How to Make a Russian Spiral
Learn how to make a Russian spiral with this beading technique tutorial!
Add to your bead stitching repertoire with the gorgeous Russian Spiral, a bead weaving technique that's sure to be a showstopper whenever it's used. Bead weaving patterns don't come much prettier than this one, which uses a tubular structure to bring the seed beads into a serpentine design. This jewelry project is a reader favorite, and it's not surprising why! If you need an accessory for a formal event that won't hurt your bank account, this beaded bracelet pattern is the way to go. Anyone wanting to expand their inventory of bead stitching patterns will love the sinuous elegance of this technique. By mixing and matching colors, you'll be able to use this beaded bracelet pattern for any project you please.
What is Russian Spiral rope stitch?
This is beading technique is a variation of tubular netting (and therefore peyote stitch). This type of stitch creates a soft, slightly elastic, beaded rope style. The size and color of beads can be changed (at least two different colors and sizes of beads) to make many different versions of necklaces and bracelets.
Project TypeLearn a Technique
Bead TypeSeed
Time to CompleteIn an evening
Bead Technique UsedStitched
Bead Project TypeOther
PLUS! More Russian Beading Patterns
From the stunning Russian Spiral to the intricate St. Petersburg Chain, ambitious beaders will love these Eastern European bead weaving techniques.
DID YOU KNOW? History of Off-Loom Bead Weaving
Embellishing clothing has been in fashion long before the invention of the bead. Natural products such as shells, nuts, feathers, teeth, and claws were used to adorn clothes and DIY jewelry by Native Americans before they were introduced to the man-made bead by European traders. The pony bead and the seed bead were the most popular trading goods with Native Americans. With the introduction of the small, mutli-colored seed beads came the invention of loom and off-loom bead weaving projects. Native American women created different patterns and designs by weaving the colored beads together into handmade jewelry and ornamentation for clothing.
This way of using beads was totally new. Europeans had mostly been stringing beads together for necklaces or sewing them directly to clothing. Native Americans were the first to weave them into larger artistic pieces. Beading has now become a major symbol of Native American heritage. The Native American style beadwork has also made its way into the fashion industry, appearing on bags, tops, and jewelry.