How to Create the Nepal Chain Stitch
Adorn your handmade seed bead jewelry with delicately stitched flowers using the Nepal chain stitch. Ideal for bracelets, necklaces, headbands and so much more, this technique causes the inherent beauty of your designs to bloom in full force. Learn how it's done with these simple instructions from jewelry designer Rose.
Instructions
Note: Rocaille seed beads provide a more fluid stitch than cylinder style. A variety of colors can be used for stitch. In the instructions size 8 seed beads were used in two colors, stems (color A) and flowers (color B).
Step 1
Cut a 3-foot length of stringing material and thread a beading needle.
Step 2
String a stop bead, leaving a 6-inch tail.
Step 3
Pick up three color A beads and five color B beads.
Step 4
Pass back through the three color A and pull the thread tight to create a flower.
Step 5
Pass through the second and third color A.
Step 6
Pick up three color A and five color B.
Step 7
Pass back through the three color A added in Step 6 and pull the thread tight to create a flower.
Step 8
Pass through the first B bead from Step 4 (the previously created flower) then pull tight.
Step 9
Using your fingers, press and manipulate the center of the Nepal chain to prevent twisting.
Step 10
Repeat Steps 6 - 9 until the chain reaches the desired length.
Step 11
Weave through adjacent beads to secure the thread. For additional security add a knot.
Remove the stop bead and thread the beading needle onto the tail created in Step 2. Repeat to secure the tail thread.
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