Stitch Pro: Bead a Rope with 2-hole Super Duo or Twin seed beads

If the number of 2-hole seed-bead project submissions the Beadwork team has been getting is any indication, the Super Duo/Twin craze is reaching a fever pitch with beaders. From flower shapes to right-angle weave bands, herringbone-stitched strips to bezeled rivolis, designers are incorporating these uniquely shaped beads into every type of beading stitch and structure.

So maybe that's why I woke up this morning thinking, "What about 2-hole beaded ropes?" Honoring that first thought of the day, I got out my Super Duos and did a little tubular peyote-stitching to form this interesting rope. Curious to know how? Just follow along:

Rounds 1 and 2: Use 3' of thread to string 6 beads, leaving an 8" tail. Use the tail and working thread to tie a strong square knot then pass through the beads again. Exit through the first bead strung, then step up for the next and subsequent rounds by passing through the second hole of the last bead exited. Note: The thread direction will change with each round.

Round 3: String 1 bead, skip 1 bead of the previous round, and pass through the top hole of next bead; repeat twice. Step up.

Note: When you tighten this round, the beads will snap into a tube formation.

Round 4: String 1 bead and pass through the top hole of the next bead of the previous round; repeat twice. Step up.

Rounds 5 – on: Repeat Round 4 to the desired length.

Finish: To end, add 1 size 11 seed bead between each bead of the previous round to even off the rope end. Secure the working thread and trim. Repeat using the tail thread.

So, what do you think? You can use this tubular peyote-stitched rope as a chain for a focal bead or pendant, add a clasp to wear as a necklace, or do like I did and connect the ends to form a roll-on bangle.

Have you worked rope techniques using 2-hole seed beads? Which stitch did you use? Did you embellish your rope? Please share your experiences with other readers here on Inside Beadwork so we can all learn.

Happy beading!

Jean Campbell

Senior editor, Beadwork magazine