Brick Stitch can be used to create stunning beaded bracelets, earrings and even charms. Here’s a bead-weaving tutorial for beginners and a list of patterns.
Brick Stitch is one of those beading techniques that you just don’t hear much about. It’s often overshadowed by much more popular stitches e.g. Peyote Stitch or Right-Angle Weave.
So today, I’m going to give this stitch the attention it deserves and discuss it in detail. I’ll also provide a few beading tutorials that utilize this technique in case you want to try it out for yourself.
A Complete Guide To Brick Stitch
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What Is It?
Brick Stitch, also known as Comanche Stitch, has Native American origins. It looks a lot like Peyote Stitch that has been turned on its side.
The two techniques can actually produce very similar results. The major difference being that the thread in Peyote Stitch passes through the bead holes whereas, the thread in Brick Stitch passes underneath thread bridges.
How To Complete This Stitch
In order to complete this beading technique, you’ll need a base to work off of. Ladder Stitch is the most common way to start. Bugle beads and Delica beads are popular bead choices as they are easy to ladder stitch but you can use other beads as well.
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Here’s an easy beginner tutorial, if you’re completely new to this beading technique.
Beading Tutorials
Brick Stitch is very versatile. It’s great for adding embellishment to a piece of jewelry and can also stand very well on its own. Just like other beading techniques, there are variations including flat, circular and tubular.
Here’s a list of free beading patterns that I have found using this technique:
- How To Create A Rhombus With Beads– Sara Spoltore
- Circular Brick Stitch Earrings– Off the Beaded Path
- How To Make Brick Stitch and Fringe Beaded Earrings– Beadaholique
- Ruffled Edge Bead Flower– The Spruce
- Brick Stitch Ring Tutorial– The Heart Beating
Now, here’s a list of tutorials for sale:
- Precious Gold Bracelet– Bead Patterns by Jaycee
- Garnet Wings Bracelet– Bead Patterns by Jaycee (Must know Brick Stitch as no stitch instructions are given)
- Sunna Goddess Necklace and Earrings Set– Simple Bead Patterns
- Montana Sky Bracelet and Earrings– Starr Design Studio
- Congo Grey Parrot Charm– Starr Design Studio
If you want to delve deeper into the technique, you can find a list of books on the topic here.
Take advantage of the versatility of Brick Stitch and create amazing unique and even sculptural designs. Once you know the basics, the possibilities are endless.
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Download this free pattern!
Boost your Right-Angle Weave skills with this easy-to-follow pattern.
Simply sign up for weekly beading tips to have the bracelet tutorial sent straight to your email inbox.
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This is nice!
Thank you.
Thank you for the links!
I also wrote a complete tutorial about brick stitch. This tutorial covers a double row start up that is much more stable than the ladder stitch. In my opinion, easier too.
It’s called, “The ABCs Of Brick Stitch”. It’s available free of charge on http://www.starrdesignstudio.net
You’re welcome!
Hi, I have tried to make two different pairs of brick stitch earrings with fringe. Everything went well except for when I did my fringe, the beads in my foundation layer kept breaking. The only information I could find that mentioned anything about this said it can happen if the beads are strung too tight.. the second pair I tried to weave very loosely and still came to the same problem upon beading the fringe. I am using size 11 seeds beads and fireline thread. Any suggestions? I desperately want to figure this out, but don’t know anyone else who has ever done this before!
Thanks!
Hmm… I am not sure why this would be happening. The only other reason I can think of is that Brick Stitch requires a few thread passes through the same beads. So, maybe the thread is too thick for the bead holes and it’s causing them to break. Try using Toho size 11 seed beads. That brand generally has larger holes. And, what size Fireline are you using? Maybe, try a 4lb or 6lb that might be a bit thinner. Also, use a size 12 needle. Forcing the needle through tight spots has caused me to break quite a few beads. I hope those suggestions help!
Wonderful information, thank you for sharing! I’m wondering, is it possible to replace beads in a completed brick stitch project? I have a complex project and used a color that does not complement the other beads. I know how to replace beads in peyote but not brick stitch. Is their hope? There is only 15 out of 700 beads that need to be changed. Thank you so much.
Thank you! I have never heard of anyone replacing beads in Brick Stitch. It would very challenging because you need to stitch under the thread bridges as opposed to Peyote Stitch where you’re passing through beads.
Hello I have one question and I really hope you could help me. When I’m doing a project with brick stitch technique some times the end of some rows go up could you tell me what I do wrong? Thank you
Hi Christina, without seeing what you’re doing, it will be hard for me to tell. Maybe you’re not securing the beads along the ends properly? Here’s a demo video showing how it should be done: https://youtu.be/lU9Z_EJMocA. It might also be your thread tension or if you’re using uneven beads. Hopefully that gives you some ideas.