How to Do Native American Lazy Stitch Beadwork
Native American "lazy" stitch beadwork (also known as "lane" stitch for the manner in which short rows are stitched into lanes) is most commonly used for covering larger areas of leather for amulets, medicine bags, clothing decorations, or moccasins. (See References 2) Often seen on ceremonial pow wow clothing and objects, lazy stitch is recognizable by the characteristic humps created by each lane of stitching, as stated on the Onondaga Lodge Craft Corner. (See References 1) This 200- year-old Native American beading method is easy to replicate using traditional patterns for inspiration or creating new designs for personal use.
Things You'll Need
- Beadwork design
- Pencil
- Beading surface (usually leather or canvas)
- Ruler or straight edge
- Beading needle
- Thread
- Scissors
- Beeswax
- Seed beads (size 10-13/0)
Instructions
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Preparing for Lazy Stitch Beading
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1
Calculate the number of beads required for your design and determine how many beads and lanes you will have. For example, a pattern that is 12 beads high and 48 beads long could be done in 6 vertical lanes of 8 beads, 8 vertical lanes of 6 beads, or 2 horizontal lanes of 6 beads.
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2
Adjust the pattern or add a border around it if needed to create a number of beads easily split into lanes. Lazy stitch beading is designed to be done in 6 to 12 beads per lane with most work using 8- to 9-bead lanes. (See References 2)
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3
Mark your beading surface using a pencil and ruler or straight edge. The first line should be the outer edge of the first lane, placed vertically or horizontally depending on how your lanes are oriented.
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4
Measure the number of beads in one lane by threading them onto a needle.
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5
Mark a second line, parallel to the first, approximately 1/2 bead's width less than the total measurement from Step 4.
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6
Thread the needle, double the thread and knot. If you are using upholstery thread or thread of similar strength and thickness, you are ready to begin. If using thinner thread, coat it by running the entire length of thread through a block of beeswax to add strength and thickness. (See References 1)
Beading Your Item
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7
Secure the thread to your surface. You may stitch top-down from the middle of the lane and come up on the guideline or bottom-up emerging on the top of the surface on the guideline. If using leather, run the needle only half-way through from the top and back up to the top. This keeps the back of the piece smooth with no knots or threads. If using canvas or other thick fabric, you will have threadlines on the back of the piece. (See References 1)
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8
Thread your needle with the correct number and colors of beads for the first row in your first lane, referencing the pattern and carefully considering the orientation of the individual lanes, the entire pattern, and the starting point you chose.
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9
Insert the needle directly across the lane and pull firmly; you should pull firmly enough to keep the beading tight, but not so tight that the fabric puckers.
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10
Bring the needle back up to the top of the beading surface on the "starting" side of the lane, spaced approximately one bead's width from the first exit point.
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11
Repeat Steps 2 to 4 until you reach the end of the lane, and for every other lane, tying off thread and rethreading your needle as necessary.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Do not use thin, knitted, loosely woven, stretchy, or silky fabric for this type of work.
Leather is the most traditional beading surface, but other sturdy and non-stretchy fabric (such as canvas) can be used successfully.
Be sure the needle and thread you are using can fit through the bead holes without breaking beads. The doubled thread should come as close as possible to filling the bead holes-this will keep the beads from shifting side to side on the finished piece.
If using something other than leather, you may want to plan on attaching the finished beadwork to the desired item, thus hiding the thread lines on the back of the bead lanes.
