Peyote Stitch

• The peyote stitch is a Native American beading technique that typically uses seed beads in sizes 10 and 11. Belts, pouches, purses and pictorial wall art may all be created with this simple beading technique. The basic peyote stitch is always the same, but you can change the design and size of your project by increasing or decreasing the length of the successive rows. Free peyote stitch patterns are available from a variety of online beading resources.
  
  All peyote-stitch projects begin with a single row of beads. The technique involves working your way back and forth along the length of the row, skipping one bead before adding another. The second row looks like a jagged edge, but it is soon filled in as you work your third row, adding beads in the dips between the beads on the second row. Each successive row extends the height of your project. Images and patterns emerge based on the placement of different colored beads within the rows.
  
  

Stitching Beads

• Another Native American beading technique involves stitching individual beads onto fabric to create belts or beaded accents on clothing. Stitching beads is a simple process, but requires patience to complete a project.
  
  The simplest way to stitch a beaded design is to trace the outline of your image onto the fabric with chalk, then stitch the beads on one at a time. If you are using seed beads in a straight line, you can add up to five beads at a time, but you must work your way back through the line, stitching down every second or third bead. This technique is called couching.
  
  

Bead Weaving

• Bead weaving is a Native American beading technique that requires a bead loom to create a woven, beaded design. Bead looms are similar in design to textile looms and work on the same basic principles but on a smaller scale. Bead looms have strands of thread running one direction called warp threads. Other threads are beaded and woven between the warp threads to create a flat strip of beaded art for belts, headbands and other decorative strips.