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.
By following the instructions below you will make a 17 inch necklace. For a longer or shorter necklace, adjust the length of chain used on both sides.
- To begin, please watch our video on how to do brick stitch bead weaving. Cut a length of Fireline thread as long as you're comfortable working with (you'll need about 6 feet to complete the piece) and thread a size 12 beading needle.
- You'll be following the bead weaving pattern shown in the photo above, weaving half of the character at a time. I found it easiest to start with a row in the middle, weaving his left side first, including the tail. Start by weaving a ladder stitch base row, following the colors of the row indicated by the arrow.
- Continue weaving Charmander's left side, using brick stitch increases and decreases to create the tiered rows in the pattern.
- At the end of the third row, you will need to add 1 extra orange Delica bead using ladder stitch to make the left leg longer. At the beginning of the fourth row, don't worry about adding the white claw yet -- start the row with an increase using the 2 orange Delicas that come after the claw. After completing the fifth row, you will go back down and add the white Delica at the end of the fourth row.
- When you get to the indentation of Charmander's neck, finish the side of his head first, and then weave back through your beadwork to do the left arm, leg and tail. I found it easiest to work up the leg and base of the tail first, and then weave back down and work up the arm. Use ladder stitch to bridge across the open space from the arm to the tail, and then connect the bridge to the tail with the last orange Delica in the row. Then continue weaving the plume of the tail, joining the arm and base of the tail together.
- When you've completed Charmander's left side, weave back down through your beadwork and continue weaving his right side, following the lower portion of the pattern.
- When you've finished your weaving, weave in your thread tails.
- Using flush cutters, cut two 8 1/2 inch lengths of silver chain.
- Open a jump ring and slide it through the orange Delica at the top right corner of Charmander's forehead (see photo for reference). Also slide on the first link of one piece of chain. Close the jump ring.
- Open another jump ring and slide it through the orange Delica bead at the top left corner of Charmander's forehead. Also slide on the first link of the second piece of chain. Close the jump ring.
- Open another jump ring and slide on the loop of your clasp. Then slide on the last link of chain on one side of the necklace. Close the jump ring.
- Open another jump ring and slide on the last link of chain on the other side of the necklace. Close the jump ring.
- Enjoy your necklace!
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: (scroll down for purchase options)
- DB-1573 - Miyuki Delica Seed Beads 11/0 Opaque Mandarin AB Orange DB1573 7.2 GR
Project uses 1 tube. You will need 1 package.
- DB-721 - Miyuki Delica Seed Beads 11/0 Opaque Yellow DB721 7.2 Grams
Project uses 1 tube. You will need 1 package.
- DB-608 - Miyuki Delica Seed Beads 11/0 Silver Lined Blue Zircon DB608 7.2 Grams
Project uses 1 tube. You will need 1 package.
- DB-206 - Miyuki Delica Seed Beads 11/0 Opaque Salmon Pink DB206 7.2 GR
Project uses 1 tube. You will need 1 package.
- DB-010 - Miyuki Delica Seed Beads 11/0 'Black' Opaque DB010 7.2 GR
Project uses 1 tube. You will need 1 package.
- DB-200 - Miyuki Delica Seed Beads 11/0 Opaque Chalk White DB200 6.6 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 6 feet. You will need 1 package.
- FJR-5454 - Silver Plated Open Jump Rings 4mm 22 Gauge (50)
Project uses 4 pieces. You will need 1 package.
- FCL-2507 - Silver Plated Curved Lobster Clasps 8mm (10)
Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.
- CHA-2400 - Silver Plated 2mm x 2.4mm Cable Chain - By The Foot
Project uses 17 inches. You will need 2 packages.
RECOMMENDED TOOLS:- XTL-3006 - Beadsmith English Beading Needles Size 12 (4 Needles)
- XTL-0109 - Beadsmith Extra-Fine Thread Snips - Cuts Textiles, Yarn, And More!
- XTL-5600 - Xuron Sharp Flush Cutter Pliers - Wire/Soft Flex
- XTL-5511 - Beadsmith Jeweller's Micro Pliers Chain Nose Flat Nose
- XTL-5514 - Beadsmith Jewelry Fine Round Nose Micro Pliers