To help you get familiar with them, we’ve put together the following list of essential bead weaving stitches. Each description is accompanied by an example switch stitched with loose thread tension, which allows you to see the thread paths. Each of the stitches shown below is in its flat version, which produces a flat length of beaded fabric. In most cases, once you master the flat versions, you can learn how to use the same stitches to create tubular and circular beadwork. Even count peyote stitch is a popular stitch for beginners because it’s relatively easy to master. Try stitching it with cylinder beads to create smooth, even beaded bands. You can perform a ladder stitch with either one or two needles. Once you get the hang of it, the two-needle version usually results in a ladder with straighter beads than the single-needle version, where the beads are often slightly tilted. Since ladder stitch is often used as a start for other bead stitches, it is often overlooked. It can be used to make great ladder stitch bracelets and links all on its own. Many leaders begin brick stitch beadwork with a base row of ladder stitch; however, you may find it easier, to begin with an alternate start. There are two versions of flat Ndebele herringbone stitch: a beginner flat Ndebele herringbone stitch that begins with an initial row of ladder stitch, and traditional start herringbone that does not start with a ladder stitch. Edited by Lisa Yang
