Hello and welcome back to Bead Weaving 101.
Currently, in the series, we are working on the forms and variations of Herringbone Stitch.
In the last post, we worked through the basics of Even Count Flat Herringbone, and today, we are going to look at Odd Count Flat Herringbone.
The odd count herringbone technique is one I have newly discovered in my exploration of the 2019 Bead Stitching Handbook by Bead & Button.
The links in this post, are my affiliate links to related products on Amazon. I make a very small commision when you use the links to purchase these products.
Odd count techniques, gives you more creative ways to add patterns to your bead work. As you can see in my sample, I am able to create a center line of color in the middle of the piece.
There are two ways to manipulate the odd number of columns. You can choose to work the odd column at the edge of the bead work or in one of the inner columns.
Today, I will demonstrate how to work the odd column at the edge. I will discuss the second option in a separate post, when we talk about adding pattern to Herringbone stitched bead work.
Tools and Materials
2 colors – 11/0 or 8/0 Seed Beads
2 feet of Beading Thread
Size 10 or smaller Beading Needle
Scissors or Thread Burner
For this exercise, use two colors of the same size seed beads to make the thread path easier to learn.
Use a shorter piece of thread for practice, two feet should suffice.
The Ladder Stitch Start
If you are a beginner, it may be easier to begin this exercise using a two bead high ladder stitch base.
In this tutorial, I decided to use the 2 bead high Ladder for my base.
Check out Ladder Stitch Basics to get started
My base row consists of the following sets of two beads in this order:
Color A – Color B – Color A – Color B – Color A
Note the position of the working thread exiting the top of the fifth bead set.
The base row should be reinforced before beginning Herringbone. I find it easier to reinforce as I add each new set of beads as I build the ladder base.
Odd Count Herringbone
In this lesson, I will show you how to work the odd column of beads on the edge of the bead work.
In the written portion, I demo working the odd column by beginning with one bead. In the video, I start out with two beads.
It does make a difference to how the technique works. I suggest that you give both methods a try by creating a few small samples.
To begin, pick up one Color A and pass back down through the same bead your working thread is exiting.
Get into position by passing the needle up through the top bead of the next column of color B beads.
Pick up a Color B and Color A.
Pass down the top bead of the next column of color A beads.
Get into position by passing the needle up through the top bead of the next column of color B beads.
Pick up a Color B and Color A.
Pass down the top bead of the next column of color A beads.
The Turn Around
Pass the needle up through the color B bead, beside the bead you are exiting.
Pass the needle through the color A bead on the outer edge of the row to step up.
The next two rows
Pick up a Color A and a Color B bead.
Pass down through the top bead of the next column of color B beads.
Step up into the top bead of the next column
Pick up a Color A and a Color B bead.
Pass down through the top bead of the next column of color B beads.
Step up into the top bead of the next column
Pick up 2 color A beads and drop them to the base.
Skip over the second bead and sew back through the first bead as shown.
Step up into the top bead of the next column.
Pick up a Color B and Color A bead.
Pass down the next bead.
Step up into the top bead of the next column.
Pick up a Color B and Color A bead.
Pass down the next bead.
Repeat the steps above for the turn around.
Repeat the steps above for these two rows until you are comfortable with the technique and to grow the bead work.
In the video below, I start the herringbone with two beads and this changes the technique slightly for working the odd row.
The reguluar herringbone steps and the turn around are the same.
In the next post….
I will demonstrate how to work the odd row in the center of the bead work and as a bonus we will talk about creating color patterns.
