St. Petersburg Chain Basics
Learn how to stitch a basic St. Petersburg Chain with this step-by-step bead weaving tutorial!
One of the loveliest chain stitches for beadweaving is the angled St. Petersburg stitch. This simple technique uses a repetition of three steps to create a procession of slanted seed bead columns that are easy to embellish and combine for different looks. To stitch a basic St. Petersburg chain, you will need size 11/o seed beads in at least one color and size D beading thread. Two bead colors are used here to show the different steps used to create this pretty chain.
Project TypeLearn a Technique
Bead TypeSeed
Bead Technique UsedStitched
Materials List
- size 11/o seed beads
- size D beading thread
- beading needle
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Attach a stop bead to the thread, leaving an 8 inch tail. Pick up 6 seed beads, and slide them down to the stop bead.
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Stitch back up through the center 2 beads again, and carefully pull snug to form a P-shaped cluster.
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Pick up 1 seed bead. Stitch back down through the top three beads of the column that your thread is exiting – the long side of the P. Pull snug to lock the new bead into place at the top.
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Pick up 1 bead and stitch up through the two beads of the short side of the P. Pull snug to lock the new bead into place.
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Pick up 4 seed beads and slide them down to the beadwork.
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Stitch up through the 1st 2 beads picked up again, and carefully pull snug to form a new P shape branching off from the first. To help keep tension, use your off hand to push the new beads towards the beadwork as you pull the thread tight.
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Repeat steps 2-4 until your chain reaches the desired length.
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Finish chain as desired.
Tips and Suggestions
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You can create variations of the basic chain by incorporating patterns into the beadwork, or using different beads in steps 3 or 4.
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Drops, small magatamas, size 8/o or 15/o seed beads, picot clusters, leaf fringe, and more can give you wonderfully unique chains.
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To combine two chains together, add 8/o seed beads or 3-4mm beads in step 4. When your chain has reached the desired length, begin again from step 1 to create a second chain. In step 4, instead of adding a new bead, stitch up through the first bead of the original chain. Continue zipping the two chains together until you reach the end, then finish as desired.
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EditorLP
Aug 23, 2018
I recently learned how to do the St. Petersburg chain through a beading kit, but I wish I had used these instructions instead! The step by step photos are really helpful. Personally I find this stitch to be a little bit frustrating because I struggle with finding the right tension for my thread, but it looks very nice. I may have to give this stitch another try.
Laura P
Mar 29, 2016
Love this bead weaving tutorial! Can't wait to try out the St. Petersburg Chain; I can make so many different projects with this technique!
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