Easy peyote cuff
Weave a simple bracelet with plenty of style
by Mindy Brooks
reader sent us a tip long, hold it away from the
for helping children beads and keep it under
Alearn peyote stitch by slight tension.
using large beads and elastic When you have about 1
thread (see  Tips & Tech- ft. (30cm) of thread remain-
niques, p. 8). Frankly, that ing, cut it at the fold, leaving
seemed like an especially the tails long. Clamp them or
good way to teach the stitch tape them to the bracelet to
to adults, too, and the idea keep the beads in place as
led to the handsome peyote you work the other half.
cuff shown here. Unwind the elastic on the
cardboard. Thread the cut
ends through the needle and
stepbystep
continue working in peyote
With just four beads in each until the bracelet is a com-
row, this bracelet works up fortable fit around your
quickly, and the elastic wrist. End the bracelet with
thread helps keep the tension an even number of rows.
even as you stitch. Stretch the bracelet
Thread the needle with a several times to distribute
7-yd. (6.4m) length of elastic. the thread s tension along
(This should be enough its length. Sew the bracelet s
thread to complete the ends together by zigzagging
bracelet without having to between beads (photo c).
add more.) Working with the Work the elastic back
elastic doubled, string a stop through several beads in the
bead (any bead will do) and last row.
position it about halfway Run the tails set aside in
down the elastic. Take the step 3 through several beads
needle through the bead in the last row until the two
again to keep it in place, and pairs of ends meet. Tighten
wrap the long tail of thread the elastic slightly so that no
around a piece of cardboard thread shows between beads.
so it will stay out of your way Knot the elastic ends together
(photo a). with a surgeon s knot (see
a c
String 8 beads onto the  Basics ), dab the knot with
elastic and move them close glue, and pull the knot into a
materials
to the stop bead. Work in flat bead. Before you trim the
peyote stitch (see  Basics, p. ends, run them through a " 2 Tubes 50hex-cut beads
94) (photo b), stretching the bead or two and dab with " Gossamer Floss (available from
elastic very gently to keep the glue to keep them in place. w TSI, 800-366-2156)
beads in place. To avoid hav- " Tapestry or embroidery needles,
ing a tangled mess of elastic Mindy Brooks is an associate size 20-24
when the working thread is editor of Bead&Button. " G-S Hypo-Tube Cement
b
&
Bead Button " June 2001 55