The peyote stitch is a weaving technique that is most commonly used in designing and making jewelry or something similar. Also labelled as the gourd stitch, the peyote stitch is an off-loom weaving style involving beads.
With this technique, it doesn’t matter if you used an even or an odd number combination of beads in an entire row. Both can be used to construct flat strips. You can also check out our Thimbles Guide here.
A Technique Used in Making Jewelry
If you’re someone who’s intrigued in how to use this weaving technique to design jewelry and the like, the following is a step-by-step guide on how;
Step #1: Inserting 10 Beads Onto the Thread
Start by inserting ten beads onto the thread. Grab the first bead and pull it away from the rest of the group.
Thread one bead into the needle, placing it down. The next would be to exclude over the bead you separated and instead, thread the needle on the next bead in which you pull the threat afterwards. The two beads should be stacked in perfect alignment on top of the third.
Step #2: Reaching the End of the Row
Basically, after this step, you just repeat one of the previous steps that you’ve already accomplished- add another bead, skip one bead and thread it through the next bead. Pull the thread tightly again afterwards.
Keep doing these until you’ve reached the end of the row. Once you reach the end, this is the part you decide which side you want to keep going with.
Step #3: The Stair Step Design is Created
You’ll notice that by this step, you’ll have created a stair-step design, something we could refer to as up and down beads. After this, you add a bead and put the needle all the way through the first up bead.
Assist this bead into its space, so that it’s positioned beside the first bead in the same row. Add another bead and thread the needle in the bead after that. Again, continue doing this until the end of the row.
Step #4: The Final Needle Weave
Once you get to the end of the row, add a bead and string the same side of your work. In doing this, put the needle through the first top bead again. Continue doing this until the end of the row. You can opt to add as many beads as you’d like, depending on your preference.
To finish off, weave the needle through your design in a criss-cross diagonal form until you’re confident enough in the strength of your design in which you can now cut the thread afterwards.
Finishing Touches
When it comes to the finishing touches, however, there are a few kinds of finishing touches for the peyote stitch.
Scalloped Edging
By peyote stitching one bead in every round, this gives your design a wavy finish.
Fabulous Fringe
String one or a few beads and add one bead for just the tip then pass back the needle through the first few beads (the one not for the tip.)
Creative Bezels
In making that perfect and unique design, it all ends with a perfect finish. Creativity is just the way to do that, and it’s a good idea to experiment with designs such as coins, buttons and the like.
The Peyote Stitch is a great technique that has been around for a very long time. Its earliest known artifacts are from Ancient Egypt. It’s a versatile stitch that is a favorite amongst beaders.
It’s a great technique to learn if you’re in the market of making jewelry. Don’t get discouraged if you’re not the best at it at first. Remember practice makes perfect!