essential beadweaving supplies.

Tip: If you plan to make a finger ring, it's a good idea to use FireLine beading thread, rather than nylon beading thread. FireLine is stronger and less likely to stretch out over time. I used 6-pound FireLine in the example rings.

After cutting a length of thread and threading your needle for single-strand beading (you only need a few feet of thread to make the ring), pick up six size 11/0 beads and slide them down to about six inches from the end of your thread.

While holding the beads between your fingers, pass the needle through all six beads again. Bring the needle out through the first bead that you picked up. While holding the ring between your fingers, tug the thread taut.

Pick up one 15/0 bead, and pass the needle up through the matching bead on the opposite side of the ring. Tug the thread taut again.

Pick up the following five beads: one 15/0, one Twin, one 15/0, one 11/0, and one more 15/0. Slide them down against the initial ring of beads.

While holding the beads in place between your fingers, reverse direction and pass back through the empty hole in the Twin bead.

Pick up a 15/0 bead, and pass up through the 11/0 bead that your thread initially exited in the first ring of beads.

Pass through all of the beads in the connector segment again, and bring your needle out through the 11/0 bead on the other end of the segment, as shown. (Please remember that you can click on the diagrams for larger views.)

To begin the next daisy, pick up five 11/0 beads and slide them down against the beadwork. Pass through all of the beads in this ring again for reinforcement. Pull the thread taut.

Pick up a 15/0 bead for the center of the daisy, and pass down through the matching bead on the opposite side of the daisy ring. Pull the thread taut again.

To begin the next connector segment, pick up another set of the following beads: a 15/0, a Twin, a 15/0, an 11/0, and another 15/0. Slide them down against the beadwork.

While holding the beads between your fingers, pass back through the empty hole in the Twin and pick up another 15/0 bead.

Pull the thread taut, and pass down through the edge bead on the previous daisy and then through the next four beads in the connector segment. Bring the thread out and again pull it taut.

Continue this process to stitch daisies and connector segments for your chain. Notice that the direction that you stitch alternates as you go along; from stitching up through beads to stitching down through beads, and then stitching up through beads again.

If you begin to run out of thread before your beadwork is complete, be sure to start a new thread.

Optionally, you can use the thread tails at the ends of your band to create beaded loops for attaching a ready-made clasp.

Finish your bracelet band by weaving-in and ending the thread tails.

If you're making a finger ring, jump to the next step.

To make a finger ring, first stitch a daisy chain that is just barely large enough to fit around your finger, and end it with a daisy (not a connector segment). It's better that the band be slightly too short rather than slightly too long, because you'll be adding one last connector segment to its length.

Pick up one 15/0 bead, one Twin, and another 15/0 bead.

Wrap the beadwork around your finger, and pass the needle through the edge bead on the first daisy in the band, as shown on the left. Be sure to pass through this bead in the opposite direction that your needle passed through the last bead on the last daisy in the chain.

Pick up another 15/0 bead, pass back through the empty hole in the Twin, and pick up one final 15/0 bead. For extra security, pass through the entire final connector segment one more time.

Weave into and through the daisy chain, making half-hitch knots along the way.

Cut the thread close to the beadwork to end it (I recommend using a thread burner). Use the same technique to weave-in and end the other thread tail.

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