Bead weaving: peyote, brick and loom

With a needle, a thread and tiny beads, strips, ropes and figures are woven. Each stitch pattern gives a different texture.

Main stitches #

• Peyote: beads alternate in offset rows, like bricks.
• Brick stitch: similar to peyote, with rows sewn sideways.
• Square stitch: beads form a grid.
• Right-angle weave: forms flexible tubes.
• Loom: a frame keeps the threads taut to weave wide bands.

Materials #

Glass seed beads, waxed nylon or polyester thread and fine needles. See glass and Emberá chaquira.

Tradition #

A living tradition among many Indigenous peoples (wampum and North American beadwork, Maasai beadwork, Emberá).

Tips #

Pass the thread twice through key beads and use waxed thread for strength.

Step by step #

1. Choose a pattern. Peyote, brick, square or loom.
2. Cut the thread. An arm and a half long.
3. Start. String beads for the first row.
4. Weave. Row by row following the pattern.
5. Close. Pass the thread several times to secure.
6. Finish. With a clasp or rings.

Tools and materials #

• Seed beads
• Waxed nylon or polyester thread
• Fine beading needles
• Loom (optional)

Common mistakes #

• Thread with loose tension.
• Beads of different sizes.
• Thread too short.
• Not securing the threads at the end.

See also #

• Bead embroidery
• Emberá chaquira beadwork
• Wampum and North American beadwork
• Glass and crystal