Beaded Ropes: Twisted Tubular Herringbone, Tubular Peyote, Russian Spiral, and So Much More!

Beaded Ropes Lead to Happiness

I’m plotting out plans to sit and bead this weekend thanks to the eBook, 18 Beaded Ropes. While not realistic given the season, I’m  enjoying the thought. I’m also enjoying picking out the beads and crystals I’ll be using. There is just something I enjoy about creating beaded ropes, not to mention going through my beads and planning designs!

My conclusion? The enjoyment in stitching beaded ropes comes from the repetition. Once you get into a groove it becomes meditative and you’re swept away. Also, beading designs like a rope is usually not about finishing fast; it’s truly about beading and the pleasure of stitching those beads together.  Of course, there’s also the satisfaction you feel when it’s completed and you have a standout piece to wear.

My First Beaded Rope

The first beaded rope I made was a tubular herringbone design taught by Wendy Ellsworth. Wendy’s workshop was held during a retreat hosted by our local bead society. We took up residence in a secluded location in a beautiful setting. Upon arrival, we set up shop and our kitchen, did some fun activities as a group, then, for the most part, just enjoyed beading and being together. For me, I was learning a lot along the way, so it wasn’t all fun and games, but Wendy made the learning process easy. Before too long, I was really into the design and having fun with color and different shaped beads!

This necklace is displayed proudly in my office and I believe I’ll add more fringe to balance the design. Once I do, I’ll finally be able to call it officially complete!

In contrast, while working on a tubular peyote video, the approach to creating beaded ropes was completely different. This time it was all about creating a lot of designs and getting the technique perfect. There was also a lot of practicing so I could convey the technique well on camera. I thoroughly enjoyed creating the massive amounts of bracelets and necklaces for this effort. Beyond that, I got lost in the stitch. Once all my video requirements were met I found myself enjoying beading this tubular peyote rope. It was just the beads and me one night (okay, maybe two nights).

Tubular Peyote Beaded Ropes Project

Each of the designs made for this tubular peyote series encompass the same principals and I’m happy to share them with you.

Materials (as used in designs shown)

• Size 8/0 seed beads
• Size 11/0 seed beads
• Large hand-painted porcelain bead
• Assorted complementary beads
• Clasp
• Thread (suitable to the beads)
• Needle

Step 1. Start a rope using tubular peyote.  Leave a long enough tail so you can add a loop of beads for your clasp later.

For instructions on this stitch, download the file from Step by Step Beads, here.

Step 2. Bead the rope long enough to suit your design.

For the bracelet paired with beads and a clasp, you only need about 4 inches of rope. For a necklace with the beads at your throat, worn more like a choker, you need about 6 inches of beaded rope.

For the long rope, you can bead the first half as long as you’d like. The long rope shown is a total of about 60 inches long.

Adding the Beads

Step 3. Once your beading is complete, pass your thread through the last row of beads one more time and cinch them closer together. This will help reinforce the beadwork.

Step 4. Thread on the larger beads in your design to balance out the next section, leaving just enough length so you can still add the clasp.

Pick up a few size 11/0 seed beads, the loop on the clasp, and then a few more size 11/0 seed beads. Pass the needle back through the larger beads then weave a little bit into the beaded rope. Work your needle back around then through all the larger section of beads and the clasp loop to secure. Weave the thread back through the larger beads then into the beaded rope. Weave the thread to finish, then trim close.

Step 5. Place a needle onto the tail thread. Pick up a few size 11/0 seed beads, the loop on the other half of your clasp, and a few more size 11/0 seed beads. Test the overall length of the design before finishing. Once you’re sure you like the length, pass the thread through a few beads in the rope then weave back through the beads in the clasp, repeating a few times to create a secure clasp end.

You can use this beaded rope design in so many ways – have fun exploring your creativity.

Speaking of More Beaded Ropes

Bubble Wrap by Cynthia Rutledge’s is also based on tubular peyote. Create this wrap bracelet with odd-count tubular peyote and add these fun beaded beads, stitched separately then added to the rope. So fabulous! You can find instructions for this design in 18 Beaded Ropes eBook.

And to shout out my love for herringbone, check out Cristie Prince’s Chain of Jewels. She doubles up the herringbone rope, wrapping it around crystals to create the chain effect. It’s clever but also beautiful, and true to Cristie’s style, regal-like.

No matter which way your beaded ropes path takes you – whether it’s a have-to-get-it-done-now moment or a chance for you to enjoy beading and the process of what you’re creating – choose your favorite rope pattern and get beading today! Then be sure to share your favorite with us at BeadingDaily.com or below in the comments.

Yours in creativity,

Check out all these beaded ropes resources in our shop: