The Spiral Rope Chain is one of the easiest and most versatile stitches there is to make bracelets, necklaces, anklets - even handbag straps! Once you get the the bead pattern started, it will progress in no time at all. You can even do it while watching TV! It is a simple, two bead pattern, with as little or as many colors as you would like.

To get you started on your first Spiral Rope Chain handmade beaded jewelry, we will use 2 colors as our free beading pattern.

Here is what you will need:

Size 11/0 seed beads - approx. 5 grams worth, in two colors. Use high contrast colors for your first Chain project, as it helps to make it easier to see what you are doing.

Nymo Beading Thread - size "D" - in a color to match your "core" color of seed bead on the Spiral (your "core" is the inner bead.)

Size 12 Beading Needle

French Coil (aka bullion or gimp) - 2 pieces, each piece cut to 8 mm long

Clasp and ring for finishing

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The free bead pattern is as follows:

1. Cut a 3 foot piece of Nymo, stretch and condition with beeswax or Thread Heaven. Thread your beading needle.

2. Place 4 beads for your core color (white in the pictures,) then 3 beads in the outside spiral color onto your thread.

3. Tie the beads into a circle. leaving about a 6" tail. Pass the needle through the 4 core beads, and come out at the top.

4. Add 1 bead in the core color (white) and 3 beads in the spiral color (blue). Let the beads drop down to the work.

5. Pass the needle through 3 of the first four 4 core beads (white) and the 1 core bead you just added. You should pass through a total of 4 core beads. Do not pass through the very first core bead on the thread.

6. Pull the thread up through the 4 core beads, then use your thumb to push the 3 blue beads over to the side so that they sit next to the first set of 3 Spiral beads.

7. Repeat from Step 4 until your Rope Chain reaches the length you want. Keep pushing the top beads over as you go and remember to only pass the needle through 4 of the core beads.

8. Finish your bracelet (or necklace or anklet) by adding the gimp to the tail thread, passing it through the finding, and stitching it back into the spiral. Make sure to tie a very secure knot, and finish with a drop of superglue. Repeat on the other side.

Using different size beads, you can accomplish lots of great things with this stitch. It also looks great with size 6/0 beads, and makes a very fine piece with 13/0 or 15/0 beads. Experiment away and make your very own handmade beaded jewelry pattern!