African Helix Stitch
Follow along with jewelry-making expert Rose as she teaches the African helix stitch. This technique is unique because it's woven using the thread to build the spiral instead of going through the beads. The result is a flexible, hollow tube that resembles a DNA strand. Once you've mastered this stitch the creative possibilities are endless.
Instructions
Note: In this tutorial A-color beads are dark blue and B-color beads are light blue.
Step 1
Cut a 3-foot length of thread. Thread a beading needle, leaving a tail.
Step 2
Pick up three sets of one B-color bead and three A-color beads.
Step 3
Pass through all the beads again and pull tightly into a circle. Using the working thread and the tail create a knot to secure the circle and complete the first row.
Pass through the adjacent B so the tail and the working thread are on opposite sides of the bead.
Tip: For additional stability while weaving, place the circle of beads over a cylindrical item, such as a pencil or a dowel.
Step 4
Pick up three A and two B.
Pass over and around the thread between the next adjacent A and B in row one, then pull tight.
Repeat two more times to complete row two.
Tip: It's important to pass over the thread from the previous row instead of passing up from below the thread to ensure the beads lay properly.
Step 5
Pick up three A and two B.
Pass over and around the thread between the A and B set of the adjacent loop on the previous row.
Repeat two more times to complete the next row, then repeat until the African Helix reaches the desired length.
Step 6
When the last loop of the last row is complete, pass back through the last B added.
Step 7
Pick up three A then pass through the next B from the previous row.
Repeat two more times then pass through the first A to be added in this step.
Step 8
Pass back through all the beads of the row then weave through adjacent beads to secure the thread. For additional security add a knot.
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