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June 28, 2019

Odd Count Peyote Cross Ring Tutorial

I can't be the only one. I know how to do flat odd count peyote. I even know multiple ways to do the strange turn that occurs every other row - and yet I still shy away from using it. It's really silly - because it's the best way to make symmetrical designs.

So I challenged myself to use it this week - and not just once, but three times. I didn't say it had to be three different projects though...

Odd count peyote tutorial

This week's project is an odd count peyote stitch ring with a cross motif.  Can you guess what the hardest part was?


It definitely was not the odd count turn. That was very easy. It was the single count peyote - which is so darn s_l_o_w compared to the two drop peyote heart rings I have been making.

But I did persevere and I'm happy I did. There is no reason to fear odd count peyote.  Of course, there are multiple ways to do the turn, so I'll walk you through the technique I used.

Start just like even count peyote - except string an odd number of beads. I am using nine beads.  Then pick up a bead, skip the first bead, stitch through the next bead until you get to the end of the row. That's when the trouble starts. You'll find that there's no way to add the bead and turn like you normally would in even count peyote.

Odd count peyote tutorial

This first turn is the old fashioned figure eight method of odd count peyote. Pick up the bead you want to add and go back through the last three beads you added.

Odd count peyote tutorial

Pull your thread through, and now you'll need to stitch back up the opposite way - the second half of the figure eight.

Odd count peyote tutorial

The last part of this turn, is stitching back through the end bead you were adding, this time stitching down so your thread is going in the correct direction to continue 'normal' peyote stitch.

Learn odd count peyote beading

Now pick up a bead, skip a bead and stitch through the next bead sticking out. Continue in this manner to the end of the row, make the usual turn and finish the row.

free odd count peyote tutorial

And you'll find yourself in the same situation with no way to add the next bead using the usual peyote turn. This time, and for the rest of the project, I use a turn that is similar to brick stitch instead of peyote, since I will be stitch under the end threads.

odd count peyote ring tutorial

Pick up a bead and stitch under the thread bridge from the prior turn.

Easy odd count peyote tutorial ring

After you pull the thread through, the bead may be sticking out a little.

Easy odd count peyote tutorial ring

Gently push it into place and stitch down through the bead to lock it in place. Make adjustments as necessary and make sure your thread tension is not too tight or your piece could curve. Too loose and it will curve the opposite direction.

Easy odd count peyote tutorial ring

This is the view from the top. You can see the thread (8 lb FireLine in Crystal) is wrapped under the prior stitch and forms a neat bridge over the beads. The only difference from normal, even count, peyote is that the thread is doubled.

Easy odd count peyote tutorial ring

It looks exactly the same from the front.  That's pretty much all the drama - just continue to make the brick stitch style turn every other row.

Easy odd count peyote tutorial ring

Zipping up the ring is the same as always. The beads will have to be in the opposite configuration with a bead on one side matching up to a space on the other side.

free odd count peyote ring instructions and pattern

This pattern is very simple, but I did try a few variations. You can make the cross solid as in the black and gold example.

free odd count peyote ring instructions and pattern

Or try a two tone cross - of which I made two different variations. The gold is a little difficult to see on the lighter color band, but it depends on how the light reflects off it.

free odd count peyote ring instructions and pattern

Here is the pattern for the three variations.  I used different colors, but you get the idea.

free odd count peyote ring instructions and pattern by Lisa Yang Jewelry

And the word chart for the first two color variations is below. The pattern was made using BeadTool.

free odd count peyote ring instructions and pattern by Lisa Yang Jewelry

I hope you enjoy the project. From a materials perspective, the rings are made with size 11 delica beads, Tulip brand beading needles are my favorite and I like FireLine thread in eight or ten pound for this type of ring.

I have a few other patterns for simple peyote rings that I am working on. A star and crescent moon are in the works, as well as a couple of others. I may also start embellishing the edges with a picot in the future too.

free odd count peyote ring instructions and pattern by Lisa Yang Jewelry

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2 comments:

  1. Such great work!!!! My favorite is the cross bracelet.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I did it,a little complicated at first to do the cross, but it turn out beautiful!

    ReplyDelete