A selection of seed bead sizes
(Orange version = size 11, size 8, Size 6)
4mm pearls
Beading thread and needle
This is aimed at teaching you the stitch only. You are able to decide what you want to do with your finished piece.
To start:-
String 2 size 11, 2 size 8, 2 size 6, 2 4mm pearls, 2 size 6, 2 size 8 tie into a circle. and pass your needle through the 2 size 11’s.
Pick up 1 size 11 and take needle through 2nd size 8.
Pick up 1 size 8 and take your needle through 2nd size 6.
Pick up 1 size 6 and take your needle through the 2nd 4mm pearl.
Pick up 1 4mm pearl and take your needle through the 2nd size 6.
Pick up 1 size 6 and take your needle through 2nd size 8
Pick up 1 size 8 and take your needle through 2nd size 11 in first row and the new size 11 you just added. This is your STEP UP and you will need to do it every row.
The thing to remember is that whatever you pass through you pick up next. Pull your beads up tight after each row so that the beads start to sit on top.
It will take a few rows to see your spiral start to form, the size 11 seed beads are sometimes hard to see but they are what pull your work in.
Keep stitching like this until you have you worked the length you require. I tend to pull back on each bead to lock it into position and keep my tension nice and tight.
Your string of pearls will make a length approximately 7 inches long.
For a simple stringing idea pass some elastic through your tube, add a bead cap or a few beads inbetween and simply knot.
Always remember your clear nail varnish on the knot. This is to prevent the elastic slipping.