Retired - Checkered Donut Necklace

Note: Components and tools listed within this INSTRUCTIONS box and the printer-friendly PDF, if available, may have been discontinued since this project was published. Refer to the PURCHASE COMPONENTS and TOOLS AND OTHER SUPPLIES sections for current availability.

1. Begin by watching our video on how to bead weave a triangle using peyote and herringbone stitches. You will be using a variation of this technique to make the square-shaped peyote and herringbone bail for your gemstone donut. Follow the bead pattern shown in the photo; the silver sides of the triangle represent your herringbone columns and the colorful pattern will be done in peyote. You will work from the center outward, repeating this pattern on all 4 sides of your square.
2. Cut a length of Fireline thread as long as you are comfortable working with, and thread a size 12 beading needle. In the video, 3 beads are strung and tied in a loop, but in order to make the square shape needed for the bail, you will need to string 4 silver Delica beads. Move them down to the end of the thread, leaving a 4 inch tail, and tie a knot so the beads form a square loop. Sew through the bead to the left.
3. Expanding on the instructions shown in the video, you will now create 4 herringbone stitch columns, one on each side of the anchoring square loop from the previous step. With your needle exiting one anchor bead, add 2 silver Delicas to your needle and sew down through the next bead, forming a column. Repeat this action three more times, and on the last column, step up to create the third row.
4. On the third row, add 1 magenta Delica bead between the silver herringbone columns on each side of the square using peyote stitch. This magenta Delica bead corresponds to the top bead in the magenta diamond near the top of the triangular beading pattern shown in the photo; you will be following this pattern to fill in the design on all 4 sides of the square.
5. Continue weaving the 4-sided piece, using peyote for the pattern on each side and herringbone for the silver spines. As you work, the piece will warp and fold over naturally into the shape you want in order to create the bail. Use slightly tighter thread tension as you weave to make sure the square folds in half naturally. You will need to tie off and weave in new thread as you work.
6. When you've completed the pattern, hold the piece folded over the gemstone donut, so two opposing tips of the square meet in the center hole. Join the tips by passing your needle through the silver Delicas on both ends of the central herringbone column. Reinforce the join three more times for strength. Weave in your thread tails.
7. Open the clasp of the waxed cotton cord necklace and slide the end without the clasp through the top of the bead woven bail.
8. Your necklace is ready to wear!

• SPAV-201 - Matte Green Aventurine Gemstone Pendants, Circle Donut 40mm, 1 Piece, Jade Green
  Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.


• DB-035 - Miyuki Delica Seed Beads 11/0 'Galvanized Silver' Metallic DB035 7.2 GR
  Project uses 1 tube. You will need 1 package.


• DB-175 - Miyuki Delica Seed Beads 11/0 Transparent Emerald Green AB DB175 7.2 GR
  Project uses 1 tube. You will need 1 package.


• DB-1342 - Miyuki Delica Seed Beads 11/0 - Silver Lined Dark Rose DB1342 - 7.2 Grams
  Project uses 1 tube. You will need 1 package.


• DB-610 - Miyuki Delica Seed Beads 11/0 - Silver Lined Violet DB610 7.2 Grams
  Project uses 1 tube. You will need 1 package.


• XCR-1280 - FireLine Braided Beading Thread, 4lb Test and 0.005 Thick, 15 Yards, Crystal Clear
  Project uses 10 feet. You will need 1 package.


• XCR-4203 - Black Waxed Cotton Necklace With Silver Plated Clasp 1.5mm / 16 Inches
  Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.

• XTL-3006 - Beadsmith English Beading Needles Size 12 (4 Needles)
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