Julia Pretl's Big Book of Beadwork

(Available at most major book stores)

This volume brings together some of the best of Julia Pretl's bead collections. In this compilation of the author's previous three books, Beaded Collars, Bead Knitted Bags, and Little Bead Boxes, readers learn the author's original methods for beading miniature vessels, knit purses, and classic neck pieces. Pretl, an innovator of form and technique, offers instruction for creating four-, five-, and six-sided rectangular, square, and stacked miniature boxes; vintage-style bead-knitted handbags; and intricate neckpieces, inspired by the dramatic jewelry worn by the ancient Egyptians.

Each of the projects contains a materials list and instructions presented both in written and charted form. With detailed instruction and sequenced illustrations, the author provides clear, step-by-step guidance. The enclosed DVD offers a series of video tutorials in bead knitting, with all the techniques needed for the projects included (for both left- and right-handed knitters!), and full-size printable PDFs of graphs.

Beaded Collars

(Available at most major book stores)

Julia S. Pretl, author of Little Bead Boxes and Bead Knitted Bags, has created a collection of beaded neckpieces, inspired by broadcollars, the dramatic jewelry worn by the ancient Egyptians and a well-known form among beadworkers. She has adapted the traditional form-a broad, beaded necklace-to create ten original designs for the modern beadworker, with skill levels ranging from beginner to more advanced.

With step-by-step illustrations and easy-to-follow patterns, Julia leads the reader through the techniques for creating the stitched "ladder."

Bead Knitted Bags

(Available at most major book stores)

10 Small and trendy fashion accessories for both knitters and beaders to make. - complete with a helpful DVD.

Bead Knitted Bags features the historically rich technique of bead knitting - a method of knitting beads directly into stitches to create a dense but supple tapestry-like fabric, in the style of vintage antique beaded bags. With detailed instruction and sequenced illustrations, the author provides clear, step-by-step guidance, complemented by the 20 video tutorials on the accompanying DVD. Each of the 10 projects contains a materials list, detailed knitting instruction, and color-coded graphs of the entire pattern or a repeating motif. Each project has a unique strap, closure, or edging, and the author provides finishing suggestions and helpful hints throughout the book.

BLANK GRAPHS:
Size 8 Graph
Size 11 Graph
"Antiquity" Graph
"Blue Garden" Graph
"China Sea" Graph
"Dusk" Graph

ERRATA: Corrections for this book can be found HERE

Little Bead Boxes

(Available at most major book stores)

A charming assortment of one-of-a-kind miniature boxes in a variety of shapes for all skill levels.

Julia S. Pretl offers crafters her original method for creating decorative beaded boxes and lids in a wide range of surface designs and shapes. Working only with cylinder and seed beads, needle and thread, crafters can create an impressive array of clever and colorful miniature containers. With step-by-step illustrations and easy-to-follow word graphs and patterns, Pretl leads the reader through the techniques for creating three-sided, five-sided, and six-sided rectangular, square, and stacked boxes.

Four-color photographs of each of the 12 designs introduce each set of instructions. Detailed drawings illustrate the beading techniques.

BLANK GRAPHS:
Sides (Flat Peyote Graph)
3-Sided Base/Lid Graph
4-Sided Base/Lid Graph
5-Sided Base/Lid Graph
6-Sided Base/Lid Graph
4-Sided Oblong Base/Lid Graph
6-Sided Oblong Base/Lid Graph

ERRATA: Corrections for this book can be found HERE

Scarab

Sacred to the ancient Egyptians as a symbol of rebirth, the image of the scarab adorned many artifacts and was often found buried within tombs to ensure afterlife. This pyramid-shaped box includes several deviations from my usual box-making rules and probably should be attempted only after completing several basic boxes. It measures 3" tall by 3" wide, exclusive of feet. You will receive a full color graph and a word graph. This pattern requires approximately 65 grams of delica beads in 7 colors.

Orders will be sent within 24 hours.

PDF file via email ~ $10.00US

Peacock

Three colorful peacocks in a folk-art inspired design decorate this whimsical box. It measures 2.5" tall by 2.25" wide, exclusive of feet and handle. You will receive a full color graph and a word graph. This pattern requires approximately 35 grams of delica beads in 6 colors.

Orders will be sent within 24 hours.

PDF file via email ~ $10.00US

Springtime

The winter has been long and many of us are ready for spring! This box will help you to get into the spirit. It measures 2" tall by 2.5" wide, exclusive of feet and handle. You will receive a full color graph and a word graph. This pattern requires approximately 32 grams of delica beads in 6 colors.

Orders will be sent within 24 hours.

PDF file via email ~ $10.00US

Puppy

This cute pup box was designed for a friend and features a portrait of her best buddy. It measures 2" tall by 2" wide, exclusive of feet and handle. You will receive a full color graph and a word graph. This pattern requires approximately 44 grams of delica beads in 7 colors.

Orders will be sent within 24 hours.

PDF file via email ~ $10.00US

Snail

This sweet snail, smartly adorned in sparkly metallic blues, slowly works its way around this beautiful springtime box. It measures 3" tall by 2" wide, exclusive of feet and handle. You will receive a full color graph and a word graph. This pattern requires approximately 34 grams of delica beads in 7 colors.

Orders will be sent within 24 hours.

PDF file via email ~ $10.00US

Oblong Cauldron

This box measures 3.25" wide, 2" deep, and 2" tall without the feet and finials. It is constructed using the hexagonal oblong method found in "Little Bead Boxes". Gradual increases throughout both the base and the lid of the box give it a domed shape.

You will receive a full color graph, a word graph, and blank graphs so that you may design your own pattern. This pattern requires approximately 28 grams of delica beads in 4 colors.

Orders will be sent within 24 hours.

PDF file via email ~ $10.00US

Pink Bloom

To bead this lovely little box, you will use my hem technique to create delicate petal layers. It measures 2" tall by 2" wide, exclusive of feet and handle. You will receive a full color graph and a word graph. This pattern requires approximately 24 grams of delica beads in 5 colors.

Orders will be sent within 24 hours.

PDF file via email ~ $10.00US

Blue Bloom

To bead this lovely little box, you will use my hem technique to create delicate petal layers. It measures 2" tall by 2" wide, exclusive of feet and handle. You will receive a full color graph and a word graph. This pattern requires approximately 24 grams of delica beads in 5 colors.

Orders will be sent within 24 hours.

PDF file via email ~ $10.00US

Wo Ai Ni Blue

Every night before bed my young daughter tells us "Wo ai ni!", which means "I love you" in Chinese. This inspired me to create this box featuring the Chinese character for Love. It measures 2" tall by 2" wide, exclusive of feet and handle. You will receive a full color graph and a word graph. This pattern requires approximately 26 grams of delica beads in 3 colors.

Orders will be sent within 24 hours.

PDF file via email ~ $10.00US

Wo Ai Ni Red

Every night before bed my young daughter tells us "Wo ai ni!", which means "I love you" in Chinese. This inspired me to create this box featuring the Chinese character for Love. It measures 2" tall by 2" wide, exclusive of feet and handle. You will receive a full color graph and a word graph. This pattern requires approximately 26 grams of delica beads in 3 colors.

Orders will be sent within 24 hours.

PDF file via email ~ $10.00US

Red Lighthouse

My family has always loved the sea, so lighthouses are close to my heart. This box bears the traditional stripes and bright windows to beacon nearby ships. It measures 2.5" tall by 3.75" wide, exclusive of feet and handle. You will receive a full color graph and a word graph. This pattern requires approximately 38 grams of delica beads in 6 colors.

Orders will be sent within 24 hours.

PDF file via email ~ $10.00US

Purple Lighthouse

My family has always loved the sea, so lighthouses are close to my heart. This box bears the traditional stripes and bright windows to beacon nearby ships. It measures 2.5" tall by 3.75" wide, exclusive of feet and handle. You will receive a full color graph and a word graph. This pattern requires approximately 38 grams of delica beads in 6 colors.

Orders will be sent within 24 hours.

PDF file via email ~ $10.00US

Geisha

This unusual little box is egg shaped and features six lovely geishas. It measures 3" tall by 2.75" wide, exclusive of feet and handle. You will receive a full color graph, a word graph, a list of bead color numbers and (new!) a blank graph in the same shape that will allow you to design your own box. This pattern requires approximately 33 grams of delica beads in 7 colors.

Orders will be sent within 24 hours.

PDF file via email ~ $10.00US

Pyramid

This little box features an interesting new pyramid shape. It measures 2.5" tall by 2.75" wide, exclusive of feet and handle. You will receive a full color graph, a word graph, a list of bead color numbers and (new!) a blank graph in the same shape that will allow you to design your own box. This pattern requires approximately 30 grams of delica beads in 7 colors.

Orders will be sent within 24 hours.

PDF file via email ~ $10.00US

Rowhouses

Brownstones, townhouses... here in Baltimore we call them rowhouses and I've inhabited them all of my life. Wherever you call home, this box offers a taste of city life. It measures 2.5" tall by 1.75" wide, exclusive of feet and handle. You will receive a full color graph, a word graph and a list of bead color numbers. This pattern requires approximately 40 grams of delica beads in 10 colors.

Orders will be sent within 24 hours.

PDF file via email ~ $10.00US

Tree of Life

This is a favorite pattern of mine that originally adorned an amulet bag. It measures 1.25" tall by 1.75" inches tall, exclusive of feet and handle. You will receive a full color graph, a word graph and a list of bead color numbers. This pattern requires approximately 15 grams of delica beads in 4 colors.

Orders will be sent within 24 hours.

PDF file via email ~ $10.00US

Owl

Three wise owls stand guard over whatever treasures you choose to keep in this box. It measures 3.25" tall by 1.75" wide, exclusive of feet and handle. You will receive a full color graph, a word graph and a list of bead color numbers. This pattern requires approximately 30 grams of delica beads in 6 colors.

Orders will be sent within 24 hours.

PDF file via email ~ $10.00US

Olive

This little box features an interesting new shape. It measures 1.25" tall by 2" wide, exclusive of feet and handle. You will receive a full color graph, a word graph, a list of bead color numbers and (new!) a blank graph in the same shape that will allow you to design your own box. This pattern requires approximately 17 grams of delica beads in 3 colors.

Orders will be sent within 24 hours.

PDF file via email ~ $10.00US

Music Box

This design features a new technique that results in an oblong box. Be warned - this one is not for beginners. The pattern shows the first measure of Chopin's Nocturne. Please don't try this one until you have a box or two under your belt. It measures 2.25" tall by 3.25" inches wide by 2.25" deep, exclusive of feet and handle. You will receive a full color graph, a word graph and a list of bead color numbers. This pattern requires approximately 51 grams of delica beads in 3 colors.

Orders will be sent within 24 hours.

PDF file via email ~ $10.00US

Butterfly

This tiny box is perfect for springtime. It measures 1.25" tall by 1.25" wide, exclusive of feet and handle. You will receive a full color graph, a word graph and a list of bead color numbers. This pattern requires approximately 14 grams of delica beads in 6 colors.

Orders will be sent within 24 hours.

PDF file via email ~ $10.00US

4-Legged Vessel

These little vessels are too much fun.

This is actually more a technique instruction booklet then a pattern. You will receive an 8-page PDF or booklet with step-by-step instructions and lots of diagrams. The striped pattern is a helpful tool in learning sculptural peyote and works as a fun design element as well. I'm planning to create some pictoral patterns in this style in the near future so now is a good time to learn the technique.

This project uses approximately 40 grams of Japanese seed beads in whichever 2 colors you choose.

Orders will be sent within 24 hours.

PDF file via email ~ $15.00US

Daisy Vessel

Once you have mastered the basic, black-and-white 4-legged vessel, give my very first patterned one a try!

You will receive a full color pattern as well as a word graph. This piece uses about 33 grams of size 11 seed beads in seven colors.

Orders will be sent within 24 hours.

PDF file via email ~ $10.00US

Tri-Pods

These are self-supporting, 3-sided beaded beads that are about an inch tall. They work up quickly and are a lot of fun to make. You will receive a 6-page pdf or printout which includes step-by-step instructions, patterns and word graphs for all six of the beads shown here and six blank pod graphs.

Orders will be sent within 24 hours.

PDF file via email ~ $15.00US

Flat, Even-Count Peyote Stitch

Begin by making a "stopper bead" - sew into a bead and pull it down the thread until it is about 6" from the end. Sew through the bead again without splitting the thread. You should be able to slide it up and down the thread but it will stay in place when left alone. Next, string an even number of beads onto your thread (12 beads should be enough for starters) and bring them to your stopper bead. It's easiest to see how this works if you alternate light and dark beads.

1. String one more bead, the same color as the last bead you strung, and slide it to the other beads. This is bead "E" on the diagram. Skipping bead "D", sew into bead "C".

2. Pull the thread snug. Your beadwork should resemble the diagram.

3. Pick up another bead (same color as the last), skip bead "B" and sew into bead "A".

4. Pull this bead snug as well. Notice that it pushes the adjacent bead to the side, making three staggered rows: (D&B, C&A, E&F).

Continue this process, picking up a bead, skipping a bead and sewing into the next, until you have sewn into the last bead in the row. Note - do not sew into the stopper bead.

Flat, Even-Count Peyote Stitch

5. Pick up a bead ("D") the same color as the one you just exited ("C") and sew back into bead "B".

6. Pull the thread snug. This is the beginning of row 4.

7. Pick up another bead of the same color ("E") and sew into bead "A".

8. Pull snug. Repeat this process for as many rows as desired. The result will be a flat strip of peyote stitch.

Flat, Odd-Count Peyote Stitch

Begin by making a "stopper bead" - sew into a bead and pull it down the thread until it is about 6" from the end. Sew through the bead again without splitting the thread. You should be able to slide it up and down the thread but it will stay in place when left alone. Next, string an even number of beads onto your thread (13 beads should be enough for starters) and bring them to your stopper bead. It's easiest to see how this works if you alternate light and dark beads.

Traditional Turn

1. Work the first three rows the same as you did for even count. When you reach the odd-turn end, you will notice that there is no "last bead" into which you can sew. Pick up a bead ("B") and slide it into position, as shown on the diagram. Sew through beads "A", "C" and "E".

2. Sew back up through beads "D" and "C", pulling the thread snug so it hides between the beads.

3. Sew up into bead "A".

4. Sew back into bead "B" and proceed as usual on the subsequent row. You will find that this and every other row has an "even" turn. Continue until your peyote strip is the desired length.

Flat, Odd-Count Peyote Stitch

Abbreviated turn

1. Work the first three rows the same as you did for even count. When you reach the odd-turn end, you will notice that there is no "last bead" into which you can sew. Pick up a bead ("B") and slide it into position, as shown on the diagram. Sew through bead "A".

2. Bring the needle around to the back of the beadwork and sew back up through bead "A".

3. Pull the thread snug so that it loops around the thread and hides between the beads.

4. Sew back into bead "B" and proceed as usual on the subsequent row. You will find that this and every other row has an "even" turn. Continue until your peyote strip is the desired length.

Flat, Odd-Count Peyote Stitch

Catch turn

1. Work the first three rows the same as you did for even count. When you reach the odd-turn end, you will notice that there is no "last bead" into which you can sew. Pick up a bead ("C") and slide it into position, as shown on the diagram. Sew beneath the thread that runs between the tops of beads "A" and "B".

2. Pull the thread snug leaving a little bit of slack so that the beads will not buckle.

3. Sew back into bead "C".

4. Proceed as usual on the subsequent row. You will find that this and every other row has an "even" turn. Continue until your peyote strip is the desired length.

Flat, Odd-Count Peyote Stitch

Two-Needle Turn

Note: Place your stopper bead at the center of the thread rather than near the end.

1. Work the first three rows the same as you did for even count. When you reach the odd-turn end, you will notice that there is no "last bead" into which you can sew. Remove the stopper bead and put a needle on that same piece of thread. Pick up a bead ("B") and slide it into position, as shown on the diagram.

2. With the needle that you just added to the thread coming from bead "A", sew through bead "B".

3. Pull snug and bead the next two rows.

4. Once you reach the odd end of the beadwork again, string the last bead of the row ("C"), slide it into position as shown on the diagram and then continue with your original needle. Continue by alternating needles until your peyote strip reaches the desired length.

Flat, Odd-Count Peyote Stitch

Warp Turn

Note: Leave about a foot of thread after the stopper bead.

1. Work the first three rows the same as you did for even count. When you reach the odd-turn end, you will notice that there is no "last bead" into which you can sew. Pick up a bead ("B") and slide it into position, as shown on the diagram. Remove the stopper bead and place the short end of the thread across bead "B".

2. Sew back into bead "B" with your needle on the other side of the short end of the thread.

3. Pull snug and bead the next row. Repeat this process each time you get to the odd-turn end.

4. If you run out of either thread end, weave both ends into the beadwork. Place a stopper bead on a new length of thread and sew through the last "up" bead at the edge of your beadwork. Continue until your peyote strip is the desired length.

Flat Peyote ~ Edge Increases

Even-Turn End ~ One Column Increase

1. When you finish your last even row, do not turn to begin the next row.

2. Pick up two beads ("C" and "D") and sew back into bead "B".

3. Sew up through beads "A" and "C".

4. Sew back through bead "D" and proceed as usual. Notice that the increase that you just made actually begins two rows back (bead "C"). Also note that the side you just increased is now an odd-turn end since the row will now begin with a "down" bead.

Flat Peyote ~ Edge Increases

Even-Turn End ~ Two Column Increase

1. When you finish your last even row, do not turn to begin the next row.

2. Pick up three beads ("B", "C" and "D") and slide them to the beadwork. Sew back through bead "B".

3. Pull snug and continue beading as usual. Notice that the increase that you just made actually begins two rows back (bead "C").

Flat Peyote ~ Edge Increases

Odd-Turn End ~ One column Increase

1&2. Complete an odd-turn row using the traditional or abbreviated turn (the diagram shows the latter). Your needle should exit bead "A".

3. Pick up two beads ("C" and "D") and sew back into bead "A".

4. Sew up through beads "B" and "D". You are now in position to begin an even-turn row. Notice that the increase that you just made actually begins three rows back (bead "C"). See the next section if you wish to begin the next row with another increase.

Flat Peyote ~ Edge Increases

Odd-Turn End ~ One column Increase, Second Row

1. Pick up two more beads ("E"&"F") and sew back into beads "D" and "A".

2. Sew up through beads "B", "C" and "E".

3. Sew down through bead "F".

4. Pull snug. You are now in position to begin the next row.

Flat Peyote ~ Edge Increases

Odd-Turn End ~ Two Column Increase

1. Pick up bead "C" and slide it into position. Sew through the thread between the tops of beads "A" and "B".

2. Pull snug.

3. Sew through the thread between the tops of beads "B" and "C".

4. Pick up three more beads ("D", "E" and "F") and slide them to the beadwork. Continue to the next section.

Flat Peyote ~ Edge Increases

Odd-Turn End ~ Two Column Increase

5. Sew through beads "B" and "D".

6. Pull snug and sew through beads "C", "D" and "E".

7. Sew through bead "F".

8. Pull snug. You are now in position to begin the next row. Notice that the increase that you just made actually begins two rows back (bead "E").

Flat Peyote ~ Edge Decreases

Even-Turn End ~ One Column Decrease

1. When you finish your last even row, sew into the thread between the tops of the last two beads.

2. Pull snug and sew back down through beads "A" and "B". Continue to bead as usual.

3. If you wish to decrease further... The next time you reach the decrease edge, exit bead "B" and then sew above beads "C" and "B" (beneath bead "A"), catching the thread.

4. Pull snug and then sew back down through beads "B" and "D". Continue to bead as usual, decreasing as desired.

Flat Peyote ~ Edge Decreases

Even-Turn End ~ Two Column Decrease

1. Do not complete your last even row. The last bead you should exit shoud be bead "A".

2. Pick up a bead ("C") and sew back through bead "B".

3. Pull snug and continue to bead as usual, decreasing as desired.

Flat Peyote ~ Edge Decreases

Odd-Turn End ~ One Column Decrease

1. Slide the last bead of the row ("B") into place and make an odd-count turn.

2. Sew through bead "B" and continue to bead as usual.

3. If you wish to decrease further... The next time you reach the decrease edge, exit bead "E" and then sew beneath bead "A", catching the thread above beads "C" and "B".

4. Pull snug and continue to bead as usual, decreasing as desired.

Flat Peyote ~ Edge Decreases

Odd-Turn End ~ Two column Decrease

1. Slide the last bead of the row ("A") into place and sew through beads "B", "C" and "D".

2. Continue to bead as usual... If you wish to decrease further... The next time you reach the decrease edge, slide the lastbead of the row ("E") into place and then sew through bead "D".

3. Make a traditional or abbreviated odd-count turn (you should come back out of bead "D" and then sew back through bead "E".

4. Pull snug and continue to bead as usual, decreasing as desired.