Even Count Peyote stitch is a bead weaving stitch that creates a flat band of beads. You will know that the design is an even count vs. an odd count if the number of beads in two rows add up to an even number.
To begin: cut (and wax if appropriate) a length of beading thread.
(Note: the length of the thread is usually not that important — it should be what you are comfortable working with. However, the shorter the length, the more times you will need to add more thread as your project continues.)
Starting – Method 1: Bead Knot
With this method you simply knot the first bead. This way you reduce the number of times you’d have to weave in an end.
Starting – Method 2: Tail
With this method, you would leave a generous “tail” (5-6”) at the beginning of your project. Once the project is complete, you would weave this tail in the same way you would weave in the thread at the end of your project.
Step 2 – String the first two rows
Beginning with Row 2 – String the first two rows on to your thread. (If you are using the bead knot method, then your knotted bead should be the first bead for Row 2.
Note: Do not pull the thread super tight. Allow it to be a little loose and flexible.
Step 3 – The third row
At the end of the first two rows, add the first bead for the third row. Bear in mind that if you are looking at a chart, the odd number rows are going to move in the opposite direction of the even number row. So if row one and 2 are going from left to right, for Row 3 the chart will read from right to left.
An alternative option is to flip the beadwork so that the pattern will always read from the same direction.
- With the first third row bead on the thread, send the needle through the last Row 2 bead.
- Add the next Row 3 bead and sew into the next Row 2 bead.
- Continue to the end of the row. (The thread should exit out of a Row 2 bead.)
Step 4 – Fourth row and beyond
Now continue on the same way for the rest of the pattern. For each current row, your thread should end through the last bead of the previous row.
Step 5 – Weaving in the ends
To finish off the piece or add non-fusable thread, typically you would “weave in” the ends. To do this:
- Turn the thread and sew back into the previous (other) row by about 2-3 beads.
- Turn the thread again and sew back towards the edge of the beadwork.
- Knot the thread at the edge of the beadwork with the existing thread.
- Sew back into the same row as Step 1, and trim the thread mid-row.