How To: Even Count Peyote Beading

Welcome to the wonderful world of peyote beading! 

Peyote stitch creates a beautiful zigzag pattern where your beads sit in offset rows. It's quite straightforward once you understand the basics. There are two main variations:

• Even-count peyote: Works with an even number of beads, this is perfect for beginners
• Odd-count peyote: Slightly more challenging, but manageable once you're comfortable with the basics

What You'll Need

Let's gather your supplies:

• Miyuki Delica beads (size 11/0)
• A beading needle
• Beading thread, I use Miyuki nylon thread
• Regular scissors
• A bead mat or clean cloth to keep your beads from rolling around
• A needle threader if you find threading tricky

Starting with Even-Count Peyote

Thread your needle with about two arms' length of thread. If you like, you can use a bead stopper to hold your beads in place. String an even number of beads. In the photo below, I've used 18 beads. I've used different colours so you can see the rows.

Take a second needle with no thread, and thread it through every second bead. This will create a zig zag pattern, making it easier to see where your next row goes.

To start your next row, add one bead then thread it through the first bead in the second row, as shown by the arrow in the photo below.

Continue across the row with one bead in between every one of the beads sticking down from the row above. 

At the end of the row, turn and repeat the same steps – add one bead, and thread it through the first bead sticking down from the row above. 

Once you've got a few rows, your work will start to take some shape and you can remove the second needle. 

Some Tips and Tricks

1. Maintaining Good Form
• Keep your tension firm but not too tight
• Check your work regularly to ensure evenness
• If your work starts to curl, you're likely pulling too firmly
2. Choosing Your Beads
• Stick with the same size for your whole project
• Miyuki Delilas are perfect because of their consistent shape
• Keep colours well organised
• Remove any damaged beads
3. Thread Management
• Add new thread when you have about 20 centimetres remaining
• Secure your thread ends by weaving through several beads
• Trim carefully when finished

Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and your first pieces might not be perfect - that's completely normal. Focus on maintaining consistent tension and neat rows, and you'll develop the skills to create beautiful pieces in no time.

Happy beading!