Herringbone bead stitch forms a pattern where the beads join in a V shape similar to the central spine of a fish.
There are several different versions including flat herringbone bead stitch, tubular herringbone bead stitch (this tutorial), twisted tubular herringbone stitch and circular herringbone stitch.
Herringbone bead stitch is also sometimes known as Ndebele stitch after the African tribe that specializes in the stitch.
Knots are important in beadwork and other jewelry making such as bead stringing to secure thread and cord or can be used decoratively as in macrame jewelry or Chinese
knotting.
In beadwork, knots are often used when adding or securing
thread. The type of knots used vary depending on the bead stitch you are using,
the type of thread and the bead sizes. Using the right knot and making it
correctly can help prevent your thread from unraveling and make your beadwork
last longer.
The details of how I reclaimed, cleaned and readied these antique steel beads is a story for another post. This one provides the details of the brick stitch fringe earrings, mostly so I can make another pair in case I lose the information that I scratched out on a sticky note.
Who doesn't love to get a gift with a glittering bow on top? Making wire jewelry is a gift you give yourself (or others), so use this tutorial to "put a bow on it". The bow charm is perfect as the centerpiece to a bracelet or necklace, make a pair for earrings or I also used it with a handmade wire hook to make it into a clasp. I'm sure you'll find other options too.
Make every day an excuse to celebrate, just choose some jewelry wire and pick up a few basic wire jewelry tools. My projects use 20 gauge jeweler's brass (gold colored) or twisted sterling silver wire. Use thicker 18 gauge wire if you are rough on your jewelry or prefer a less dainty look.
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| American flag stars and stripes peyote ring by Lisa Yang Jewelry |
This peyote ring was made to celebrate the 4th of July, but there are so many days and reasons to wear American flag jewelry. It is a great way to honor the courageous service people and remind ourselves of the freedoms we are so lucky to have. And you can show your spirit during World Cup sports events or the Olympics.
The pattern was designed using BeadTool 4 beading design software. The word chart, including the delica bead numbers and detailed pattern is provided at the end of the step by step beaded ring tutorial.
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| Bracelet made with Miyuki size 8 seed beads and flat brick stitch |
This beadwork project tutorial shows you how to make a brick stitch chain of beads that can be used for a necklace or bracelet. The chain in this tutorial has rows that are two beads wide.
This bracelet is super quick to make and great practice to learn basic flat brick stitch. Using larger beads, like the size 8 beads pictured above, is also helpful for if you're new to beadwork or brick stitch. I highly recommend this project for gift giving, especially if you are stressed for time.
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| Bugle bead earring component next to wire guardian |
There are a variety of ways to attach findings to beadwork. One very secure and attractive way is to use wire guardians. Wire guardians are small, U-shaped metal findings that are used to protect the ends of beading wire or thread from wear and tear. Wire guardians may also be called wire guards, thread protectors, or wire protectors. They are convenient to use and they can help prevent the thread on your handmade bead jewelry from breaking or coming undone. One way to use them is as the hanging loop for brick stitch fringe earrings.
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| Double bugle bead chain necklace |