Create an Easy Ladder Stitch Bracelet

re: Create an Easy Ladder Stitch Bracelet

DeonD — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:30:31 GMT

I am a great fan of brick stitch. It is the stitch I started with 40 years ago that led to my beading career. I have written four books on brick stitch techniques. When you are using bugle beads for the ladder section always make sure that they are not broken or chipped on the ends. I have even taken time to use a nail file to smooth both ends (especially on vintage beads). Another tip is to pull the thread straight through the bugle beads, rather than across the top at an angle. This will help prevent the thread from fraying by touching the edge of the bugle. I have made entire brick stitch pieces using bugle beads exclusively and have never had a problelm, as long as I used this technique. After you complete adding the number of beads required for the ladder section, pass you needle and thread through the beads working across to the starting position. This will reinforce the beads and make them lay side-by-side. The tension should be tight enough to be snug, but not so tight that the beads tend to buckle. With practice you will be able to "feel" the tension needed. Use thread thin enough to allow for additional thread passes as you bead, but thick enough to hold the beads from turning on the thread, thus wearing the thread and cutting it eventually. Hope this is helpful. Happy Beading! Deon DeLange

re: Create an Easy Ladder Stitch Bracelet

BobR@3 — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 23:30:52 GMT

Ok, Maybe I am the only one. I get the first row, but how do you get to the second??? I'm visual and most instructions only give the first row. Thank Kim Kim: The reason that the second row is usually not included is that it is different and somewhat difficult to explain in text. Your best bet would be to find a diagram and practice it a bit. In this case, a picture is truly worth a thousand words. Bob in WA.

re: Create an Easy Ladder Stitch Bracelet

IrinaS — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:13:53 GMT

We use ladder stitch as base for all kinds of projects, and one thing I've noticed is that, especially with bugle beads, the thread frequently breaks soon after the piece is done, because there is a lot of tension on it. So, my tip is: make sure you don't have sharp edges close to the thread, so it won't have any chance to get sawed through.

re: Create an Easy Ladder Stitch Bracelet

SheraM — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 01:07:16 GMT

I learned to do ladder stitch with 2 needles, one on either end of the thread. Pick up your first bead with either needle and move it to the center of the thread. Pick up the second bead with the needle on the right going through the second bead from right to left. Snug it down near the first bead. Lay the first needle down. With the left-hand needle, go through the second bead from the opposite direction, from left to right. Pull both ends of the thread and the second bead will be where it belongs, right up against the first bead. Lay the second needle down and pick up the other needle. Add the third bead, repeating alternating the needles through each bead. It doesn't really matter from which direction you start, as long as you go through each bead from opposite directions. This results in fewer threads going through each bead, which is nice if you want to go through them again to add embellishments.

re: Create an Easy Ladder Stitch Bracelet

Kimmrg — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 15:51:45 GMT

Ok, Maybe I am the only one. I get the first row, but how do you get to the second??? I'm visual and most instructions only give the first row. Thank Kim

re: Create an Easy Ladder Stitch Bracelet

BarbaraB@151 — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 23:40:27 GMT

Yay, BobR!!! I second that process. I have very small hands, but with the onset of arthritis it is getting increasingly difficult to grasp small objects as my fingers no longer bend. I came up with the same idea and it works every time. Also agree that I look forward to your free patterns. I buy scads of patterns, magazines, etc., so getting these good quality little gems on your site is such a pleasure (big smile). Phx Fan

re: Create an Easy Ladder Stitch Bracelet

BobR@3 — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 22:30:10 GMT

This might be a guy thing, with our big hands, but to start a row of ladder stitch for a brick stitch pattern (11/0 beaded earrings), I had to develop my own technique, so for the first time, here it is...Take a small block of wood, about the size of a popsicle stick. Thickness doesn't matter. Put a piece of double back tape on the block. Lay a strip of beads side-by-side, until you have the desired number. This will allow you to do the first row without holding the beads. After the first row, I'm good to go, by just lifting the beads off the stick. It works for me. Bob in WA.

re: Create an Easy Ladder Stitch Bracelet

patschar — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:05:51 GMT

I filled out the survey and forgot to say-- Your free patterns are certainly NOT a waste of time!! Please keep them coming! I often do really complicated patterns but I loved to see this pretty bracelet that is made so simply.

re: Create an Easy Ladder Stitch Bracelet

my3 — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 20:03:48 GMT

this is so cool

re: Create an Easy Ladder Stitch Bracelet

DorrieS — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:48:41 GMT

I suppose I should add that you could use this method for even the single row ladder by going to the second bead from needle and up just one bead. Dorrie

re: Create an Easy Ladder Stitch Bracelet

DorrieS — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:42:31 GMT

Hi. Just wanted to post a bit about starting ladder stitch. This is the easiest way I learned. Start by placing on a stop bead. Add the number of beads times 2 that are needed for your base. (This will make your first and second row.) Bring needle up through the 4th and 3rd bead from needle and pull to bring the last 4 beads together into 2 columns. Then repeat this process of going through the 4th and 3rd bead from the needle to the end of your piece. I wish I could draw the diagrams, but am not able to at this point. Hope this helps. Any questions, I will try to answer or lead you to a link. Dorrie