Finger-weaving uses a couple of common macrame stitches. For this piece, I used half-hitches and square knots. Since a half-hitch is one half of a square knot, this is really an easy technique to master! I've covered some tips in the past for finger-weaving, which you might want to look at to brush up.
1. Choose a selection of beads and divide them into two similar piles, one for each finger-woven strand.
2. Cut 3 to 4 pieces of cord (I use C-Lon) approximately 50 inches long. Cut another cord approximately 150 inches long. Fold all the cords in half and form a lark's head knot over one of the toggles or loops. Make a few full square knots with the long cords around all the shorter cords to anchor the knot, and then begin weaving in some of your smaller beads. Use only the shorter cords to add beads. Switch to half hitches when you begin weaving in beads so that the necklace will twist.
3. Begin adding larger beads. I made 2 half hitches between each smaller bead, and 3 between each larger bead. You can experiment with this to see how full you want your necklace.
4. Weave a second strand similar to the first. At the bottom, bring all the cords together and tie a few full square knots around the shorter cords with the 4 longer ones. Put a dab of glue on the knots to keep them tight. I use Hypo-Tube cement for this: it's clear and dries quickly.
5. Add beads to each of the cords and knot to keep them in place. Put a dab of glue on each knot.
6. I used a toggle at the top of each strand of beads. I used a chain bracelet with a lobster claw clasp for the closure.
Beaded Treasures: Finger Woven Bracelets, Necklaces, Tassels & Straps by Robin Atkins
Copyright 2010 Cyndi Lavin. Not to be reprinted, resold, or redistributed for profit. May be printed out for personal use or distributed electronically provided that entire file, including this notice, remains intact.
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Comments
By coincidence, I was reading about crocheting beads into jewelry in a bead magazine just yesterday. I was very intrigued but the directions and illustrations are not as good as yours.
So I was delighted to see these great pictures, especially how you tie one end in macramé style to control the piece.
What still puzzles me is how you balance the two sides of such a complex piece. Have you sorted and arranged all the beads beforehand or what?
pretty colours!!!!!!!!!
Are some of them stones or are they all glass? Do you have any idea of the cost of all the materials?