Peyote Stitch

• The peyote stitch is a simple seed beading technique that typically uses size 10 and size 11 seed beads. You can create a variety of bead designs with the peyote stitch, including belts, pouches, purses and pictorial wall art. The basic peyote stitch never changes, but you can alter the design and size of your project by adjusting the length of each row. You can find peyote stitch patterns from online retailers and from a variety of beading resources.
  
  Begin by threading your beading needle with a 2-foot length of waxed beading thread. Do not double the thread to the ends; just leave an 8-inch tail from the needle. To keep the beads from sliding off of the strand, thread one seed bead to the end, then insert your needle around and back through the bead in the opposite direction.
  
  The first row in a peyote stitch is your base row; simply thread on the number of beads equal to the width and colors in your pattern. Your anchor bead will be part of your first row. To begin your second row, thread on another seed bead and insert your needle back through the second to last bead you added in your first row. When you pull the thread taut, the seed bead on your second row will be sitting atop the last bead in your first row. Continue to make the second row by adding one bead, skip a bead on the first row and insert the needle in the next bead. When you finish the second row, all of the beads on the second row will be sitting atop beads on the first row, but there will be gaps between each bead.
  
  To start the third row, add a seed bead and insert your needle through the last bead you added on the second row. Add another bead and insert your needle through the next bead on the second row. This bead will fill in the gap on the second row. Continue to add beads to create your third row.
  
  Make as many rows as you need to create your project. End by working your needle back through your work to secure the thread.
  
  

Seed Bead Designs

• Another simple seed beading technique you can use to enhance purses, sweaters and other items made from fabric involves stitching the seed beads. Trace the design onto the fabric with chalk, and then stitch seed beads onto the outline. You can use regular thread or beading thread and a simple up and down stitch to add the beads. If your design lines are straight, you can add up to five seed beads at a time before re-inserting your needle back down into the fabric. Knot the thread underneath the fabric to finish your project.