Learn how to make an open back bezel with this simple, step-by-step tutorial. You should be familiar with Peyote Stitch to complete this beading pattern.
If you have gemstones or crystals that don’t have any holes in them, or you’ve seen them in your favorite bead shop, you’ve probably wondered how you could use them in your jewelry.
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Well, that’s where a beaded bezel would come in.
A bezel is a ring of beads that holds your cabochon or rivoli in place. It’s a simple way to incorporate any components without holes in beaded jewelry.
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to create an open back bezel using Peyote Stitch. I definitely recommend that you’re comfortable with Flat Even Count Peyote Stitch before you attempt this.
This tutorial is very simple, though, and I purposely made it that way so you can get familiar with making bezels. It’s a technique that requires a little practice for some beaders.
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How To Make An Open Back Bezel
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Below is the materials list. Check out my Amazon store for links to all of my recommended beading supplies.
open back bezel Materials
- 11/0 Miyuki Delica beads (Opaque Avocado, Metallic Lt. Bronze)
- 15/0 Miyuki Seed beads (Metallic Blue Iris, Duracoat Galvanized Champagne)
- 1 Rivoli, 14mm (Peridot)
- 1 yard of beading thread
- 1 size 12 beading needle
- Thread burner or sharp scissors
- Bead mat
Please note: I used two different colors of Delicas and seed beads to make it easier for you to follow the pattern. If you're making a beaded bezel for the first time, I recommend you do the same.
INSTRUCTIONS for how to make a bezel
Step 1: Thread your needle with 1 yard of beading thread.
Attach a stop bead in the middle of your thread.
String 36 Delicas.
Go back through the first Delica strung from the tail end to turn them into a circle.
Step 2: String one Delica (I used a second color).
Skip the following Delica added in the first round and pass through the next one.
Step 3: Repeat Step 2 until you have completed the round.
Step up by passing through the first Delica added in Step 2.
Step 4: String one 15/0 seed bead.
Skip the following Delica and pass through the next one.
Step 5: Repeat Step 4 until you have completed the round.
Then, step up by passing through the first 15/0 added in Step 4.
Note: Use a tight tension for this round. Your beadwork should start to cup at this point.
Step 6: String one 15/0 seed bead (I used a second color).
Once again, skip the following Delica and pass through the next 15/0 seed bead added in the previous round.
Step 7: Repeat Step 6 until you've completed the round.
Note: Pull tight as you add the beads in this Step.
Step 8: Remove the stop bead and attach the beading needle to the tail end.
Flip your beadwork upside down.
Insert the rivoli face down in the middle.
Step 9: Weave the thread through the beads so it's exiting a high bead (a Delica that's sticking out).
Step 10: String one 15/0 seed bead.
Skip one Delica bead and pass through the next.
Step 11: Repeat Step 10 until the round is complete and then step up. Pull the thread tight throughout this Step.
Step 12: String one 15/0 seed bead.
Skip the following Delica and go through the next 15/0 seed bead.
Step 13: Repeat Step 12 until you have completed the round making sure to keep a tight, even tension.
Step 14: Weave the working and tail threads into the beadwork. Tie a few half-hitch knots and remove the excess.
Your open back bezel is now complete!
You can now do several things with this component:
- Add a loop and use as a pendant
- Make a second one and attach earring hooks
- Embellish and use as part of any piece of jewelry e.g. bracelet or necklace.
The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.
check out these beaded bezel patterns from the bead club lounge
Download this free pattern!
Boost your Right-Angle Weave skills with this easy-to-follow bracelet pattern.
Simply sign up for weekly beading tips to have the bracelet tutorial sent straight to your email inbox.
No spam ever! Unsubscribe at any time. See Privacy Policy here.
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