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 techniques of Brick Stitch on a Frame.
In this tutorial, we will learn to add a row to the inside edge of the frame.
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 to add the first outer row of bead work to the frame.
In Part 2, we reverted back to the traditional Brick Stitch technique to add smaller beads in the second row on the outside of the frame.
Now, we will revert back to using the frame once more as a substitute for the thread bridges as we add the first row on the inside edge of the frame.
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.
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.
At the end of Part 2, we had just completed the second outer row of the bead work 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.
Before we begin beading, we must step down to the frame.
Pass the needle down through the next 11/0 on the existing row, and the 8/0 below
It does not matter if the 11/0 is to the left or right of the bead you are exiting.
Once again, we will be working from the back side of the bead work as we add and position the new beads.
Note the position of the working thread on the back side of the frame.
Pick up two 15/0 seed beads and let them drop to the frame.
We will be working between the 8/0 beads on the outer row.
Pass the needle under the frame and between the 8/0 beads.
You want the needle to touch the frame as you move through from back to front.
We will work on the front side of the frame to step up and straighten the first bead.
Step up into the second bead, making sure the needle stays on the front of the frame.
Next we will straighten the first bead.
Still working on the front side of the frame, pass the needle down the first bead.
Pass back up through the second bead once more, and pass the needle through the center to the back side of the frame.
From this point, we will add the remaining beads, one at a time.
As the 15/0’s are much smaller than the 8/0 beads on the base, we will once again have to use the increase method to make sure the new beads sit side by side with no big gaps.
This means we will have to reuse the same position, between the two 8/0’s below, several times as we work the row.
Since we added two bead in the first stitch. we are safe to jump to the next spot on the base for the third bead.
Pick up a 15/0 bead and pass the needle between the next two 8/0 beads below the frame.
As you step up into each of the remaining beads of the round, pass the needle through the center to the back of the frame before your next stitch.
Continue adding beads, using the steps above.
Check your work often to insure your beads line up side by side, with no big gaps between them.
If you see a big gap, remove the bead and work the stitch again, using the same needle position as the last stitch (Increase).
Check to make sure the beads are on the same linear plane as the frame as you work.
If the beads bulge off to either side, remove the bead and use a the next needle position to correct the overcrowding.
At the end of the row, we need to close the round and connect the last bead to the first.
Pass the needle down through the first bead from top to bottom, and to the front of the frame.
Working again on the front of the frame, sew back up through the last bead.
Reinforce the connection.
This concludes Part 3 of Brick Stitch on a Frame.
Stay tuned for the Earring Tutorial for this project coming soon.
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