Welcome back to the fabulous Bead Weaving 101 series here on The Alluring Bead Boutique.
Today we are continuing to explore the advanced Brick Stitch technique, Brick Stitch on a Frame.
In this lesson, we are going to use the increase technique to add variety to our work with smaller beads.
In Part 1, we added the first outer row using 8/0 seed beads to the round wire frame.
We used the frame in place of thread bridges normally used in the traditional Brick Stitch technique.
When we add new rows to this type of project, we will revert to using the thread bridges of the previous row to add each new one.
In a recent post, we explored the Brick Stitch on a Bead technique, and talked about how the bead work will naturally increase as we work out from a round object and the circumference of the base grows larger and larger.
The same holds true for this technique. Each additional row will need to be adjusted to accommodate the every increasing circumference of the base and previous additions.
Since I am using a smaller size seed bead for the next row, there will be more increases needed to prevent gaps between the beads.
Tools and Materials
I have listed all the materials used for this tutorial and have included my affiliate links, where available.
A few items are from Fusion Beads and Joann’s and I added the links as well for your convenience.
I will be presenting the full earring tutorial at a later date. Here are the additional materials used.
I can no longer find the hematite cube beads I use in the embellishments, but you can substitute another 2 mm cube bead or bead of your choice when we get to the earring tutorial later.
Additional Materials for Earrings
6 mm Czech Glass Tile Beads – 2 hole – Turquoise Picasso
5 x 16 mm 2 hole Czech Glass Dagger Beads – Turquoise Picasso
2 – Jump Rings and Earring Findings of your choice – I used Antique Brass findings.
Catch up with the lessons.
- The Outer Row
- The Increase Row on the Outside
- The Inner Row
Each part, has step by step instructions and an accompanying video.
At the end of Part 1, we had just completed the first outer row of 8/0 beads and closed the work by connecting the last bead of the round to the first bead.
The working thread is exiting the top of the last bead added and we are ready to add a new row.
Row Two ~ Adding Additional Rows to the Outside Bead Work
We begin the row as normal by picking up two beads.
We work this stitch from back to front.
I sew to the left but you may prefer to sew to the right.
I pick up two 11/0 seed beads.
However because we are using smaller 11/0 beads, I will begin the row with my first increase.
Pass the needle under the first thread bridge on the base row.
Working on the front side of the frame, pass up through the second bead.
Because I sew to the left, the second bead is on the left.
As you probably know by now, I prefer to straighten the first bead at the start of the row.
Pass the needle down through the first bead.
Pass back up through the second bead once more.
As we normally would in a Brick Stitch project, we add the remaining beads to the row, one at a time.
The tricky part, is to decide which thread bridge to use for each new stitch.
But because we just used the first thread bridge to add two beads, we can simply use the next thread bridge to add the third bead.
Pick up an 11/0 bead and pass the needle under the next thread bridge.
Note that I am working back to front, through the thread bridge.
Once you have the bead positioned, pass back up through the new bead.
Notice I work this step on the front side of the bead work.
The goal is to have the new beads sit side by side, with no big noticeable gaps between.
To gauge which thread bridge to use, drop the bead to the base and pull the thread tight to see which thread bridge lines up with the bottom of the new bead.
If an increase is needed to bridge a gap, reuse the thread bridge of the previous stitch.
Remember to step up into each new bead added to the base before you pick up another bead.
Check to make sure the beads are lining up on the linear plane nicely with no bulges to the left or right.
If a bead bulges out from the plane, you should remove the bead and skip over to the next thread bridge to sew it back in place.
As you reach the end of the row, it is time to gauge whether you have enough room to add another bead without overcrowding the first bead of the row.
To close the bead work, pass down through the firs bead on the row.
I used an 8/0 as my last bead on this project, so that I have a center point to guide my embellishments.
Pass back up through the last bead once more.
Reinforce the last two steps.
This concludes Part 2 of Brick Stitch on a Frame.
In Part 3, we will learn to add a row on the inside edge of the frame.
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