Off-loom bead weaving

Off-loom bead weaving is a family of beadwork techniques in which beads (typically seed beads) are woven together into a fabric. Bead weaving on a loom is different enough that it is specifically excluded. All off-loom techniques can be accomplished using a single needle and thread (no warp threads), but some have two-needle variations.

Off-loom bead weaving encompasses a number of techniques, including

• gourd stitch or peyote stitch
• brick stitch
• square stitch
• right-angle weave
• triangle weave
• bead netting
• African helix
• Dutch spiral

The techniques produce fabrics with distinct textures and other properties, and thus are suitable for different kinds of articles.

References:

• Carol Wilcox Wells, Creative Bead Weaving. Lark Books, 1996. ISBN 1-887374-05-1