Even-count peyote stitch is a fun beadweaving technique, and it's most interesting when you use it to stitch up a colorful pattern. Pattern charts, also called pattern graphs, are easy to follow once you understand how to use them.
For this tutorial, I'm using the Zig Zag Cuff Bracelet Pattern, which you can download for free if you'd like to follow along.
Decide Where to Begin
The first step in reading any pattern chart is to decide where to begin. For even-count peyote, you always need to begin with a low bead. (Click on the image above for a larger view, and to better see the difference between low beads and high beads.)
In the example pattern, there are low beads in the top right corner and the lower left corner. That means you can begin in either of those corners.
If you begin at the top of the pattern, you'll read the pattern from top to bottom; if you begin at the bottom, you'll read it bottom to top. You could also begin somewhere in the middle and work your way outward toward the top or bottom -- as long as you start with a low bead. You would then return to the beginning and work your way back in the opposite direction to complete the design.
I'm usually more comfortable reading patterns from the bottom up, so that's what I'll do here.
Tip: Keep in mind that you can turn a printed peyote pattern upside down, if that helps you read the pattern more clearly.