Peyote Stitch Pattern

Step by step instructions on the peyote stitch pattern

Before starting your stitches, you'll need a bead – larger than your seed beads – to use as a stopper to keep the beads from falling out the end of your thread. Simply pass the thread through this bead a couple of times but don't go overboard because you will want to undo the thread and weave it into the piece once you are done to finish it off. So, you should leave a long enough tail that you can weave back in and tie off when you are done with your pattern.

To start the peyote stitch (this way is called flat even count peyote stitch), string all the beads on for the first 2 rows of your pattern alternating each bead as you go (you'll be doubling them up to create 2 actual rows eventually). So the first bead is bead #1 of row 1, the second bead is bead #1 of row 2 etc…. If you are just practicing the peyote stitch, simply string on an even number of beads – 12 is probably a good number to start with.

Next, string on the first bead of the third row in the peyote pattern then skip over the last bead and thread through the second to the last bead.

Continue adding a bead and skipping a bead until you get to the end of the row.

Now you will notice, that the pattern has formed 3 rows with the last row having every other bead sticking up. Now add beads in the same manner from the other “end” of the pattern where the thread is now coming out. You can turn the piece around so that you always bead left to right if youwant. You will continue to complete the peyote pattern by adding the next row of beads in the “spaces” between the high beads.

Learn More:

Beading Stitch Guide
Learn about your favorite stitches

Brick Stitch Pattern
Step by step instructions for the brick stitch