PeyoteBail

This is an easy bail to make, even if you don't know how to do Peyote!

It's really harder to show than to do because it's hard to get scans of the edge where we'll be working. But stick with me, and maybe I'll be able to explain it right. :)

Ok, this shows the top edge of the cab. Since the cab is round, you don't have to worry about centering your bail. Anywhere you put it will be the middle. ;)

Needle up to where the top netting meets the back netting, and go through one of the large beads. See second pic.

Row 1. Pick up either 6 or 8 beads, and go through that end bead. The difference in the number of beads depends on what size beads you are working with.( I'm using size 15.0) Just make sure you put in an even number of beads. I used 6 beads.

Now you're going to turn around, and go back the other way, building on these beads.

* See notes at end before doing this step

Row 2. Pick up one large bead, and skipping the large end bead, go through the next bead. (the last small bead that you put in on row 1.) Pull tight after adding each new bead now!

Pick up another, skip the next one in your first row, and go through the next one. Repeat to end. (end at the large bead)

This is what it looks like from the front after putting on the second row. Notice how the beads have an up and down pattern? Now all we're going to be doing is going back and forth, and filling in the 'down' spots. :)

Row 3. Pick up one large bead and go through the first 'up' bead. (it goes where the 'x' is.) Pick up a small bead, go through the next 'up' bead. Repeat 2 more times.

Turn and repeat Row 3 until the bail is as long as you want it. It should be large enough to go around whatever necklace you're going to put it on when it's folded over.

Then we'll connect it.

I made my strip with 9 large beads on each side. You can make yours longer, but I'm just going to be hanging this one from a single strand of seeds, so I didn't need it too long.

Now to connect it.

I tried several times to get good scans of how to do this, but the beads are too small, and since they're all the same color, you couldn't tell which was which anyway. So I'm going to just have to try to describe it.

Fold over the strip to the back, and line it up where it should go. "Where should it go?" you may ask. That's up to you. :) If you want to attach it close to the front of where the strip started, that's where it should go. If you'd like to attach it closer to the back of the cab, that's where it should go. I'm helpful aren't I? ;)

Weave it back and forth, trying to attach as many beads as posible from the netting to the strip. You may have to fill in a bead here and there to make it less sloppy. ;) But as you do it, you should be able to see where it will fit.

NOTES: You don't have to use the larger beads on the edge of the strip like I did, but since I used them for the point beads in the cab, I thought it would look nice to use them here too. :)

Make sure to keep a good tension as you're doing the Peyote. You want those beads to pop into place so there is a definite up and down pattern. Manipulate the beads with your fingers if you need to on the first row to get them to behave! If you get the first couple of rows right, the rest will go swimmingly. :)

Most of all, be patient and have fun. Stop often to admire it. (This is an important step!) Besides giving you pleasure in your accomplishment, it will let you see if you've made any boo boos before you get any further. ;)

If you would like to share the necklace you make, just email the picture to me and let me know. Please include a description of the beads you used, and any comments you'd like included with the picture. If you would like your email address and/or website link with the picture, please add that to the email too.

It's nice for other people to see what you've done! The color combinations, any changes you've made to the design, etc. all provides inspiration, and is appreciated by the beaders who see it. :)