Polygon Stitch 101

Class Preview

In this class from our partners at Interweave, Carol Cypher teaches you the basics of polygon stitch. Polygon stitch is a tubular weave that becomes faceted, or multi-flat-sided. Varying the sides with bead size and number as well as sculptural structure make this stitch incredibly versatile. Carol will teach you from start to finish how to master the polygon stitch. She will demonstrate nine ways to vary this stitch so that you can develop your own creative designs and become a polygon stitch master!

Welcome

Carol welcomes you to this workshop all about polygon stitch, from its origins to the basics to no less than 9 fun variations!

Meet Carol Cypher

Fiber artist Carol Cypher teaches workshops in beadwork and feltmaking, and the provocative pairing of the two, in the United States, Japan, Australia and Europe.

Carol’s Favorite Materials

Here’s a list of Carol’s favorite materials, tools, and supplies. It’s important for you to experiment to find what works best for you.

Carol’s Top 5 Tips

Learn Carol’s top tips for polygon stitch!

Fundamentals of Polygon Stitch

Let us begin by covering the fundamentals of polygon stitch. Learning the fundamentals will prepare you better for taking on this new stitch!

Three-Faced Supple Rope

This three-faced supple rope is the ideal project for first-time polygon stitchers! Follow along as Carol teaches you step by step how to create this beautiful stitch!

Three-Faced Supple Rope with Edge

In this three-faced supple rope, Carol changes up the bead color to really make that edge bead pop!

Three-Faced Supple Rope with Denser Edge

Follow along as Carol demonstrates how using two beads along your edge will result in a stiffer edge. Can you think of a project you’d like to make where a stiffer edge would serve you well?

Three-Faced Supple Rope Multi-Sized Beads

Create another three-faced rope, this time changing the number and sizes of beads! As you weave, watch how the structure of the stitch is morphed.

Three-Faced Swirling Rope

This exciting swirling rope uses three beads for the edge. The center of those beads is a beautiful drop bead! You’ll also be picking up two beads as your “first bead” in the stitch.

Three-Faced Dense-Edge Rope

In this example, we’ll create a rope that has stiffer edges, while creating a lacier center. Carol explains why you’ll be starting with only a few beads in your initial ring of beads, then expand out to a round of netting.

Five-Faced Rope with Two Beads

This unique rope has only two beads per stitch, allowing the edge bead to really stand out.

Four-Faced Solid Rope

Once you’ve mastered the basic structure of Polygon Stitch, experiment by creating focal designs with colored beads. Here Carol will demonstrate how to stitch flowers into your beadwork!

Three-Faced Checkerboard

Carol explains different ways to add a checkerboard edge to your polygon ropes.

Conclusion

Thank you for coming along on this polygon journey!