It’s always difficult to choose one true favorite, especially in beading, but I’m very attached to herringbone weave. It’s easy and versatile, works with many types of beads, and can be incorporated into many different project styles. I love the texture of a finished piece of herringbone, and it takes geometric patterns well.
2. Where/how do you first learn to use this method?
I vaguely remember trying to learn tubular herringbone from a beading book, and failing miserably at it. I was learning a lot of new techniques at the time, and many of them seemed impossible. At some point, I found a project tutorial that I liked enough to really try mastering herringbone, and fell in love. I immediately started experimenting with variations.
3. Of all the creations you’ve made with this technique, which one is your favorite?
Herringbone really clicked for me when I finally started using it for beaded ropes. My all time favorite project started with a comment on a rope I was stitching with a seed bead mix – my husband asked me why I was making corn. The resemblance was suddenly so obvious that I had to take it to the next level. I ordered lots of orange, yellow, and brown seed beads and charlottes, and spent the next several weeks making my Cornucopia lariat.
4. Can you share any tips for getting started with this method?
Start with flat herringbone, and choose beads that you like working with. Herringbone looks great with Czech or Japanese seed beads, Delicas, cubes, or triangles, so use whatever you’re most comfortable with. Herringbone weave also looks fine even when your tension is a little off, so it’s a great stitch for beginners.
5. Do you have a favorite material or color to use it with?
I love using opaque seed beads with herringbone, because they really show off the beautiful pattern within the beadwork. Chromatic colors and black and white stripes are my favorites.
6. If someone had to choose to learn only one technique, would you recommend this one?
Herringbone isn’t as universal as other stitches like right angle weave, but it does go a lot of places. Necklaces, bracelets, rings, accessories, décor…I would definitely recommended herringbone as a desert island stitch for anyone that likes meditative beadwork with lots of options.
7. What is your least favorite thing about this technique?
The only trouble with herringbone is that it’s difficult to make the ends of the beadwork identical. I always start with a two-bead ladder base, and getting the final rows to line up as neatly is nearly impossible. Once the trim is added, the difference isn’t noticeable, but it’s a flaw nonetheless.
8.Do you use any variations? Which one is your favorite?
I love ordinary flat herringbone, but I often mix things up with increases or embellishments. Tubular herringbone and twisted tubular herringbone are my favorite variations – they create a strong and sturdy rope with a wonderful texture.
THIS is one of MY personal favorites of hers!!! Just look at the colors and details!! It has sold – come time ago – but it is still one I have loved for years!!
http://inspirationalbeading.blogspot.com/2010/10/beading-tutorials-twisted-tubular.html
http://www.inspirationalbeading.blogspot.com/2012/09/tutorial-graduated-herringbone-bobble.html
And now, to tell you that Ms. Mortira not only was kind enough to do this interview with me, but she is also doing a feature on me!!!! Talk about an honor!! She is a beadweaver that I have so much respect for, so to have her interview me…… oh my!!! Please, go check out her blog today…. and see my interview too!!!
Spinning Ginny's Knitting and Spinning Blog
Wow, love your necklace, the design is just so awesome. You really are very talented. Oh I just loved this interview and the lovely beaded jewelry pictures too. Very interesting!
Krafty Max
Thank you very much!! ~KM
taviasbeadifullife
I have to agree, Inspiration Beading’s tutorials are some of my favorite! I just found your blog, and this is the first post I’ve seen and I love it! So, I can’t wait to see what else is going on here!
Krafty Max
Thank you, I hope you come back often!! ~KM
Judy
I have kept up with Mortira for quite some time and love her work. Her tutorials are wonderful. She has helped me learn many new stitches.
You do some pretty awesome work too my dear!!
Krafty Max
Thank you so very much!! ~KM
Judy
I tried to add your button to my blog, but it said it was “broken’ ??
Krafty Max
I hope it is fixed, but I’ll have my ‘blog lady’ look at it, thanks!! ~KM