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This guide is here to help you get the hang of the basics of ladder stitch and brick stitch! I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, including how to confidently increase and decrease stitches. Make sure to bookmark this page so you can come back anytime—we’ll be exploring all sorts of fun brick stitch patterns in upcoming tutorials. This guide is all about helping you build a solid foundation in beading, so you’ll be ready to take on any project that comes your way! Happy crafting!
LADDER STITCH
Single Ladder Stitch
The ladder stitch forms the basis for many beading patterns, including brick stitch and styles like herringbone. We’ll begin with the single ladder stitch, where you add one bead at a time. The thread loops created between the beads will be key for the brick stitch technique. Just follow the step-by-step instructions and illustrations below, and you’ll have this essential technique down in no time!
To get started, thread your needle and pick up two beads. When you’re doing a single-bead ladder stitch, you’ll always want to start with two beads. Pass the needle back through the first bead, then back through the second bead. Now, pick up one new bead and pass the needle back through the previous bead, and back through the newly added bead. Repeat this process, adding one bead at a time, and continue stitching in this manner.
Double Ladder Stitch
The double ladder stitch involves working with two beads at a time, as the name suggests. The technique is similar to the single ladder stitch, but with one key difference: each row consists of two beads side by side. Follow the same process as before, but add two beads with each stitch to create the double row. Refer to the illustrations and step-by-step instructions below to learn how to master this technique.
When starting a ladder stitch, you’ll need to double the number of beads. For the single ladder stitch, we began with two beads, as we were working with one bead at a time. Here, since we’re working with two beads per stitch, we’ll start by picking up four beads with the threaded needle. Pass the needle back through the first two beads, then through the last two. Next, pick up two more beads, pass the needle back through the previous two beads, and then through the two new beads. Continue this process, adding two beads at a time. The technique is the same; only the bead count changes.
Three Drop Ladder Stitch
As the name suggests, this technique involves using three beads in each column. The process is the same as the previous ladder stitches, but you’ll pick up three beads each time. Clear illustrations and step-by-step instructions are provided below to guide you. Remember, you can use any number of beads for the ladder stitch, such as a four-drop ladder stitch or more. Here, we’re focusing on the main variations that will be frequently used in upcoming tutorials.
Remember, we need to double the initial number of beads when starting. For this three-bead ladder stitch, begin by picking up six beads. Pass the needle back through the first three beads, then through the last three. Next, pick up three new beads and pass the needle back through the previous three beads, followed by the three beads you just added. Continue this process, always adding three beads at a time.
BRICK STITCH
Decreasing Brick Stitch
For the brick stitch, we’ll use the thread bridges formed in the base row created by the ladder stitch. Let’s start with decreasing the brick stitch, which means reducing the number of beads in each row to create a triangular shape that narrows as you go up. Notice how the number of beads decreases by one in the second row. Follow the illustrations and step-by-step instructions below to learn how to achieve this effect.
When decreasing in brick stitch, always start by doubling the number of beads at the beginning, just like with the ladder stitch. In this example, we’re working with a single brick stitch, meaning we usually add one bead at a time. So, double that to start with two beads. Skip the first thread bridge and pass the needle through the second bridge, then go back through the last bead added. From here, continue by picking up one bead at a time, passing the needle through each subsequent thread bridge. Repeat this process until you reach the last thread bridge, then start a new row, which will have one fewer bead.
Increasing Brick Stitch
For increasing the brick stitch, we’ll add an extra bead as we go up, resulting in an inverted triangular shape. Notice the increase in the number of beads with each row, creating the wider shape. Follow the instructions and illustrations below to learn how to achieve this effect step by step.
For increasing in brick stitch, we’ll start by picking up two beads, which is double the initial count. This time, instead of skipping the first loop, pass the needle through the first loop and then back through the last bead added. Continue with the same brick stitch technique, picking up one bead and passing the needle through the next loop, then back through the bead you just picked. When you reach the last loop, pick up an additional bead and pass the needle through the same last loop, then back through the bead you just added. That’s all there is to increase the brick stitch!
Other Variations
In this pattern, there’s an increase at the beginning and a decrease at the end, yet the bead count stays the same—the only change is the shape. Here’s how to do it: Start by increasing at the beginning by picking up two beads and passing the needle through the first loop. Continue with the brick stitch until you reach the last loop, then begin the new row. Take note that the number of beads doesn’t change!
In this pattern, there’s a decrease at both the beginning and end of the row, which is the reverse of the previous method. The bead count stays the same. Start by picking up two beads and passing the needle through the second loop, skipping the first. Continue the brick stitch until you reach the last loop, where you’ll pick up an extra bead and pass the needle through that same last loop. That’s all there is to it!
And that’s a wrap! There are countless patterns to explore in future tutorials, many of which use brick stitch, so keep this guide close. Once you’ve mastered the basics of brick stitch, you’ll be ready to tackle even the most complex designs with confidence. Happy beading, and stay tuned for more fun patterns coming your way!
