Named for the DNA helix shape it mimics, this stitch supposedly came to the United States from Africa in the 1980s. A bit of a ???step up??? challenge for beginners, it is worth learning to create the spiraling, supple rope, so perfect for necklaces or bracelets. Make a brick-stitched bail for a favorite focal bead to complete this eye-catching necklace! Pattern of rope shown here courtesy of author and artist Diane Fitzgerald.
Learn brick stitch with our Bead by Bead on page 4.
Required Materials: Seed beads, discs, shank button, beading thread, beading wax, head pin, focal bead. See project for complete list.
Tools Needed: Needle, scissors, straw, round-nose pliers, wire cutters. See project for complete list.
Techniques Used: African Helix, Brick Stitch
Finished Size: 20" rope, 1" bail with 1 1???2" focal bead.
Step by Step Beads, November/December 2008