Hello
and Welcome back to Bead Weaving 101.
In the last few weeks, we have been talking all about Peyote Stitch Basics.
We are now working on Tubular Peyote spirals and in our last post we talked about how to create spirals in this technique and we completed a primer on the Cellini Spiral technique.
Dutch spiral is an unusual stitch resulting in a pretty spiral with a drape of loosely attached beads. It is basically a peyote stitch spine with a beaded swag.
Just as with the Cellini Spiral, the technique can be varied in near limitless ways simply by varying the bead sizes, colors and shapes.
But what really sets this technique apart, is the the loose bead layer that adds a fluid movement to the beadwork.
The Dutch Spiral is stitched using the traditional tubular peyote method with one noticeable alteration to the traditional thread path.
First, let’s take a look at the tools and materials I used today and then we will dive right into the steps.
If you need additional help with Flat Peyote, I have the Bead Weaving Basics – Flat Peyote Stitch PDF – 3 Techniques – Even Count, Odd Count and Circular Peyote.
Available for a few dollars in The Alluring Bead Boutique Shop. Check out all my Technique Guides, with Step by Step photos and written instructions.
The Dutch Spiral
Tools and Materials
- 2 Colors – 11/0 Toho Seed Beads
- 1 Color – Delica Bead
- 1 Color – 11/0 Toho Triangle Beads
- 1 Color – 8/0 Toho Seed Bead
- 1 Color – 6/0 Seed Bead I am using Czech Glass
- 1 Size 10 or 11 Beading Needle
- 2-3 ft. – .006 Fireline Beading thread
Step One
Just as in the Cellini Tutorial you have the option of using a stop bead or tying a knot to close the bead work.
Pick up the beads for Rows 1 and 2.
One Color A 11/0, two Delica, two Triangle, two 8/0 seed beads, two 6/0 seed beads and seven Color B 11/0.
Pass through all the beads again.
If you decided to use a knot, tie two overhand knots first and then pass through the color A 11/0.
If you are using a stop bead, simply pass through the color A 11/0 to close the work and use the stop bead to tighten the tension as needed.
Row Three
Next we will use Traditional Tubular Peyote to add the first beads of Row 3.
Pick up a Color A 11/0.
Skip over the next Delica and pass through the second one.
Pick up a Delica.
Skip over the next Triangle and pass through the second one.
Pick up a Triangle.
Skip over the next 8/0 and pass through the second one.
Pick up an 8/0.
Skip over the next 6/0 and pass through the second one.
Click any Image to Enlarge the Gallery
To finish the row, pick up a 6/0 and seven Color B 11/0’s, skip over all the beads below and through the very first Color A you added in the round.
Note that the step up is not necessary in this method.
Note that some patterns or tutorials may call for the step up so remember to follow the designer’s guide.
Row Four and onward...
For the remainder of the lesson, you will simply repeat all the steps for Row 3 until your project reaches the desired length.
Since this is a practice session, I would repeat the rows for at least a few inches of rope, just to get the hang of the thread path.
As the rows increase, the bead work on one side should look the same as it did in the Cellini Spiral, with the like type seed beads stacking diagonally above the previous row.
On the loose side of the bead work, each new row of loose beads should be positioned over the the last row.
Keep a close watch on the loose sections as you work so that the loose sections stack uniformly above the previous row.
As you work, keep your tension uniform and firm.
That is really all there is to doing this beautiful spiral rope technique.
Have fun practicing and coming up with your own explorations varying the color, size and shape of your bead choice using the Dutch Spiral tubular peyote technique.
In the next post
We are coming to an end of the peyote portion of Bead Weaving 101.
The final topics to be covered will still focus on the tubular form of Peyote Stitch:
- Peyote Shapes
- Peyote Bezels
So stay tuned. Use the forms in the side bar of this post of the homepage to add your email to my newsletter and to follow my blog.
Then you will be notified by email when new content drops on The Alluring Bead Boutique.