The Double Sided Peyote Coin Purse is a charming and highly technical intermediate beading project that perfectly marries form and function. By using peyote stitch to create two durable, seamless sides, this project challenges the beader to think in three dimensions while maintaining precise tension and uniformity. The result is a miniature masterpiece that not only serves a practical purpose but also showcases intricate design, vibrant color patterns, and the maker’s control over one of bead weaving’s most versatile techniques.
Selecting appropriate materials is essential to creating a sturdy and attractive coin purse. Uniformity in bead size is non-negotiable, as any inconsistency will become glaringly obvious when the two sides are joined. Miyuki Delicas, with their precise cylindrical shape, are the preferred choice, usually in size 11/0. They fit together tightly and create a smooth, almost fabric-like surface ideal for detailed pattern work. A durable beading thread like FireLine, which offers minimal stretch and high tensile strength, is necessary to withstand the stress of daily use. A fine beading needle, size 12, ensures the ability to navigate through the dense beadwork multiple times without breaking the beads or fraying the thread.
The construction of the double sided peyote coin purse begins with creating two flat panels, usually using even-count peyote stitch for simplicity and symmetry. Each panel is meticulously stitched row by row, with beads added individually to build a tightly woven rectangle or square. Careful attention is paid to maintaining even tension so that the panels lie flat and are precisely the same size. Color planning is crucial at this stage; whether working with a simple two-color geometric design, an elaborate pictorial scene, or a repeating floral motif, every bead must be placed intentionally to ensure that the final pattern is crisp and centered on both sides.
Once the two panels are completed, the next step is to join them together, usually by working a peyote stitch zipper along the edges. This involves aligning the beads of the two panels and stitching back and forth through adjacent edge beads, pulling them snugly together in a new, staggered peyote edge that binds the panels seamlessly. Special care must be taken at the corners to maintain the correct shape and avoid puckering or gaps. Often, the beader reinforces the seam by running additional passes of thread through the joining beads to add strength without compromising the flexibility of the finished purse.
The top edge of the purse presents an opportunity for creativity and functional design. A beaded flap or zipper can be added, depending on the intended use. If a flap is preferred, it is usually constructed as an extension of one side’s panel and secured with a beaded loop and button closure. For a fully enclosed coin purse, a pre-made metal frame can be incorporated. The frame is stitched directly onto the beadwork by carefully passing the thread through tiny holes along the frame, anchoring the beads firmly without distorting the purse’s shape. This step demands meticulous alignment and tension control to ensure that the purse opens and closes smoothly.
Adding embellishments can further personalize the coin purse. Edging the top or sides with picot stitch, tiny loops of contrasting beads, or fringe can add a decorative flourish. Small crystals or accent beads can be incorporated into the body or closure for additional sparkle and luxury. Inside the purse, a thin fabric lining can be hand-stitched to the beadwork if desired, providing extra protection and a professional finish, though many bead artists leave the interior unlined to showcase the beauty of the tight peyote structure.
The finished Double Sided Peyote Coin Purse is a testament to the beader’s skill, patience, and artistry. It embodies both beauty and utility, with every bead placed by hand to create a durable, functional piece that feels like jewelry in itself. Whether used to hold coins, tiny treasures, or simply carried as a statement accessory, the purse stands as a vibrant example of the endless possibilities within bead weaving. Its construction requires a keen understanding of tension, patterning, and structural integrity, rewarding the maker with a finished product that is as enduring as it is exquisite.