BEADWORK PROJECTS
Peyote Stitch Earring
INTRODUCTION
This sweet tassel-style earring illustrates the basics of round peyote stitch. If you're new to beading, start here. If you're an experienced beader, you'll find links to some interesting variations further down the page. Either way, I hope you enjoy this simple project. Let me know what you think!
Hey!
I'm a lefty, so these instructions are southpaw biased!You'll find links to other (possibly right handed?) beaders' peyote projects on my Beadwork Links page.
Materials
- Beads -- one size, in the following colors: white, bronze and three shades of blue (size 13º, 11º, etc. or delicas). The sample in the photograph above was done in 13º cuts.
- Beading thread -- Nymo A for smaller beads, B or D for larger beads, or Silamide
- Beading needle(s) -- size 13 for smaller beads, size 12 for larger beads
- A short length of thin dowel, drinking straw, knitting needle, toothpick, or nail for temporary support*
- Wax or Thread Heaven
- French wires or posts with loops at the bottom
* The supporting core will vary depending on the size of your beads. You can always wrap masking tape around a toothpick or thin nail to build a core of the proper circumference for your project. The beads should fit somewhat loosely around the core. For size 13-0 beads, I use a 1/8" diameter dowel, cut to about an 8" length.
The Pattern
Our design is a basic zig zag pattern, with a blue blend and bronze highlights on a white background. You may substitute any colors you like.
I'll abbreviate the bead colors like this:
W = White
D = Dark blue
M = Medium blue
L = Light blue
B = Bronze
The Lessons
I've set up the project pages in this order:
Part I : The Peyote Cylinder
Part II: The Fringe
Part III: The Hanging Loop
Part IV: Variations (optional)You could use one long length of thread in a small project like this, but I use two shorter lengths -- one for the peyote cylinder and the loop of beads at the top, and one for the fringe. This way, if one part breaks the whole piece doesn't unravel, and it's easier to repair. Besides, the threads don't fray as much when you use shorter lengths.
On to Part I: The Peyote Cylinder | Back to the Classroom
These instructions, the patterns, and all images are ©1997, Mary J. Tafoya.
Single copies may be downloaded for personal, non-commercial use only.
