# Bead weaving: peyote, brick and loom

> Bead weaving joins small glass beads with needle and thread: peyote, brick, square and right-angle weave, and loom; uses in necklaces and bracelets.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/bead-weaving-peyote-brick-and-loom/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-09-02
- Updated: 2026-09-11
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/tejido-con-cuentas-peyote-y-telar/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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

![Steps of the technique: Choose a pattern, Cut the thread, Start, Weave, Close, Finish](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/tejido-cuentas-steps.en.svg "Summary of the steps")

## 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](https://www.711grados.com/en/glass-and-crystal/) and [Emberá chaquira](https://www.711grados.com/en/embera-chaquira-beadwork/).

## Tradition

A living tradition among many Indigenous peoples ([wampum and North American beadwork](https://www.711grados.com/en/wampum-and-north-american-beadwork/), [Maasai beadwork](https://www.711grados.com/en/maasai-beadwork/), [Emberá](https://www.711grados.com/en/embera-chaquira-beadwork/)).

## 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](https://www.711grados.com/en/bead-embroidery/)
- [Emberá chaquira beadwork](https://www.711grados.com/en/embera-chaquira-beadwork/)
- [Wampum and North American beadwork](https://www.711grados.com/en/wampum-and-north-american-beadwork/)
- [Glass and crystal](https://www.711grados.com/en/glass-and-crystal/)