Advanced Masterclass
Welcome back to Bead Weaving 101 and Square Stitch series.
Today, we are going to wrap up our exploration into Square Stitch by learning the advanced technique of Tubular Square Stitch.
Once we go through the basics, I am going to show you how to use increases and decreases in the tubular form for a lovely way to add variation to your projects.
Finally, I am going to show you how I made an adorable pair of earrings from the tubular components.
So let’s start by taking a look at the materials list for the tutorial, plus what you will need if you want to make the earrings as well.
If you are unfamiliar with the stitch, check out the Square Stitch Basics Tutorial first.
Materials
Tools and Supplies
I have included my affiliate links for many of the supplies and tools, as well as a link for the Milky Grapefruit beads to the company I purchased them from.
If you decide just to practice the technique, and do not want to make the full project, you will only need the two sizes of seed beads, the needle, thread and thread zapper or scissors.
Also, I used the black satin thread to make the first component and decided that I like the visual line of contrast in the overall look of the project. If you do not like that look, use the Crystal Clear or White Fireline or other beading thread of your choice.
You can also substitute 22 gauge Artistic Wire for the Gold filled wire, or even sterling silver. The choice is yours and based on your preference.
First we will take a look at the basic structure and thread path of the Tubular Square Stitch, then move on to the project.
Tubular Square Stitch Basics
For my first sample, I will be creating a four walled tube structure, one bead per side.
Remember that with Square Stitch, we pick up all the beads of the Row 1 at the same time.
And we will have to form a round with the first row of beads.
Thread one and a half wingspans of beading thread onto the needle.
- Pick up four 8/0 seed beads.
- Carry them down towards the end of the thread, leaving about a 4 inch tail.
- Pass back up through all the beads again, holding onto the tail so you do not pull the beads off the thread.
- Pull the beads together into a round.
At this point, you can either tie 2 overhand knots, or move through the first bead to close the bead work.
I do not like using knots on the end of tubular work because it is very visible.
If you have trouble maintaining tension, you can add a stop bead to the tail thread and snug it up against the bead work.
In each additional row, we will add a bead to the base row using square stitch technique.
- Pick up an 8/0 seed bead.
- pass back through the bead you are exiting from the opposite side.
- Position the new bead.
- Move into the next bead on the base.
Note the position of the new bead, how it sits side to side with the base bead.
Make sure you new beads sit correctly before adding the next bead of the row.
Repeat the steps above, until you have added 4 beads in Row 2.
After adding the last bead, move forward into the first bead of the base row.
Step into the new bead, reversing direction as shown.
To close Row 2, sew through all the new beads, and back through the bead you started from.
Pull the row upwards to form the tubular shape.
Sew through to the next 8/0 before beginning the next row.
Repeat the steps above for each additional row of bead work.
Stitch a few rows in your sample to get the gist of the thread path and basic structure committed to memory.
Now let’s move onto the fun part of today’s tutorial.
Adding Variation to Tubular Square Stitch
In this video, I will be making a three side tubular structure, with a number or accent beads added to cover some of the visible thread.
I will demonstrate one method for increasing and decreasing within a tubular square stitch project, as well as how to end and add thread within the structure of bead work.
At this point, if you want to make the earrings, go ahead and create a second component.
Now let’s look at the way I put my earrings together.
Finishing Touches
Using your flush cutters, cut two pieces of wire 2 1/2 inches long, making sure both ends are flush and smooth.
Use the smallest barrel of multi-step pliers to make a simple loop on one end of each wire.
Pick up an 8/0 bead on each wire.
You can also use round nose pliers for this step, making sure to use the same spot on the pliers so the two loops are the same size.
String on your beaded component plus one more 8/0 seed bead.
Make the same sized simple loop on the remaining wire on this side of the component.
You can either use prefabricated earring finding or click here to follow the instructions for making Perfect Matching Earring Findings.
Thread a bicone crystal onto a balled head pin.
Hold the wire directly above the bead with the tip of your chain nose pliers.
Bent the wire over to a 45 degree angle as shown.
Now we are going to make wrapped loops to complete the component.
You can use either round nose pliers or multi-step looping pliers for the next steps.
I will be forming the loop on the smallest barrel of the pliers.
I place the bend of the wire over the other barrel of the pliers as shown.
Now push the wire up and over the smallest barrel of the looping pliers.
Continue pushing the wire until it points straight down, parallel to the bead.
Rotate the pliers so that the small barrel is directly beneath the other barrel as shown.
Bring the wire under the barrel and behind the existing wire to complete the loop and to a 90 degree angle as shown here.
Slide the simple loop of your beaded component along the head pin and into the loop on the crystal before you begin the wrapping.
Grasp the loop on the crystal component with your chain nose pliers.
Notice the long end of the wire is parallel with the barrel of the pliers.
Using the bent nose pliers, wrap the long end of the wire slowly, until the wire wraps butt neatly up against the bead.
For the best results, make half rotations at a time.
Make sure to keep the wraps tight against the previous one.
Add one half rotation before ending the wire.
Using the flush side of the cutters towards the work. snip off the excess wire.
Use the tips of your chain nose or bent nose pliers to tuck any sharp points in, so no points are sticking out.
Repeat all the steps for the second earring.
Add the earring wires to the top loop of the beaded component.
I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial and will have lots of fun using tubular square stitch in your new projects this year.
It has taken us a few weeks to get through all the wonderful variations of Square Stitch.
In the next few weeks, I am adding several new wire work basics tutorials. When we come back to Bead Weaving 101, we will begin our explorations of Brick Stitch Basics.