Welcome Back to Brick Stitch Basics
And Bead Weaving 101.
In Flat Brick Stitch Basics, we talked a lot about the stitch and it’s origins.
We discussed the basic Ladder start and about how the bead work will naturally decrease using the traditional method of the stitch.
Today, we are going to learn to use in increase at the beginning of each row, to even out the bead count and make it the same on all the rows.
With this technique, each row will have the same number of beads as the beginning base row.
Each additional row will have a slightly offset look as shown here.
This is due to the nature of the stitch, using existing thread bridges as opposed to stitching bead to bead.
The offset is much more noticeable in this sample because of the use of larger cylinder beads.
Tools and Materials
- Color A Bead 8/0 Delica
- Color B Bead 8/0 Delica
- Stop Bead
- Beading Needle – Size 10 Pony
- Beading Thread – 8 pound Fireline Black Satin
- Ultra Thread Zap
In this tutorial, I am going back to my good old 8/0 Delica beads to make it easier for you to see the thread path.
I have included my affiliate links for a few of my favorite supplies.
The Ladder Base
Just like last time, we need a Ladder Base.
Using the directions for Ladder Stitch, build a base that is one bead high and eight beads wide of the Color A Beads.
When we ladder stitch beads together, we are connecting the bead with thread bridges at the bottom and top of the beads.
And just as before, we will stitch under these thread bridges when working Brick Stitch.
Beginning Each Row
To begin each row, we will pick up two beads.
By doing this, we can stitch the new bead upright, as on the base without having any exposed thread on the outside of a bead.
This time we will stitch under the first thread bridge, between the first and second bead on the base.
Notice that the thread past is from back to front as I pass under the thread bridge, towards myself.
Sew back up through the second bead you picked up.
This will be the bead farthest away from the edge of the bead work.
Next we will straighten the first bead and add a thread bridge at the bottom of the two new beads.
Straighten the First Bead
Pass the needle down through the first bead, and then back up the second bead once again.
The two new beads will nestle in nicely against one another and the working thread is now in position to add the remaining beads to the row.
Completing Each Row
The remaining beads of each row are added one bead at a time.
Pick a Color B, and pass the needle under the next thread bridge.
Step up through the new bead.
Repeat the two steps above to the end of the row and there are no remaining thread bridges visible on the base.
Don’t forget to step up through the new bead each time..
At the end of the row, you should have the same number of beads as are in the ladder base you started with, in this case 8.
Additional Rows
The next row starts exactly the same as before.
The direction of the row is reversed, but you can flip the work if you prefer sewing in the same direction.
Follow the steps above to straighten the first bead and get back into position to add new beads to the row.
Pass down the first bead and back up through the second bead.
Add the remaining beads one at a time until you reach the end of the row and there are no visble thread bridges remaining on the base.
Here is what the bead work looks like at the end of the third row.
I hope this tutorial helps you understand Brick Stitch and how the thread path differs from other bead weaving stitches.
Here is a short video, that deomonstrates all the steps and information we have talked about today.
In the next tutorial in this series, we will take a look at Tubular Brick Stitch.