Peyote beading is a zig-zag technique to make decorative beaded jewelry or other accessories and decorations. Do peyote beading with nylon line or with a needle and beading string. These instructions are for beginners. In the future you can branch out to create intricate peyote bead designs. For this project use colors that appeal to you or that are used in Native American symbols. For example, the Hopi may use red and yellow beading to symbolize maize (yellow) and the Painted Cup (mansi) flower.
Instructions
Doing Peyote Beading
1. Bead the first row with beads of one color. Pull the string through one bead, knotting the end of the string so the bead does not fall off. Leave a tail of about four or five inches of string hanging from the knotted end. Add as many beads as you like as long as you have an even number of beads.
2. Begin the second row with beads of another color. Add one one bead to the threading end of the string. Once the bead is on the string, pull the string through the second to the last bead on the first row. The string will easily pass through the bead on the first row. Continue to follow the first row of beads by adding beads to the second row drawing the string through each new bead and the next bead in the first row. This procedure creates a zigzag effect.The website, Suzanne Cooper.com, provides a detailed image of the way this stitch looks. Maintain even, but not tight, tension on the string. This allows for uniformity while not making the design inflexible.
3. Form the third row in the same way as the second row. String the first bead of the third row through the next to the last bead in the second row. Keep even tension among the beads. You can alternate two or three colors.
4. Get accustomed to this simpler peyote beading technique before trying more complicated designs.
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