How to Make a Right-Angle Weave Chain

Choose your favorite beads to make a right-angle weave chain.

The 5R chain is an adaptation of a single-needle, right-angle weave that is simple enough for beginners. You can make a right-angle weave-chain necklace or bracelet using special bead colors to match the colors of a favorite outfit. You can also choose neutral bead colors that will go with anything. This weave will give your necklace or bracelet the look of beaded rick rack. The 5R right-angle weave chain is a great first project for older children.

Things You'll Need

• Size 12 beading needle
• Silamide thread
• Size 11 beads
• 4mm bugle beads

Instructions

1. Thread your needle with a length of Silamide thread that is comfortable for you to work with without tangling. String on a seed bead, a bugle, three seed beads and one bugle. Tie this first set off in a loop. Pass your thread back through your first seed bead bugle to begin the next set.

2. String three seed beads, a bugle and a seed bead, then pass your needle and thread through the bugle you came out of for the last step. Move the needle back through the three seed beads and bugle that you just added. String on a seed bead, and a bugle, then go through the bugle from the last set. Pass the needle through the three seeds and pass thread through the newest bugle added. Repeat this procedure four more times for a total of five, leaving five beads across the bottom to complete the first section of the weave.

3. Reverse the order of the weave beginning with a seed bead, a bugle bead, then three seed beads. Continue this set for a total of five times, leaving five beads on top to complete the second section of the weave. Repeat these two sections of the chain until it is the length you want (each section will have five single seed beads on the bottom or five single seed beads on top).

4. Stitch a seed bead between each of the five single seed beads on the bottom and the top two sections of the chain to keep your chain pattern from bending. Press the added beads down with your fingers to help the chain lie flat. Weight the necklace down for an hour with a book.

References

• Bella Online: 5R Chain