Mastering the work with beads, any master will sooner or later have to get acquainted with weaving techniques.
Weaving is a beading technique in which both ends of the thread are used. Jewelry made this way always looks great, and the myriad uses and wide range of techniques, combined with different beads and details, allow for an unlimited number of designs for different skill levels.
In addition, there are different styles of performing each technique. Almost all of them can be reproduced in a flat, round or tubular design. Each technique can be used for specific jewelry. For example, flat stitches are often used for bracelets, while tubular stitches are used mainly for chains that can be used to hang a focal piece.
The most common weaving techniques
Beading has a vast number of different techniques. But having mastered a few of them, you can create almost any decoration.
Beginners should pay attention to:
- Stair stitch.
- Ndebele or herringbone technique.
- Mosaic weaving.
- Peyote.
- Rectangular weave.
- French weaving.
You can work with weaving using one or two needles at the same time. A beginner should try both methods to decide which one is suitable for themselves.
Stair seam
This weaving is probably the easiest of all. In most cases, this is the starting point for beadwork, followed by other techniques. It allows you to work with one or two beads at the same time and is used to create the basis of products.
After this base, you can add other rows of beads using other techniques. You can work with one or two needles.
To execute it:
Herringbone weaving (Ndebele)
It is one of the favorites of many crafters due to its many uses, looks and versatility. Weaving got its name because of the peculiar appearance, reminiscent of a real herringbone pattern. Its alternative name is Ndebele.
The flat herringbone pattern is great for many styles of bracelets, which can be achieved by combining different beads, colors, inserting additional embellishments between the rows, and more.
Herringbone weave is also great for making chains. The chain can be used as an addition to pendants, or it can become an original stylish decoration on its own.
With this weave, you can create different styles by simply changing the initial number of beads, for example, start with two, four, six. In addition, it is easy to make it simple or twisted, use different beads, insert beads between rows or
add other original details.
Working with the Ndebele is as follows:
- The first bead is attached to the thread. Then 4 more are strung on it.
- Then the thread must be passed through the first 2 beads, then tighten it.
- Next, pass the thread through the next 2 strung beads, as a result you will get a square.
- Then the next 2 beads are put on the thread, and the thread is threaded into the previous pair.
- Then the thread is passed through the last pair of beads.
A canvas made using this technique can be of any size, but it should be understood that weaving a voluminous product will only work by spending a lot of time and effort on it.
Mosaic weaving
Mosaic weaving is currently experiencing a renaissance as it is widely used in minimalist jewelry made mainly of beads, fine chains, and geometric or metallic boho style pieces.
Nevertheless, mosaic weaving has been a popular stitch before, especially the flat and round variations, which are great for various decorations.
Weaving using the mosaic method is very simple, it allows you to get a rather impressive canvas in a short period of time. You can also very quickly add new or remove unnecessary elements. In addition, it is possible to create any shape of the product. This weaving can be called the basis for bead lovers.
Any canvas made using this weave begins with the main row and is performed as follows:
Place the two beads so that their holes are parallel to each other and point upwards. - A needle is threaded through both beads.
- Thus, the length of the chain is typed.
- The second row is woven in the same way, but the thread is threaded through the holes of the beads in the opposite direction.
- After that, one bead is added to complete the row.
- Pass the needle between the first and second bead in the first row to secure the stitch.
Each row in this weave must be started in the opposite direction, which will provide the product with a neat appearance.
There are also double and triple mosaic techniques. They are performed in the same way, but instead of one bead, two or three are taken at once.
Peyote stitch
Peyote weaving is an absolute must for all beginners to learn. It looks great on its own, very much like a mosaic, but rotated 90 °. Some decorations are even made using them together, such as peyote for the front side, and a mosaic stitch for the back side.
There are two main types of peyote:
Again, single or double needle work is possible.
Voice of Matryon's editorial staff Ask a questionFor beginners to make beads, the essence of the technique is as follows:
- A thread is taken about 1 m long.
- A bead is put on it so that the edge of the thread (about 15 cm) remains free.
To secure the bead, the thread is drawn again in the opposite direction. - String more 7 or more beads.
- Next, proceed to the beads of a different color. The first of them should be located opposite the last bead of the first row.
- Then the thread is passed through the first bead of the first row, after which the adjacent bead is passed through, and the bead located through one is also threaded with a needle.
- Thus, 4 more beads are added (for an initial amount of 7).
- You can add other elements to the resulting row of beads and use other techniques to decorate.
Peyote is considered a versatile weaving technique. Products made with it come out flexible and feel like fabric.
Rectangular weaving
Rectangular weave is a simple but very attractive right angle stitch. Its essence lies in the fact that on the basis of groups of the same number of beads, most often four, a network of beads is created, which can then be decorated with new layers or other details.
You can work with one or two needles, but in the case of a rectangular weave, two needles are more convenient and therefore preferable. Rectangular weaving is considered a rather difficult stitch, but it can be used to improve any product. Very often, jewelry made using this technique looks complicated (in a good way), but looking closely, you can understand that this is just a repeating pattern of four beads.
Editorial voice Matryona Ask a questionTo perform this technique, groups of four beads are used, which are connected to each other. The result is a chain effect. Due to the fact that the thread runs in a circle, the final product is quite flexible and has an interesting structure.
This technique also allows you to work with groups of four beads on each of the four sides. This turns each chain link into a square.
French weaving
French weaving can also be found under the name arc (circular) weaving. This technique has a long history, and today it is used for weaving flowers and leaves. Finished elements are openwork and voluminous.
To perform the French weaving technique:
They take a thread 1 m long, string a bead and leave a free end of 15 cm. - To fix the bead, pass the thread through it again.
- 3 more beads are strung on the thread, then the needle is passed in the opposite direction through 1, 2, 3, and 4.
- Next, the thread is pulled together and a ring is formed.
- 3 more beads are strung on the thread, then the needle is passed in the opposite direction, through the bead through which the working thread passes.
- Next, the needle is passed through the next 2 beads.
- Then string the next set of beads.
- Continue the process until you get rings of beads, then weave the second row.
- When done correctly, rhombuses are formed between the rows, which add delicacy to weaving.
This technique is considered the most difficult, because it requires great accuracy.
Questions and answers
Yes, such products turn out to be quite minimalistic, but you can experiment with the color of the beads.
Yes, it is quite possible to use it not only for weaving flowers and leaves, but also for small jewelry, such as earrings.
Square weave is a type of rectangular weave made with groups of 4 beads on 4 sides. Due to the fact that as a result a square is formed, a kind of weaving got its name.
Odd-count peyote and mosaic weave are considered simple techniques. To find out which one is easier for a particular master, you need to try to work with both.
Of course, there are a huge number of bead weaving techniques. Variations in which these techniques can be applied also add variety to finished products. To successfully master the skill of beading, it is worth starting the study of techniques with these simple varieties.