Free Tutorial for Beaded Washers

I've decided that I should share one of my washer designs since I've been obsessing over them recently. Mandy of Beads for Brains: 365 featured the project she made today from working off my basic pattern. Her necklace sure is a beauty!!!

Materials:

· Delicas

· Size 8° seed beads

· Fireline

· Needle

· Scissors

· Washer (any size)

Step 1: Attaching the thread to a washer.

Make a loop with the tail of your thread using an overhand knot (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1

Make a lark’s head knot around a washer by passing the needle through the washer and then through the loop (Fig. 2). Pull tight.

Fig. 2

Step 2: First Round

String two Delicas. Pass the thread under the washer and back through the second Delica (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3

Using this brick stitch technique, continue adding one bead at a time until the washer is stitched with an even number of beads. Pass down through the first bead, under the washer, and back through the first bead. The first round is complete (Fig. 4).

Fig. 4

*Note: you can use either seed beads or accent beads for the first round. This creates variety among the pieces.

Step 3: Second Round

String one accent bead in a contrasting color from the first round. Pass down through the adjacent seed bead and up through the third (Fig. 5). Repeat around the washer. Weave the thread through the work and trim.

Fig. 5

And here's the finished washer! This is just one of many possibilities with this technique. Experiment and enjoy!