Diagonal peyote necklace tutorial

I published this tutorial several years ago on my web site and today I decided to make new illustrations and publish it again. Enjoy!

Tools and supplies

• Main beads: Cylinder or hex beads are the easiest, but any type of seed beads will work.
• Accent beads: Use the same size or one size smaller than the main beads. For example, I like to use size 11 Delicas for the main beads and size 15 seed beads as the accent. I also like size 6 hex beads for the main beads and size 11 seed beads for the accent.
• Thread: Nymo or Fireline will work. Use a weight appropriate for the size beads you choose.
• Closure: Any type of closure will work.
• Needle and scissors

Step 1

Start with a length of beading thread as long as you are comfortable working with. Don't cut the thread off the bobbin or spool.

String six main beads, one accent bead, and one main bead. Go back through the fourth bead from the end.

To adjust the width of the band, string more or fewer main beads in this step.

Step 2

Add two peyote stitches using the main beads, coming out at the first bead you added in step 1.

Step 3

Add two peyote stitches using the main beads, this time going opposite of the direction that you did in step 2.

Step 4

Pick up one accent bead and one main bead and go through the second peyote stitch added in step 3.

Optional: You can add fringe instead of the accent bead in this step.

Step 5

Add one peyote stitch using the main beads.

Pick up three main beads and go back through the first bead, forming a triangle.

Step 6

Add one peyote stitch using the main beads.

Repeat

Repeat steps 4 through 6 until the necklace is the length you want.

Make the other side

Turn the necklace around, unwind a length of thread from your spool or bobbin, and start with step 3. Work this side of the necklace the same as the first side.

Finishing

To finish with a lobster clasp, complete through to step 4. Add one peyote stitch using the main beads, and then string an accent bead, a bead cap, and a size 15 seed bead. Go back through the bead cap and the accent bead. Stich through your beadwork to secure the end, then cut your thread. I like to go back up through the bead cap two more times to make it secure. Attach the bead cap to a lobster claw or spring clasp on one side, and a closed jump ring on the other side.

To make the twist shown in the example necklace above, just lap one side of the finished band over the other and tack it between the layers.

Examples

You can find a really beautiful interpretation of this design by a Swiss beader named Rickli here.