The question of how to begin and end rows in odd-count flat peyote stitch came up on one of the mailing lists. I created this page to answer the question, and decided to post it here in my projects section. Whether a piece uses "odd-count" or "even-count" flat peyote stitch depends on the number of beads picked up in the first row. As in tubular peyote stitch, these beads shift and become the first two rows after a second pass of beads is added.
In even-count flat peyote, the "turnaround" at the end of each row is fairly straightforward (see step 2 below). In the odd-count version, however, a more complex thread path is required on one side of the piece.
1.
Make a loop or two around bead 1 to anchor the beads in place (not shown). Thread on an uneven number of beads.
2.
Coming out bead 7, pick up bead 8 and go through bead 6. (If your thread tends to twist as you go from bead 7 to 6, gently hold bead 8 in place as you pull the thread tight.)
Pick up bead 9 and go through bead 4. Pick up bead 10 and go through bead 2. Pick up bead 11.
3.
Change directions and go through bead 1.
4.
Go through beads 2 and 10.
5.
Change directions and go through beads 3, 2 and 1.
Yes, you could also use a different thread path: 1, 2, 3, around to 10, then 2 and 1. If it feels good, do it! Just make sure you are coming out bead 1 (NOT bead 11) when you're done.
6.
Change directions and go through bead 11. Yay! Now you can pick up bead 12 and be on your merry way down the row.
From here on out, you don't have to do the big figure eight. You can shorten the "turnaround" when you have more rows. Here's how:
7.
After picking up bead 17 and going through bead 12, pick up bead 18 (not shown). Change directions and go through beads 11 and 12. Yes, you could also go through bead 2 instead of 12. Whatever ruffles your bead thread. ;-)
8.
Go through bead 2 and out bead 11. Change directions and go through bead 18, heading into another blissful row of odd-count flat peyote stitch. There! That wasn't so bad, was it? ;-)
Want to Practice?
Try these simple odd-count flat peyote strips from my Patterns page:
Link Alert!
- Check out Emily's excellent instructions for odd-count flat peyote stitch, complete with amulet bag practice pattern.
- BeadyBoop has a great diagram posted, with written instructions.
- Suzanne Cooper has odd-count instructions at the bottom of this page. Plus, you get a diploma!
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This page was first posted on 12/15/98, and revised on 12/16 and 12/26 ©1998 Mary J. Tafoya.
I finally posted it on my projects page in November, 1999.
All copy, illustrations and images ©1998 Mary J. Tafoya.
Single copies may be downloaded for personal, non-commercial use only.
