Christmas Wreath — Shaped Bead Pattern
Ready to stitch: DB color numbers and bead counts included.
Worked as a shaped piece — stitch the numbered beads in order.
Colors and finished size assume 11/0 Delica beads.
Finished look
Stitching order (numbered)
How to make it
You will need
- Miyuki Delica beads (see the bead list with DB numbers)
- Beading thread (KO, One-G, or similar)
- Beading needle (size #10–#12)
- Scissors and a bead mat
Getting started (shaped / brick stitch)
- Add a stopper bead about 15 cm from the thread end, using a bead not found in the pattern.
- Work in number order. Lay the widest row (beads ①…, outlined on the chart) side by side as a ladder foundation.
- Work the top half up from the foundation, one bead at a time in number order — stitch into the bead below, and increase or decrease at the edges to follow the outline.
- Return to the foundation and work the bottom half the same way. The numbers are the stitching order, so when in doubt, just follow them lowest to highest.
- This pattern comes as two pieces (top and bottom) because of the hole in the middle. Stitch each piece in number order (① then ②), then join the bottom edge of the top piece to thetop edge of the bottom piece with a peyote zip — weave through the alternating up-beads of both edges (two seams, left and right; leave the hole open).
Finishing off
- Weave the tail in a zigzag through several nearby beads.
- Tie half-hitch knots around the threads between beads, two or three times in different places.
- Pass through a few more beads and trim the thread.
- Remove the stopper bead and finish that tail the same way.
