Making That Crazy Flat Odd-Count Peyote Stitch Turn

Each beading stitch has its own intricacies and tricks, and flat odd-count peyote stitch is no different. When mastering this popular beading stitch, you have to learn how to make that tricky little turn at the end of every other row. For some beaders, that can be harder than actually learning how to do peyote stitch!

Now, I've never been a big fan of the "one size fits all" mentality when it comes to learning new things, and the good news is that there are at least three different ways to make that little turn when you're working in flat odd-count peyote stitch. Don't feel like you have to use the same method all the time, either. Each method for making the turn in flat odd-count peyote stitch has its own advantages, depending on what kind of beading project you're trying to make. Take a look at these three popular methods:

		The Classic Figure Eight. The first method I learned for making the flat odd-count peyote stitch is the classic Figure Eight. To make this turn, you add the last bead of the row, then stitch back down into the peyote stitch beadwork and make a turn that resembles a figure eight or an hourglass. The Figure Eight turn is great for maintaining even tension when you're making something like a peyote stitch cuff bracelet.
		Down and Back Again. An easier method for making the turn in flat odd-count peyote stitch is to stitch down through the beadwork so you are exiting through the edge, add your bead, and then stitch back through the edge bead in the previous row.
		Faux Brick Stitch. The easiest method I've come across for making the flat odd-count peyote stitch turn is to catch the thread between the previous two edge row beads. Stitch across your row as usual, and pick up your last bead. Stitch under the thread between the last two edge beads and then back into the bead you just added. Keep an even tension when using this method, since pulling too tightly can cause your peyote stitch to curve.

When using nylon beading thread like Nymo or One-G, take care not to split your thread when making any of these turns. Because they require multiple thread passes, you should also be aware that your beads may fill up with thread sooner than you think. If the bead feels tight when you try to insert your needle, try to find an alternate thread path or pick a different method of making your turn.

Are you ready to put your peyote stitch skills to work? The next time you're whipping up a flat odd-count peyote stitch bracelet, make the closure something special – check out Melinda Barta's How to Stitch Custom Clasps and learn from a professional all about how to create your clasps and closures that you can customize in so many ways. For a limited time, when you download How to Stitch Custom Clasps, you'll also get a free copy of Melinda's Best of Beadwork: 10 Custom Cool Projects.

Both the video and eBook can be downloaded onto your desktop or laptop computer in just minutes so that you can start beading right away! Take advantage of this limited-time offer and get two great peyote stitch resources from Beadwork magazine's own Melinda Barta.

Do you have a favorite method for making that turn in flat odd-count peyote stitch? Leave a comment on the blog and share it with us!

Bead Happy,

Jennifer