Brick


Brick Stitch Called brick because of the way the beads line up in rows similar to the laying of bricks; each bead is offset from the other. Also known as Comanche Stitch or Cheyenne stitch as these tribes used them extensively in their traditional and ceremonial lives. Also used extensively by the artists of Africa. Excellent for earrings and other jewelry, but can also is use for dimensional pieces like sculptures or baskets. The fabric created with this pattern is fairly stiff and durable. It takes a little longer to work than other stitches, since the thread path goes through each bead more than once. That also is a consideration since some of the smaller and/or vintage beads have smaller holes than Japanese or other contemporary beads. You will have to give some thought to the size of thread and needles used. When using bead with smaller holes use finer thread and needles. Culling irregular shapes is also a consideration. The brick stitch creates more supple fabric that looks great with Czech beads, but there is less culling to do with the Japanese or cylinder beads since they are more uniform, an advantage when working precise patterns.

Foundation/Ladder Stitch
The ladder stitch also known as Comanche ladder and the foundation stitch. Creates the foundation onto which other stitches can be worked. The foundation in many projects is at the widest point of the work. The Brick stitch, fringe, or edging is then worked along the length on either side of the ladder form by the beads and thread.
Step 1-String on 2 beads. Run through both twice, pulling them to lay side by side. Run through again to secure. In some patterns you will be directed to leave a tail a certain length. This tail will be used for more weaving or for fringe. If the tail is not going to be used you can knot it and trim down so it does not show in the finished work.


Step 2-String on 1 bead. Run through the previous bead of foundation and back through the bead just added. Double stitch both beads
Step 3- Repeat step 2 of the foundation until you have the number of beads you desire for the foundation row(the number of strands you intend to work.)

Working the rows
To Begin A Brick Stitch Row Some artists will simply begin the brick stitch along the foundation. This produces a thread that shows along the side of the beads on the beginning of each row. Preferably, the beginning of each row is worked with this two-bead start to eliminate that.

String on 2 beads. Run your needle under the second bridge and back through the second bead. Pull tight and run back through both beads to secure.

Basic Brick Stitch
String on 1 bead, run under the next bridge on row and back up though the bead just added. Work until you have no more bridges to work. The row will automatically decrease by 1 bead each row.