Netted Beading Stitch
The netted beading stitch—or bead netting (I have seen it referred to in both these terms) — is a very old bead‑weaving technique. It’s easily recognized by its open, mesh-like structure, created by stringing beads and securing them by passing the thread through regularly spaced beads in the row above. This creates quite a delicate fabric of interlocking diamonds or hexagons.
A Bit of History
And the word “fabric” captures the netting stitch perfectly as its structure is quite supple. Take the most ancient examples of netting: the Egyptian netted dress, pictured left.
The dress, originally dark blue and turquoise, goes back 4500 years and was found in 7000 pieces! Although the stringing material had disintegrated, the bead placement had stayed true, allowing archaeologists to reconstruct it.
Bead netted items have also been found in clothing from the Middle Ages and Chinese purses, for example.
With time, bead netting evolved into a lace-like stitch used for decorative accessories and necklaces.
Photo credit, YouTube “short,” from @learnhistorysimply.
Technique & Tools
Begin with a simple structure:
- String on a base row of beads.
- String a second row, anchored to the first row in regular, periodic placements. And repeat!
As netting creates a rather loose weave, when compared to tighter woven bead structures, netting is faster to make and uses fewer beads.
Variations are achieved by varying the bead count, to allow for curved applications, adding additional design elements, etc. To explore the hexagonal netting stitch, download a free hexagonal beaded netting pattern here. (Interweave, by tmclaughlin, March 2014)
The Beading Room has you covered on beads, needles, and clasps!
Let’s Bring It Up to Date
Bead netting has proven itself with the test of time. It never goes completely out of style, but easily adapts to new trends. Here are some ways it’s popular today.
- Jewelry: Whether you’re looking for a boho look or an elegant evening look, bead netting offers tons of opportunity to make or design tubular necklaces and bracelets, as well as flat collars, cuffs, and choker necklaces.
- 3D Beaded Beads / Containers: YouTube and Etsy offer countless tutorials to help you cover larger beads, as well as perfume bottle covers, or ornament balls.
Beaded netting is so easy to start, when compared to stitches such as peyote; it’s easy to get into when compared to bead looming; and it’s easy to learn compared to cubic right angle weave (CRAW, which I still struggle with!). These features make is super accessible to many – few tools needed and no individual instructions required!
Check out the YouTube tutorials that follow, for inspiration.
“Filled Tubular Netting Necklace – Elegant DIY Jewelry That Looks Complicated but Isn’t!”
Beginner Pattern from Beading Time
Titled: “white netted necklace, beaded necklace tutorial step by step for beginners”
From TheClosetHistorian
An advanced project that incorporates the netting technique.
Titled: “Making An Epic Beaded Necklace // Goth Queen Collar”
Title: “DIY Beaded Lace Necklace with Pearls and Seed Beads. How to Make Beaded Jewelry. Beading Tutorial”
I hope that you are inspired to give this ancient technique a try – it will whip up quickly and is sure to earn compliments!
Take care my little bead sprouts! Cathy