Ask the Experts Seed Beading Q&A

I would like to know how to convert square stitch to peyote stitch. This will be for a kimono using #11 Delica^® seed beads. Thank you for any help that can be given.

That is an excellent question that we can help with! Converting a square stitch pattern to peyote stitch is possible, but there are a few important differences. In square stitch, beads line up in perfect rows and columns. Each row stacks directly above the one below. In peyote stitch, rows are offset like bricks—every other bead in a row sits between two beads below it. Instead of straight columns, peyote creates diagonal zigzags when viewed from the side.

To convert square to peyote, think of each "row" in peyote as a staggered bead line. When following the pattern, shift every second row by half a bead so it nests between the ones below. It helps to mark or redraw the chart onto peyote (brick-style) graph paper, which visually aligns the beads in a peyote-friendly layout.

- Patti