Intro to Right Angle Weave

13 March 2009 Author: Dale Nicholson

I have learned so much from attending bead shows and classes at local conventions. One of the best things about these relaxed learning sessions is the opportunity to experience new things up close and personal. In one of my early bead stitching classes, I found myself drawn to a group of women oohing and aahing over a piece of fabric that was sparkly and shimmery and sensuous. Of course, I had to get closer and was so intrigued to see that it was actually made of tiny beads all stitched together, like a patchwork quilt of beaded squares. Next I learned that this entire scarf-sized piece was stitched in what they called Right Angle Weave. Now I had never heard of this before and was quite curious even though everyone talked of how intense a stitch it was to master. From then on, I had to find out everything there was to know about Right Angle Weave and I found out right away that it is most commonly referred to as RAW.

The basic stitch of RAW brings the beads together so that they sit at perfect right angles to each other. In essence, one bead is vertical and the other is horizontal. I had seen first hand that this stitch can resemble a piece of fabric. I was then told that it is very easy to learn using bicone crystal beads because they almost lock together like a puzzle (or similar to the zipper effect in peyote)

Work with your favorite beading thread (Nymo, Silamide, PowerPro, Fireline) and condition as needed. Thread a small 10 or 12 beading needle with at least 2 arm lengths and work with a single thread.

1. String on four crystals and tie into a ring, leaving a long tail. This tail will be used to attach one end of the clasp

2. Continuing forwards, go across one crystal and down another and out

3. String on 3 more crystals and stitch back into adjoining crystal, pointing needle down

4. Bring needle across next crystal and out top of next row. String on 3 more crystals and stitch back into adjoining crystal, up and out bottom of next row

5. Continue this alternate pattern, adding on 3 crystals at a time and always stitching into the adjacent crystal to finish the right angle weave

6. Continue RAW stitch until you reach the desired length of your right angle strip. Make sure to compensate adequately for the measurement of your clasp.

7. At clasp position, stitch on a loop of coordinating seed beads, catching in closed jump ring or split ring of clasp at middle. Stitch through the seed bead loops a few times to reinforce it well. Tie off end carefully and secure with glue or thread burner as needed or desired.

8. Repeat same process at opposite end of bracelet by threading needle onto tail end.

By mastering the right angle weave technique you will have your friends oohing and aahing over your creations. They will surely ask to share your skill with them as well.