A Guide to Basic Peyote Stitch

Peyote stitch is probably the most popular off loom bead weaving stitch and is one of the first stitches to be learned by new beaders. Below is an illustrated guide to basic even count Peyote stitch. Size 11 Miyuki Delica's have been used here but this technique can be applied to round or square Seed beads with ease. I have used three colours to make it easier to spot where you are stitching to start with.

Things you will need:

Size 10 or 12 Beading Needles
Fireline or other suitable beading thread such as Nymo or KO.
Seed beads of your choice in 3 colours.

Step 1

Cut a length of Fireline (or beading thread) to around 2 feet. First thread on a bead in a contrasting colour to your three chosen beads. When the bead is on the thread, pass the thread back through the bead to secure it in place. This is going to act as a stop bead so your weaving doesn't fall off the thread. Make sure you leave a 6cm tail at the end.

Step 2

Thread on ten seed beads in colour 1. This is your first row. Then thread on one colour 2 seed bead. This is the start of the second row. Take the needle back through bead 9 on the first row.

Step 3

Thread on a second colour 2 bead and take the needle back through bead 7 on the first row.

Step 4

Thread on a third colour 2 seed bead and take the needle back through bead 5 on the first row.

Step 5

Thread on a fourth colour 2 bead then take the needle back through bead 3 on the first row.

Step 6

Thread on a fifth colour 2 bead and take the needle back through bead 1 on the first row.

Step 7

Thread on a seed bead in colour 3, then take the needle back through the 5th colour 2 bead you just threaded on.

Step 8

Thread on a second colour 3 bead and take the needle back through bead 4 on the second row.

Step 9

Thread on a third colour 3 bead and take the needle back through bead 3 on the second row.

Step 10

Thread on a fourth colour 3 bead and take the needle through bead 2 on the second row.

Step 11

Thread on a fifth colour 3 bead and take through bead 1 on the second row. You should start to see the pattern emerging now.

Step 12

Now we're back to colour one following the same pattern as the previous row. So thread on a colour 1 seed bead and take the needle back through bead 5 on the third row.

Step 13

Carry on like this, alternating the colours until you have your desired length. This is Peyote stitch!

Step 12

Now we're back to colour one following the same pattern as the previous row. So thread on a colour 1 seed bead and take the needle back through bead 5 on the third row.

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