When learning a new stitch it is important not to overload yourself with a complicated beading project. Picking up a simple design is the best way to get a feeling of the hand and needle movements.
Learn Right Angle Weave Stitch Make Beaded Earrings
RAW was one of the first stitches I used in my beadwork not even knowing how it is called. However, I met a lot of people who struggle to understand it. Most of them started with a complicated design to learn the stitch.
Ah, bead enthusiasts! Don’t get me wrong, I love challenges! We often get inspired by beautiful designs, and that challenges us in a good way. However, we might forget that a steeper learning curve also might scare the newbie. Thus, I suggest to start slow and build your skills patiently.
Basic RAW Stitch Tutorial and Earring Project
You will need the following supplies and tools:
Beads
Seed beads size 11 Color A
Seed beads size 11 Color B (choose a contrasting color)
Large elongated beads for drops – 2
3 mm cubic beads – 6
Findings
Earwires – 2
3 mm closed rings – 2
Supplies
6 lb Fireline thread or other beading thread of your choice
Beading needle size 12 or 11
Tools
Round nose pliers
Flat nose pliers
Basic RAW Stitch
You might find video tutorial self-explanatory, but if you need extra help understanding the stitch, follow the series of Right Angle Weave tutorial with graphical diagrams and text:
The Square Element
The square element is a focal point of the earring design. It consists of 5 RAW units up and across.
When it is decorated with the beads of contrasting color, it becomes slightly more dimensional than just a boring flat square of beads.
Next Project
Once you are comfortable making a couple of RAW squares, you might move on to the more interesting beading project such as Dot RAW bracelet:
