Peyote stitch is one of the most popular off-loom beading stitches. It's usually stitched with seed beads or plastic pony beads ("kandi" beads). The technique you use differs slightly whether you have an even or odd number of columns. The even column version, called even count peyote, is the easier of the two and best for beginners.
To start a length of flat peyote beadwork, use your beading needle and thread to pick up as many beads as your design will have vertical columns. In the diagrams above, six beads are used.
- Looking for an easier way to get started? Learn how to use Quick Start Peyote Cards.
Slide those beads down to about six inches from the end of your thread, and hold them there with your fingers. Then pick up another bead (bead 7 in the diagrams) and -- while still holding the beads between your fingers -- skip the last bead that you initially picked up, and pass back through the next bead (bead 5 in the diagrams).
Pull the thread gently taut to cinch up the tension.
Pick up another bead (bead 8), skip a bead in the previous row, and pass back through the next bead (bead 3). Pull the thread taut again.
Continue this process until you arrive back at the beginning of the row.
- If you're having trouble, read about the most common mistakes beginning beaders make.