How to make a brick stitch pattern
- Choose a picture. For earrings, use a simple design on a white background and tick “Leave white background out”, so only the shape is beaded.
- Set the width in beads (10–20 for earrings, 30+ for panels) and the number of colours.
- Download the PDF: chart with offset rows, colour key with grams, and the word chart for every row.
Brick stitch, peyote and loom: which chart?
| Stitch | Bead direction | What is offset | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brick stitch | Holes up and down | Every other row, half a bead sideways | Earrings, shaped pieces, fringes |
| Peyote | Holes sideways | Every other column, half a bead down | Bracelets, cuffs, tubes |
| Loom | Holes sideways | Nothing: a straight grid | Long bands, large pictures |
Tips
- Start with a ladder row along the widest row of your design, then work outwards; for a shaped piece, decrease at the row ends where the chart is blank.
- Delica cylinder beads give the most even rows; round seed beads give a softer look.
- The key gives grams per colour with 10% spare (Delica 11/0 ≈ 200 beads per gram).
Frequently asked questions
How is brick stitch different from peyote?
In brick stitch the beads stand with their holes upright and each row sits half a bead to the side, like bricks in a wall. Peyote is the same shape turned 90°, with the columns offset instead of the rows.
How do I read the chart?
Each row is listed from the top of the chart, left to right. Every other row is shifted half a bead to the right, as it will sit in your work.
Can I make earrings with it?
Yes. Use a small width (10–20 beads) and tick “Leave white background out” for a shaped design; the blank cells are simply not beaded.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. The pattern is calculated in your browser, so your photo never leaves your device.
Last updated 2026-10-20.