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Peyote Stitch

Modern example of Peyote work. Modern example of Peyote work.

The Peyote stitch is an off-loom beading technique, the result of which is sometimes known as Peyote work. It can be worked with either an even or odd number of beads per row. 

To start a length of flat beadwork in this technique it is necessary to use a beading needle and thread to pick up as many beads as required for the design. Slide the beads to near the end of the thread and hold them there with the fingers. Then pick up another bead, skip the last bead of the first row and pass the thread through the next bead of the first row. Pull the thread gently to tension. Pick up another bead, and pass the thread through the next bead in the first row, and so on until the end of the row has been reached.

Although called Peyote stitch/work after historic and contemporary native American beadwork, the name is somewhat misleading, as it has been used for thousands of years in other parts of the world. Examples of beadwork in this technique, for example, were found in the tomb of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamun. The ancient Egyptian name for this technique is unknown. It is also widely used among various Malaysian groups, notably in Penang and the Ibans.

Also known as: gourd stitch.

Digital source of illustration (retrieved 9th July 2016).

GVE

Last modified on Wednesday, 31 May 2017 16:34