Peyote Beadwork
by Mike Mann

In a previous craft column, we showed how to Cheyenne flat stitch to achieve what looks like a loom-beaded project, but which requires no loom and is much stronger. You may have wondered how you could use it to cover something round like a walking stick or fan. Actually, you could use it that way, but it would be difficult to attach to the walking stick. Instead, you could use what is called "Peyote" or "gourd stitch."

Begin by gluing leather or canvas around your object where you want the beadwork to be. Trim off any loose material or excess so the surface will be smooth. To start, push a threaded needle (again use waxed nylon thread to make the needle pass through the beads more easily and protect against ultraviolet light) through the leather at the top or bottom edge. String on enough beads to go all the way around the piece. Count the beads. Once you have determined how many beads are needed to surround the piece, develop the pattern on Peyote bead paper so you get the pattern down on paper. That makes the finished piece look like what you wanted. Be sure to use Peyote bead paper; it's different from regular paper.

If the number you counted is not evenly divisible by 6, add or subtract beads to arrive at a number that is evenly divisible by 6, such as 18, 24, 30, etc. Next, remove 1/3 of the beads. Wrap the string around the piece and put the needle through bead #1 (the first bead you put on the string) again going in the same direction as before. Pull the beads up snuggly; that's the secret of getting a good finished product--keep the beadwork tight, but don't break the string.

Put on another bead and put the needle through bead #3, again going in the same direction as before. The added bead will lie between beads #2 and #3. Add another bead and put the needle through bead #5; the new bead will be between #4 and #5. Finish the row in this way, putting on a bead and passing the needle through every other bead. When you finish the row, the string will pass through bead #1 for the third time. Getting the first row on can be a bit tricky, but once you have it in place, the rest follow smoothly. Always continue by stringing on a new bead and passing the thread through the lowest bead. What you will have is called a "three-drop pattern." There are other ways of doing Peyote, but that can wait until another time.

As with Cheyenne stitch, add new string by weaving it into the pattern, but don't tie any knots. They mess up the appearance. When you have completely covered the leather or finished you pattern, end by passing the thread through the leather for the second time and tie a knot (a Scout should be able to pick the best knot). Good luck. I'll help if you have trouble (712/347- 6862).