Description
The Tila Herringbone bracelet combines traditional bead-weaving with shaped seed beads. So, this is old and new coming together in a stylish project.
Materials
To make the bracelet, you will need:
- Tila beads
- Superduos
- Size 11 Delicas
- A slide clasp
- Your choice of beading thread
Please note, this project does use Tila beads, not Tile beads. The difference is in the thickness of the bead. If you want to find out more about these bead types, then check out this link.
The slide clasp adds to the design. But if you want to try something different, you might find this tutorial helpful.
Experience and Techniques
If you know your bead-weaving, then you will have spotted the Herringbone stitch in here. The rest of the bracelet is really made by stringing. However, I have used a complex thread path for moving from the Herringbone sections to the Tila sections. The pattern documents it very clearly. So, if you already have some beading experience, you won’t have a problem following along.
If you are a complete beginner, this might be a little trickier. But I never like to discourage anyone. So, if you are good at following instructions and you like the design, give it a go.
About the Tila Herringbone Bracelet
This design was one of my early experiments with shaped seed beads. Like a lot of you, I struggled with them at first. I mean, why do you need more than one hole through a bead?
So, it took me a while to realise that their strength lies in their ability to create texture and style. This doesn’t have to be complex. As soon as I stopped trying to use them ‘like’ the traditional seed beads, designs started to come together.
I encourage you to give the shaped beads a try. Pick a pattern that you like and see how they work. This is a good option because it doesn’t require many shaped beads. So, you don’t need to blow your beading budget on supplies that you may never use again!
