The netting stitch is a fundamental technique in beadwork, known for its versatility and the delicate, net-like patterns it creates. Learning this stitch through a necklace project is an excellent way for beginners to practice and for experienced beaders to refine their skills. The resulting piece is a lightweight, elegant necklace that can be customized in various ways.
To begin, gather your materials. You will need seed beads in at least two different sizes – smaller beads (like size 11/0) for the main netting and larger beads (like size 8/0) for the edges or to act as accent points. You will also need beading thread, a beading needle, scissors, and a clasp for finishing the necklace. Choose your bead colors based on personal preference or to match a specific outfit. It’s also helpful to have a bead mat to keep your beads in place as you work.
Before starting the stitching, cut a comfortable length of thread – not too long to become unwieldy, but long enough to avoid frequent additions. Thread your needle and tie a stopper bead (a bead that will eventually be removed) at the end of the thread to prevent the beads from slipping off.
Begin the netting stitch by picking up a base row of alternating small and large beads. The number of beads you start with will determine the width of your necklace. For a simple necklace, you might start with a sequence like small, large, small, large, and so on. Pass the needle back through all the beads again to form a strong foundation.
Now, start the first netting row. Pick up a small number of smaller beads (this will depend on the desired mesh size of your netting), then a large bead (this will be the edge of your netting), and again a small number of smaller beads. Skip the last large bead of the base row and pass the needle through the next large bead. This creates your first loop or ‘net’.
Continue this process along the length of the base row. The key to netting is consistency in the number of small beads used in each loop. As you progress, the netting pattern will start to emerge. The technique creates a series of diamond-shaped spaces, giving the necklace its distinctive, elegant look.
Once you reach the desired length of your necklace, it’s time to finish the ends and add the clasp. Weave the thread back through several beads to reinforce the end of the necklace, then attach one part of the clasp. A simple loop and toggle clasp works well for this type of necklace. After attaching the clasp, weave the thread back into the beadwork for a few inches before trimming it off. Repeat this process on the other end of the necklace with the other part of the clasp.
For those who wish to add more complexity to their necklace, consider embellishing the edges with additional beads or creating a graduated netting effect by gradually increasing or decreasing the number of beads in each loop.
In conclusion, creating a necklace using the netting stitch is a rewarding experience that offers a beautiful result. The technique is versatile and allows for a lot of creativity in terms of colors, bead sizes, and overall design. Whether you are new to beadwork or an experienced beader looking for a relaxing project, a netting stitch necklace is a wonderful way to showcase your skills and create a stunning piece of jewelry.