7 Free Herringbone Stitch Beading Projects You Have to Try

I can’t think of another bead-weaving stitch that is as versatile as herringbone stitch. Maybe I’m biased—herringbone stitch is, after all, my go-to beading stitch when I want to make a beaded rope for a pendant, a beaded bezel for a cabochon or a crystal stone, or make a fancy beaded collar.

This type of beading is an extremely versatile bead-weaving stitch and can be done in flat, tubular and circular variations. Tubular herringbone stitch is a widely used method for creating intricate beaded ropes, and flat herringbone stitch can be shaped simply by using a variety of sizes of beads in the bead-weaving. With its origins in the heart of South Africa’s Ndebele nation, there is a rich history of culture and craft behind the technique. With its origins in the heart of South Africa’s Ndebele tribe, there is a rich history of culture and craft behind herringbone stitch. Herringbone stitch is instantly recognizable from the distinctive “v” pattern formed by the beads and thread path.

Herringbone stitch and all of its wonderful variations can be used for just about any beading task at hand. Need a quick beaded rope or lariat? Try making a soft, supple, and strong herringbone rope. A strong and sturdy base for beaded necklaces and bracelets can be made with flat herringbone. Tubular herringbone, with or without a twist, is the perfect way to create substantial beaded bracelets and necklaces that are just begging for a little embellishment!

Because we love herringbone stitch, we’ve put together six of our favorite herringbone stitch beading patterns for you in our free eBook. Look at what’s in store for you!

How to Do Flat Herringbone Stitch

Stitch Pro Column by Jean Campbell
The free column tackles flat herringbone stitch—a quick, strong stitch. Got herringbone down? Then expand your skills by learning how to make both subtle and extreme increases, creating this pretty crown shape. All you need to follow along is two different colors of size 11° seed beads (A and B), a few 4mm round beads, a beading needle and some thread.

How to Make a Necklace with Herringbone Stitch

Therapy Necklace by Margo Field
“‘Therapy’ begins with incorporating beautiful colors and sizes of beads into herringbone tubes,” says beading artist Margo Field. For those who agree that beading is the best therapy around, join her in making this exquisite design. Her Therapy Necklace uses a simple herringbone tube that you can embellish to your heart’s desire.

Basic Herringbone Tubes Tutorial

Maggie’s Weave by Marlene Blessing
If you’ve ever thought that basic herringbone tubes were boring, check out this free herringbone pattern. Named for the designer’s Grandma Maggie, this necklace was inspired by the graphics in JoAnne Zekowski’s lampwork beads. This fashion-forward piece combines her spectacular beads with herringbone-stitched tubes, silver beads, and chain.

Ndebele Stitch Necklace Tutorial

Herringbone Necklace by Doris Coghill
This beaded necklace was originally designed a couple of years ago to show off the silver-cored beads made by Doris’s lampworker friend, Lea Zinke. Lea keeps coming up with new colors of beads, which requires Doris to make a new color of necklace! This simple and refreshing herringbone necklace can be used to showcase your favorite glass bead.

How to Make a Beaded Choker with Herringbone Stitch

Cairo Necklace by Lynn Davy
A modern take on a classic style, this deceptively simple choker has plenty of intricate detail with glass drops that mimic high-end stones. This project is a perfect example of how a strong herringbone stitch base can be embellished with larger beads for a modern, sophisticated look.

Tubular Herringbone Stitched Beaded Pearl Ring

Modern Medieval Ring Maria Theresa Ferreira
After seeing a bold pearl ring in a jewelry shop, Maria Teresa was inspired to create its beadworked cousin using tubular herringbone-stitched cylinder beads as the base. Herringbone tubes and ropes are wonderfully supple and soft, and Maria Theresa takes full advantage of these qualities with this ring. Bend and swirl a simple herringbone rope to capture a beautiful crystal pearl focal bead!

Twisted Herringbone Beaded Necklace Tutorial

Purple Anemone by Leslee Frumin
Finally, combine both tubular twisted and flat circular herringbone stitch in Leslee Frumin’s fabulous Purple Anemone necklace. You’ll give your newly-developed herringbone stitch skills a real workout while you create a stunning piece of beaded jewelry! Leslee created this flower with free-form herringbone stitch.

So grab your favorite tube of seed beads and get comfortable, because once you start stitching these projects using herringbone stitch, you’ll find it’s hard to stop. (Don’t say I didn’t warn you!) Download your free eBook and get busy beading!