I have done a few articles about different beading stitches, including some basic tutorials. It got me thinking about uses for these stitches and variations on basic stitches. So for the next few weeks I am going to look at beaded ropes. Beaded Ropes are great for using as necklaces and bracelets and there is lots of room to move in terms of the beads used.



There are a few basic stitches that can be worked in a tubular fashion in order to make a rope. These include peyote, herringbone or Ndebele, basic spiral and right angle weave. They all produce slightly different effects. Peyote and herringbone can also be made to spiral or give the illusion of spiral.



With the use of different sizes of beads and a few other adjustments you can take basic Peyote stitch and turn it into wonderful variations, such as Cellini spiral and Dutch Spiral. Whilst they look terrific and difficult to do, they really are just a variation on Tubular Peyote stitch, so if you have a handle on Tubular Peyote you should be able to accomplish these as well.

If you are not sure how to do Tubular Peyote, you can take a look at the tutorial that I wrote a little while ago, which you will find here. And now would be a great time to try it out, because next week and for a few weeks after I will be presenting tutorials on Cellini Spiral, Dutch Spiral, Tubular Herringbone and look more at how to make and finish off beaded ropes.
 
Pictures courtesy of Forbesfarm, LittlestoneDesign and weavegotmaille

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Beaded Ropes
2 April 2010, 12:56 am
Source: Jennifer Mercer, Handmade News Columnist
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I've been meaning to try Cellini spiral - I look forward to your tutorial!