Bead Work Pattern Techniques

When creating new bead work patterns it is essential you put the idea to paper first, then decide on the colours and type of beads. If all still appears to suit the original design you were looking for, then start beading.

Coming up with new bead work patterns is easy once you have the basics about beading under control. Understanding the stitches involved and how they interact with each other is important before choosing a particular pattern to work on.

For example, picking a bead work pattern that simply involves using the flat peyote stitch would be a suitable choice for a beginner. Once the beginner has mastered the peyote stitch, it can then be applied to many different bead work patterns.

Other popular stitches used with many different patterns are the Flat Square stitch and the Comanche Stitch - also known as the Brick Stitch. All three stitches give the pattern a completely different over all look and with a little practice become second nature.

Adding a fringe to a bead work pattern is a perfect way to finish off the design. There are many different fringes but three of the most popular and frequently used fringes are the Plain Knotted Fringe, the Victorian Chain Edging and the Simple Looped Fringe.

The fringes are a classic way to complete the pattern but there are many other ways in which a pattern can be completed. Some of these basic techniques include the Braided Cord, the two-stranded Cord, the Twisted Cord and also the Peyote Stitch Cord.