Circular peyote stitch is one of the most versatile beadwork stitches. In this Beading Lesson, we’ll cover the basics of getting started and I’ll show you some ideas for creating your own peyote stitch rings.

For tubular peyote stitch, you’ll need: beading thread, hard beading needle, scissors, jeweler’s cement and seed beads. If you’re making a ring to wear on your finger, you may want to use a ring mandrel to see how many beads you’ll need for the proper size.

Peyote stitch is typically worked with size 11/0 cylindrical seed beads, but interesting effects can be achieved with other sizes of seed beads as well. Larger 6/0 seed beads are good for getting started because it’s easier to see the beadwork pattern.

To find out how many beads you’ll need to make your ring, wrap a piece of beaded thread around the mandrel at the appropriate ring size. For example, a size seven ring will require XX size 6/0 seed beads.

For even-count peyote stitch, string an even number of beads onto the thread and tie the ends in a knot. Pass the needle through the bead next to the knot. Pick up a bead, skip a bead on the first round, and pass through the next bead. As you reach the beginning of the circle, you’ll need to step up to the next round. Do this by passing through the first beads on the previous rounds and adding a bead in the next possible space to follow the pattern.

For odd-count peyote stitch, string an odd number of beads onto the thread and tie the ends in a knot. Pass the needle through the bead next to the knot. Pick up a bead, skip a bead on the first row, and pass through the next bead. Continue adding a bead and skipping a bead until the desired number of rows is reached. The pattern will naturally spiral around the circle.

You can combine different types of beads to create peyote stitch bands. Tubular peyote stitch can also form the band on a ring that has a center embellishment. But, peyote stitch rings aren’t just for fingers! Use the same technique to create an eye-catching bail for a donut pendant or to make tubular beads for a unique necklace design.