Dutch Spiral is a wonderful variation on Tubular Peyote that has a lovely lacy look. The level of laciness is completely up to the creator, as I will explain as we go along.

This tutorial is not the only way to create a Dutch Spiral, but it is the version that I use. Whilst I explain the materials used and the technique, I am assuming  a basic understanding of Tubular Peyote, which forms the basis of this stitch.

First up there are some materials that you will need. Ideally you need 4 or 5 different seed beads in at least 4 sizes. For this tutorial I am using 6/o, 8/o, 2 lots of 11/o and 11/o Delicas (which are more like a 13/o). You will also need thread, beading needle and scissors. It is best to lay your beads out on your work surface in the order needed for the stitch, as this helps avoid confusion. Start with your largest seed beads, in this case the 6/o, then the 8/o, then one lot of the 11/o, then the Delicas, then the other lot of 11/o.


 
Then string one of each in order on to your thread, 6/o, 8/o, 11/o(1), Delica, 11/o(2). Then tie them into a circle leaving a tail, and bring your needle and thread out through the 6/o.


 
Pick up an 8/o and go through the 8/o in the first row. Then pick up an 11/o (teal) and go through the same coloured 11/o in the first row. Then pick up a Delica and go through the Delica in the first row, exactly as you would with Peyote. Note that you pick up the same bead you will be passing your needle through on the row below. Next you need to pick up 2 of your second 11/o (purple here) and 1 6/o.


 
Take your needle through the first 6/o added and pull it up snug. This is the main variation from basic Tubular Peyote and eliminates the 'stepping up' that Tubular Peyote requires. Dutch Spiral does require a firm tension to be used to pull the beads into place.


 
Do the next row the same as the second row, except that you pick up 3 of your second 11/o and 1 6/o.


 
You will begin to see the 'tube' forming as you do the fourth row, but you will need to make sure you pull up the thread firmly in order to make the beads sit correctly. This stitch does take a while to take shape, so do not despair.


 
Continue adding rows and increasing by 1 the number of 11/o (purple) that you add with each row until you are adding 9 size 11/ o with your 6/o. So row 4 will have four 11/o and a 6/o, row 5 will have five 11/o and a 6/o. This is the loop section. The length of this section will determine how 'lacy' your Dutch Spiral is.


 
By the time you have completed row 9 you should be able to see the spiral beginning to form, and will be able to see the laciness that epitomises Dutch Spiral. You can continue to increase the number of beads in your loop if you choose to, but I recommend taking note of the length of the work when you have reached your maximum number.  Generally speaking, bracelets look best with between 9 and 11 beads in the loop, whilst necklaces can usually be workable up to 24 beads. It is really up to you.

*The reason I suggest you measure your work when you have reach your chosen maximum is to help you when you come to finish your spiral. It will take you approximately the same length of worked piece to reduce back down your loop to finish the end of your spiral, so by taking note how long your work is when you reached the maximum number of beads you can deduct that amount of the total length required (minus clasp). When you reach that measurement you know it time to start the reducing.


 
Below are pictures taken after 18 rows. You can clearly see the spiral and the lovely open laciness of the weave. Ending your spiral is the reverse of your beginning rows. Simply reduce the loop section by 1 seed bead until you are down to one, take the thread through all 5 beads in the last row and pull up tight. Work back through the non lacy section of the spiral, tying half hitches or knots as is your preference, to secure the thread.


 
I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial. If you have any questions, do not be afraid to ask. I would also love to hear from anyone who has found this tutorial helpful, and any creations that have come about due to these recent tutorials.

Next week I will present a tutorial on Tubular Herringbone.

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Dutch Spiral Tutorial
7 May 2010, 11:22 pm
Source: Jennifer Mercer, Handmade News Columnist
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