Every one of us has a pack of beads in a stash that didn’t quite make it into a beading project. Not yet. There are million of reasons why. Some of them can even be excuses! I didn’t know what to do with them, or I couldn’t quite match the colors to use them in a project. You name it. I am sure you can list many other reasons.
Beads featured in this bracelet were such treasure – the unusual component in other people’s jewelry. I didn’t see anyone creating anything I would want to wear with this type of beads. Where would I start to design around them?
Luckily, there is a wonderful CRAW stitch. I find it perfect for perplexing shapes of stones and the 3-d effect of the jewelry piece.
What is CRAW?
CRAW stands for Cubic Right Angle Weave technique of stitching.
Not familiar with CRAW? Try this video tutorial:
Ready for more? I collected some useful links to help you. Teach yourself to CRAW around, and your beaded realm will extend its boundaries!
Beads
In this labradorite bracelet, I used the basic CRAW stitch and two colors of 11/0 beads. The spaces between them were filled with 15/0 beads.
I also used 3 mm fire-polished beads to finish off the open side of the bracelet. You are free to choose any other small beads instead. Or, maybe not use any at all – your choice.
The focal beads of the bracelet are two-hole side-drilled labradorite rectangular beads. For my size, of the bracelet, which is small, I needed seven of them. Larger sizes of bracelets may require eight or more.
Design
At first, the shape of the labradorite beads suggested a somewhat square and more perpendicular design of a bracelet. But I don’t like static designs. I went for a diagonal. The lines remained perpendicular, but the design looked more dynamic.
Tips
Tip #1
Build the CRAW structure consisting of 11/0 beads first. Then fill the spaces with 15/0 beads.
Tip #2
I recommend using a multi-strand clasp. This way it will repeat the lines of the design. Moreover, the tension will be distributed over the end-side of the bracelet more evenly.
Tip #3
Attach a clasp before filling the gaps between 11/0 beads. It is just easier to weave that way.
Happy beading!
