Definition: Peyote Stitch is the name of a particular bead weaving stitch. The name itself is based in Native American beading as the NA used a similar stitch (called Comanche Stitch) to create items used in worship in the Native American Church.
Peyote Stitch is used to make a "fabric" of beads by weaving them together in hand (no loom is used) in an offset row method. When completed, no thread shows between the bead or row, thus creating an erstwhile "fabric" of beads. Thread is visible along the edge of the work, however. The bead holes are lined up end-to-end in this stitch, as opposed to end-up, as in the similar-looking Brick stitch.
There are a number of variations on this beading stitch including flat, even count (makes a flat piece of finished beadwork using and even number of beads per row) flat odd count (makes a flat piece of finished beadwork and uses an odd number of bead per row with a somewhat tricky turn at the end of each row) tubular even count (makes a tube shaped piece of finished beadwork using an even number of beads in a continuous spiral.) Also, Peyote Stitch can be worked with two beads at a time in each stitch, This is called "Two Drop Peyote Stitch."
Flat Round Peyote Stitch uses an even number of beads in the first row, alternating single and double bead rows cause the flat circular orientation to develop. Peyote Stitch projects usually use an offset graph type pattern and can be increased and decreased easily. Also, bead numbers can be changed to add ruffles and other textural interest to Peyote Stitch.
Peyote Stitch is used to make a "fabric" of beads by weaving them together in hand (no loom is used) in an offset row method. When completed, no thread shows between the bead or row, thus creating an erstwhile "fabric" of beads. Thread is visible along the edge of the work, however. The bead holes are lined up end-to-end in this stitch, as opposed to end-up, as in the similar-looking Brick stitch.
There are a number of variations on this beading stitch including flat, even count (makes a flat piece of finished beadwork using and even number of beads per row) flat odd count (makes a flat piece of finished beadwork and uses an odd number of bead per row with a somewhat tricky turn at the end of each row) tubular even count (makes a tube shaped piece of finished beadwork using an even number of beads in a continuous spiral.) Also, Peyote Stitch can be worked with two beads at a time in each stitch, This is called "Two Drop Peyote Stitch."
Flat Round Peyote Stitch uses an even number of beads in the first row, alternating single and double bead rows cause the flat circular orientation to develop. Peyote Stitch projects usually use an offset graph type pattern and can be increased and decreased easily. Also, bead numbers can be changed to add ruffles and other textural interest to Peyote Stitch.
Pronunciation: Pee-Yo-Tee Stitch, Pay-Yo-Tay
Also Known As: Gourd Stitch, 2-Drop, Graph Stitch
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: Payote Stitch
Examples: Some of the Amulet Bags shown were beaded using Even Count Tubular Peyote Stitch, other had been beaded with Flat Even Count Peyote, then stitched together to close them up.
