Enjoy this free tutorial showing you how to make a beaded necklace using Right Angle Weave.
Right Angle Weave (RAW) is probably my favorite bead weaving technique. Looking at the sheer number of RAW tutorials that I've designed over the years, I see proof of that.
It's incredibly versatile and allows you to make anything from simple flat pieces to complex 3D patterns. Once you to learn the fundamentals of Right Angle Weave stitch, you can accomplish anything.
Today, I'll show you how to make a beaded necklace using cross weaving, i.e. stitching with two beading needles simultaneously.
I've named this pattern the Ombre Necklace because I'm using three different colors that start off lighter and progress into a darker hue.
To create this V-shaped necklace, you'll also be mixing up the bead sizes in addition to colors. You'll start off using 3mm round pearls and gradually increase up to 6mm round pearls. Then, you'll embellish the top of the units created with 6mm beads for a beautiful focal point.
This beaded necklace pattern is suitable for intermediate skill levels.
Ombre Necklace TUTORIAL
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Below is the materials list. Check out my Amazon store for links to all of my recommended beading supplies.
Please note: You may want make each section of the necklace a little longer than I did. Mine fit snugly at the end. Alternatively, you can add a bit of chain to the clasp to adjust the length.
Materials
- 2g 11/0 seed beads (A)
- 68 round pearls, 3mm (B)
- 72 round pearls, 4mm (C)
- 39 round pearls, 6mm (D)
- 13 montee crystals, 4mm (E)
- 1 Clasp
- Chain or extender (optional)
- 2.5 yards of bead thread
- 2 size 10 beading needles
- Thread burner or sharp scissors
- Bead mat
I have made both a video and written pattern for the Ombre Necklace.
Here's the video tutorial:
Here's the full written tutorial for the Right Angle Weave necklace:
How To Make A Beaded Necklace Using Right Angle WEave
Step 1: Attach a needle to both ends of 1.5 yards of beading thread.
Using the right-hand (RH) needle, string one half of your clasp and 1A.
Step 2: Using the left-hand (LH) needle, pass through the 1A previously strung so that both needles are exiting the same side of the 1A.
Center the clasp and 1A on the thread.
Step 3: String 3A and 1B on the RH needle.
Step 4: String 3A on the LH needle.
Step 5: Cross the LH needle through the 1B from left to right.
Note: Both needles should be exiting either side of the same 1B.
Step 6: String 2B using the RH needle.
Step 7: String 1B on the LH needle.
Step 8: Cross the LH needle through the last 1B strung from left to right. This is your first RAW unit.
Repeat Steps 6-8 until you have added ten more units.
Step 9: On the RH needle, string 2C.
Step 10: String 1C on the LH needle.
Step 11: Cross the LH needle from left to right through the last 1C strung on the RH side.
Note: This is the first unit using C's.
Repeat Steps 9-11 until you have added eleven more units.
Step 12: String 1D, 1A and 1D using the RH needle.
Step 13: Using the LH needle, string 1D and 1A.
Step 14: Cross the LH needle from left to right through the last 1D strung on the RH side.
Note: This is the first unit using D's.
Step 15: Using the RH needle, string 1A, 1D, 1A and 1D.
Step 16: Using the LH needle, string 1A, 1D and 1A.
Step 17: Cross the LH needle from left to right through the last 1D strung on the right side.
Repeat Steps 15-17 until you have added five more units.
Step 18: Once you have completed the first side of the necklace, it's time to add the second half of the V-shape.
Pass one needle through the adjacent 1A and 1D of the final RAW unit.
Step 19: Pass the second needle through the next 1A, 1D, 1A, 1D, 1A and 1D of the final unit.
Note: Now both needles should be exiting either side of the same 1D.
Step 20: Repeat Steps 15-17 until you have added five units.
Step 24: Repeat Steps 9-11 until you have added eleven more units using C beads.
Note: This section should be one unit short of the same section in the first half of the necklace.
Step 25: Then, string 1C and 1B using the RH needle.
Step 31: Using the same needle, string 3A.
Go through the final 1B from the side opposite where the clasp is attached.
Reinforce the clasp.
Weave both threads into the beadwork. Tie several half-hitch knots and remove the excess.
Now, it's time to embellish the top of the necklace.
Attach both needles to a new piece of beading thread, 1 yard long.
Pass through the 1C in the first unit of D's. (If you're unsure which C bead to go through, take a look at Step 35.)
Step 35: String 3A on the RH needle. Go through the center 1D following the 1C where you attached your thread in Step 32.
Step 36: String 3A on the LH needle. Go through the same 1D you passed through in the previous step from the opposite side.
Repeat Steps 32-36 until you have embellished all the units made using D beads on one half of the necklace.
Step 37: Now it's time to embellish the units in the second half of the necklace. You'll need to move your needles from the 1D at the end of the beadwork to the 1D that's shared between both sides of the necklace.
Using the needle exiting toward the other half of the necklace, pass through the adjacent 1A and 1D.
Step 38: Using the other needle, go through the adjacent 1A, 1D, 1A, 1D, 1A and 1D.
Note: Now, both needles should be exiting either side of the same 1D.
Step 40: Weave both threads into the beadwork. Tie several half-hitch knots and remove the excess.
Your necklace is now complete!
Right Angle Weave Necklace Variations
There are several variations you could use to make this piece:
- Use the same color of pearls, regardless of size
- Swap out the montee crystals for 4mm bicone crystals
- Eliminate the embellishment altogether
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Use this pattern as a guide for your own creativity.
Hi would like to the name of your beads, because there are so many out there I wanted the seed and your 3mm pearls you used for this particular necklace. Thank you in advance for your assistance
The seed beads I used were Miyuki Duracoat Galvanized Silver and the 3mm pearls were light grey.