How to Do Native American Running Stitch Beadwork
The running stitch is an indispensable embroidery stitch that is not only easy to create, but is also functional. The stitch is used to create an overlay, or applique, of beading to cover a large area. Although beadwork was only introduced to tribes 200 to 300 years ago, it is considered a true Native American craft, according to Horace R. Goodhue in his book, "Indian Bead-Weaving Patterns," because it was formed from earlier skills such as shell, stone, wood and quill crafting that developed with no outside influence.
Things You'll Need
- Pattern
- Fabric
- Water-soluble pen or tailor's chalk
- Beading needle
- Nylon beading thread
- Beads
Instructions
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1
Outline the pattern onto the piece of fabric using either a water-soluble pen or tailor's chalk.
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2
Thread the needle with beading thread, 16 inches long, pulling an equal amount of thread through the eye. Tie a knot at the ends.
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3
Push the needle through the fabric from behind, starting on the pattern, pulling until the knot catches behind the fabric.
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4
String two or more beads onto the needle, and push the needle back through the front of the fabric along the pattern line, leaving the beads on top of the fabric.
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5
Push the needle back up through the fabric between the last two beads in the row. Push the needle through the bead and down into the fabric to anchor the row of beads in place.
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6
Push the needle through the back of the fabric near the last stitch along the pattern, repeating Step 3, and making the stitches the same length.
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1
Tips & Warnings
This beading method is suitable for covering sizable areas quickly and can be used in any Native American beading craft work, such as a "scissors pouch," which is a long, narrow bag.
Make sure the stitches are evenly spaced for a more attractive finished project.
Use as many beads as you like or as many as the pattern calls for, making sure they are all the same size. The amount of beads you can use will depend on their size and how long the stitches are.
A variation of this stitch calls for threading a spotting thread onto the same needle and using it to secure the beads instead of using the anchor stitch or alternately, running a thread in between the beads to keep them straight after they have been placed on the pattern.
