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Beading Instructions
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Square Stitch

Square Stitch, also
know as the faux loom beading stitch, is a very easy, versatile stitch, used
extensively in bead work for many applications. Square stitch
creates a fabric that looks much like loom work. It's great for small
items where stringing up your loom might be more trouble than it's worth.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
Seed beads - size 10/0 or 11/0
Nymo "B" thread
#12 beading needle
Thread conditioner or beeswax
scissors
INSTRUCTIONS:
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Begin by threading a
#12 beading needle with 1 yard of prepared thread.
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String on the
first bead on the left side of the bottom row of your pattern and go
through it several times to secure it. Be sure to leave a
6 inch tail. This bead will hold your work in place and the thread will
be woven back into the finished piece. Then pick up the rest of
the beads in this row. This forms your base row.
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Pick up the first
bead on the right side of the second row from the bottom and go back
through the last bead in the previous row then up and through the new
bead again
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Each bead is added
the same way, pick up a bead, go back through the bead directly below
and through the new bead again.
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If using beads with
large holes, each time you finish a row, go down and back through the
entire previous row once more then up and through the just finished row
to reinforce. Reinforcing in this way is necessary to help keep
everything straight and tidy. If using beads with small holes, skip this
step because it won't leave enough room to add fringe or surface
embellishment later on.
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Continue in this
manner until all rows have been added, adding new lengths of thread as
needed (see tips below). Follow your pattern carefully, as you
will be alternating directions for each row.
- Upon completion
of all the rows in your pattern, weave any loose ends back into the
finished piece.
TIPS:
Introduce new thread
at the beginning of a row. Just thread your needle and start the
row as if it were the same thread, then weave in the ends later.
Keep in mind that you are making a series of loops with your thread;
this will help you track the stitch pattern. Keep a moderate to
tight tension on your thread with this stitch for added stability.
Use this stitch anywhere you would use loom work, and use it with loom
graphs.
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