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Beading Instructions

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.

• Loom Pattern
• Seed beads - size 10/0 or 11/0
• Nymo "B" thread
• #12 beading needle
• Thread conditioner or beeswax
• scissors

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Begin by threading a #12 beading needle with 1 yard of prepared thread.
• 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.
• 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
• Each bead is added the same way, pick up a bead, go back through the bead directly below and through the new bead again.
• 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.
• 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.