How to Make Mohawk Indian Beadwork
- 1). Draw a diagram in pen or pencil on the material or leather that you want to bead. Follow the pattern for the bead design by using a ruler, if needed, to draw straight guide lines and cross sections for each bead row.
- 2). Thread the beading needle with the beading thread. Make a double knot on one end of the thread. Make your first stitch by piercing the leather or material from underneath it, and going up through the piece of material to the other side. The thinner the leather or material is, the easier it will be for you to stitch the beads to it. Start at the center of the beadwork project and work out from there.
- 3). Add the first bead or two to the beading thread. Some designs that incorporate flowers might start with two beads in the center of the pattern, instead of one. It is best to bead around a single bead or two that is firmly attached to the center of the beaded item, working your way to the outside and edges of the pattern.
- 4). Pull the thread back through the material or leather. The object is to have the beads lying as flat as possible on the material, without them being loose or bunched up. From there, continue to stitch up through the material; add on beads; firmly attach them to the project, and stitch in the direction that the pattern requires. Add different bead colors per the pattern. If the pattern requires that a different amount of beads be stitched on at once, follow the pattern directions.
- 5). Stitch the last beads on to the material. Pull the thread through the leather or material tightly, but not so tight that the project bunches up. Knot the thread on the back side. Some beaders like to apply glue to the back of their beadwork to ensure that the thread does not break, and that the beads stay firmly affixed to the material or leather.