• Spiral Stitch Bracelet

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Spiral Stitch Bracelet

Design by Corene Painter

Materials

• 6 feet FireLine .006 or Nymo thread
• 2 colors size 08 seed beads
• Big-eye needle

Instructions

Stop bead

Stop bead with first set of beads

First twist

Second set of beads

Second twist

Repeat pattern

First three beads after clasp

Second three beads after clasp

The stitch and beads: The spiral stitch is a beautiful stitch that appears to be very intricate. However, this stitch is just a repeat of a set pattern of beads. Two colors of beads are required for this project. Label the beads as either core beads or twist beads.

Making a stop bead: Pick up one seed bead in either color because this bead will be removed at the end of this project and is not counted as a bead in the pattern. String this bead onto the thread and slide it down the thread leaving a 5-inch tail. Now pass the thread through this bead again, the same way you did when you originally strung the bead. This will capture the bead in a loop and will create a stop that will keep the next beads you string from sliding off the thread.

Getting started: After you have the stop bead on the thread, you are ready to begin the stitch. String four core beads and then three twist beads onto the thread; let these beads move down the thread to the stop bead. Bring the needle back up through the four core beads, in the same direction as the beads you originally strung. This will make the three twist beads lay up against the side of the core beads.

The body of the piece: Now you are ready to start the repeating pattern (each repeating pattern will be referred to as sets). String one core bead and three twist beads. Count four core beads down the piece, including the core bead just strung, and pass the needle back up through these four beads. This will again force the three twist beads to rest against the core bead. After completing each set, make sure you push the three twist beads to the right, so they lie next to the twist beads from the set before. This will ensure that each new set of twist beads will lie properly in the twist pattern.

The repeat pattern is as follows:

1. String one core bead, three twist beads.
2. Count four core beads down, including the just-strung core bead.
3. Pass needle up through these core beads. Push newly strung twist beads to the right.

Repeat this pattern till you have reached the desired length. Remember to save room for the clasp. This is usually at least 1 inch.

The clasp: Once you have reached the desired length, you are ready to attach the clasp. To do this, choose whichever side of the clasp you would like to attach first. String one core bead, the clasp, and then three twist beads as before. Count down four core beads and run the thread back up through these core beads. Run the needle back through the clasp and then string three more twist beads. Count down four core beads and run the thread up through one. Now create a knot between these beads; this knot will be similar to a half-hitch knot; the only difference is that you should pull the thread through the loop twice.

Making sure the thread is pulled tight, slide the needle just behind the thread between the core beads; this will create a loop of thread. Run the needle through this loop twice; pull tight and then run your needle through the next core bead. This should hide the knot inside the bead. Repeat this knot once more and then cut the thread. Repeat these steps on the other side of the piece after you have removed the stop bead.

Enjoy your bracelet!

Copyright © 2012 DRG. All rights reserved.