Openwork stitches are ideal for Tilas, because they work well with the double hole design. Using Tilas as shared or anchor beads in netted beadwork makes for some fun variations on classic styles. In anticipation of the new Tila colors, we’re going to take a look at incorporating Tilas into basic chevron chain, then double up for a mirror effect.
Chevron chain is a variation of netting that can be divided into three sections: the outer loops, and central zigzags, with shared beads connecting them. This tutorial uses two colors of 11/o seed beads, with color B making up the zigzag section.
One Tila equals about three 11/o seed beads, and they are mirrored here by two 6/o Czech seed beads. Both the Tilas and the 6/o beads are bumpered with an 11/o seed bead to make up the loop sections of the Chevron chain. You could also use 8/o seed beads, all 11/o beads, or another combination that you like.
Basic Chevron Chain with Tilas
Attach a stop bead to a comfortable length of beading thread, leaving an 8 inch tail. Pick up 3 color A seed beads, 3 color B, 4 A, 2 6/o seed beads, 4 A, and 3 B.
Stitch down through the first three seed beads picked up to form a teardrop shaped loop. Pull snug.
Pick up 1 A, 1 Tila, 4 A and 3 B. Stitch up through the first three A at the side of the loop. These make up the first shared section. Pull snug to bring the new beads into a new teardrop loop.
Pick up 1 A, 2 6/o seed beads, 4 A and 3 B. Stitch down through the first 3 A on the side of the loop below. Pull snug to form a third loop that mimics the first.
Pick up 1 A, 1 Tila, 4 A and 3 B. Stitch up through the 3 shared beads of the previous loop.
Continue adding beads in this pattern until the chain reaches the desired length. Finish with a 6/o loop.
Connecting a Second Chain to the Tilas
Attach a stop bead to a new length of thread, and pick up 3 A, 3 B, 4 A, 2 6/o, 4 A, and 3 B. Stitch down through the first three A to form a teardrop.
Pick up 1 A, and stitch through the first Tila in the previous chain.
Pick up 4 A and 3 B, and stitch through the 3 shared A in the new loop.
Pick up 1 A, 2 6/o, 4 A and 3 B. Stitch down through the next 3 shared A seed beads and pull snug.
Pick up 1 A and pass through the next Tila. Repeat until you have filled in all the Tilas with new chevrons. Finish with a 6/o loop.
This technique works up really fast, and doesn’t use much thread. The row of Tilas in the center of the beadwork adds a lot of charm to the simple chevron chain, and provides some interesting opportunities for color patterns. I’d love to make one with a single seed bead color, and a repeating pattern of three Tila colors in the middle.
Happy beading!
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That is the best tutorial on the cheveron I have seen yet! Thanks so much for this!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!!!!!!! It's very pretty!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the tutorial... I've never done much netting -- not 'cause I dislike it, just out of happenstance. But I have had a nice little tube of Tilas that I've been keeping near my working space. (I like to rotate a variety of beady things in my field of vision while I'm working on other projects; it really helps in figuring out what to do with beads that aren't already set for a project. If something just sits and I never think of anything, I rotate it out and try something new. But I almost always think of something eventually. Ooh sorry for my long aside! LOL) I'm also excited about the new Tila colors! So now I have a good excuse to do more Tila experiments, as I've already conquered the "diagonal" Tila weave, and at the same time a chance to work on my netting skills.
ReplyDeleteThanks again,
Allie
Thanks for this tutorial. You always make things so understandable and I really appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteStill not a huge Tila fan, but this bracelet is beautiful! Thanks so much for the tutorial!
ReplyDeleteMuchísimas gracias, un esquema realmente bonito
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the tutorial. I've been resisting buying Tilas because they do seem rather expensive, but you've inspired me to go and get some.
ReplyDeleteMerci pour ces explications. c'est très sympath de partager.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful pattern. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you like it! The pattern possibilities with chevron make this technique a really fun way to use Tilas.
DeleteLove the pattern but as I am new to beading, what type of closure would you recommend?
ReplyDeleteUnlike cuffs made with stitches like peyote or herringbone, the netting doesn't have a sturdy edge for attaching metal clasps. For a chevron cuff, a loop-and-toggle or loop-and-button clasp would be ideal. You can sew the component half into the netting, rather than right on the edge, for an overlapping clasp - or attach the component to the edge of the netting on a shorter length of beadwork.
DeleteThe pattern of the double chevron would also look good with a two-bobble type closure - instead of buttons, use round beads that fit into small seed bead loops, similar to what you might use on a macrame project.
Oh, this is INCREDIBLE! I just LOVE Tilas...great project! I think the loop-and-toggle is what I would use to secure this one! Beautiful work!
ReplyDelete-Amelia http://thebeadgoeson.com/blog/
Thanks, Amelia! It is really fun to stitch, and works up pretty fast, too.
DeleteIf you make this chevron chain with tials how do you finish it off to add a clasp?
ReplyDeleteIt really depends on the type of closure and findings that you want to use, though I don't recommend using metal clasps for this project as the beadwork doesn't have a sturdy edge. My preferred method is to 'sew' a button or toggle to one side of the beadwork, and make a loop of seed beads on the other. If you want the closure to overlap, make your bracelet a little bit longer than usual, and place the loop and button a few centimeters back from the edge. With the doubled effect and the width of this technique, you could definitely go with two smaller buttons or round beads rather than a single closure at the center.
Delete