How to Make a Peyote Stitch

by Marlynn McNutt, Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®
822W

STEP 1
Cut a length of thread (Nymo® or FireLine®) to a comfortable length for you to work with. The longer your thread, the farther you can work before you will have to add a new thread. Thread a beading needle almost doubling your thread but leaving a tail, making it easier to work.

Optional: Adding a stop bead to your thread will help keep your first row of beads in place. Be sure not to incorporate your stop bead into your beadwork.
STEP 2
Following the instructions for your project, string the first row of beads onto your thread. This should be an even amount.
STEP 3
String on one bead, pass the needle through the next-to-last bead strung on the thread then pull the thread so the new bead and the last bead from the previous row are stacked on top of each other.
STEP 4
String on a bead, skip the next bead in the previous row then pass the needle through the bead after that. Pull the thread to tighten the beads up.

Continue to add beads until the end of the row. You will notice a zig-zag pattern begin to develop, with some of the beads from the first row "popping" up creating a seperate row.
STEP 5
When adding the next row it may be helpful to rotate your work, as rows are added in the same direction each time. Do what's most comfortable for you.

Pick up a bead and pass your needle through the first "popped up" bead in the previous row. Continue to pick up a bead and pass the needle through the beads from the previous row, until you make your way across the length of the row.
STEP 6
Repeat Step 5 until you reach the length the project instructions indicate.

Have a question regarding this project? Email Customer Service.

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