Peyote Beading Technique

The end result of your Peyote beading will be a patterned, zig-zag design.

Peyote beading is a popular beading technique that looks very tricky and time consuming. But once you figure out the beading pattern, you'll quickly discover that this pattern is quite simple to master. Using different colored beads creates playful bead patterns. Once you master the technique, you can start to incorporate different designs and even pictures right into the bead work. It's easiest to use a needle and thread when you're starting out, but you can use fishing line without the needle, as well.

Things You'll Need

• Thread
• Needle
• Size 11 seed beads
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Thread your needle, and tie a knot 5 inches from the bottom of the thread.

2. Slide your first row of colored beads onto the thread. For this example, we'll use pink, yellow and orange beads. Slide six pink beads onto the thread. You can use as many beads as you'd like as long as you use an even number of beads.

3. Slide one yellow bead onto the thread. Working right to left, insert the needle and thread through the fifth pink bead (second to last). Then, slide the second yellow bead onto the thread. Thread the needle through the fourth pink bead. Slide the third yellow bead onto the thread; then thread the needle through the third pink bead. Slide the fourth yellow bead onto the thread; then thread the needle through the second pink bead. Slide the fifth--in this case, last--yellow bead onto the thread; then thread the needle through the first pink bead. This completes the first two rows of the Peyote beading technique.

4. Slide your first orange bead onto the needle and thread. Working left to right, thread the needle through the last yellow bead (on the left). Slide the second orange bead onto the thread; then thread the needle through the fourth yellow bead. Slide the third orange bead onto the thread; then thread the needle through the third yellow bead. Slide the fourth orange bead onto the thread; then thread the needle through the second yellow bead. Lastly, slide the fifth orange bead onto the thread; then thread the needle through the first yellow bead. Three rows of beads are now completed.

5. Continue to repeat Steps 3 and 4 until you have as many rows and colors of beads as you want. Tie the end of the thread into a knot, and sip off any thread tails.

References

• Bead Jewelry Making: Even Count Flat Peyote Stitch Instruction