How to Do the Single Needle Right Angle Weave Stitch

To make the process of learning this stitch easier, we recommend using larger size beads (size 8 or 6) and using contrasting colors of beads (colors A and B). By using the contrasting colors, it will allow you to get a better idea of where to take your needle while stitching along the thread path.

To make the first unit, on a comfortable length of thread, pick up 1 A, 1 B, 1 A and 1 B. Pass needle through the first A and pull to form a ring.

To get into position to add the next unit, pass the needle down through the next B in the ring/unit.

From now on, it might help to think of each unit as an "apartment" with the A beads making up the floors/ceilings and the B beads being the walls. This way, as you add units, you will be adding floors/ceilings and walls.

To add the next unit, pick up 1 A, 1 B, and 1 A. Pass needle through the B you exited and pull to form the next unit.

To get into position to add the next unit to the first row, pass through the next A bead and the next B bead in the second unit.

Continue adding units in this manner until you have a row of ten units.

Hint: To determine how many units you have in a row, count the number of A (or ceiling/floor beads) along one edge of the beadwork.

To get into position to add the first unit of the second row, make sure that you are exiting an A bead.

Pick up 1 B, 1 A and 1 B for the first unit of the second row.

If you are using the floor/wall method, you will be picking up two walls and a floor/ceiling.

Pass needle through the A you exited at the beginning of this step.

At this point, it is helpful to flip the work over so that you are working in the same direction as you did to create the base row.

Pass needle and thread through all the beads just picked up until you are coming out of the second B bead you picked up in the previous step.

To get into position to add the next unit, pass the needle through the next A bead (or floor/ceiling bead) in the base row as shown.

For the rest of the row, you will only need to pick up 2 beads to complete each unit.

Pick up 1 B and 1 A. Pass needle through the side B from the previous unit in the row.

Pass the needle through the top A bead of this new unit (the bottom A bead from the unit in the previous row).

Pass needle through the side B bead (wall) of the unit you just completed. You are now in the position to pick up the next two beads for the third unit of the second row.

For the third unit, pick up 1 A and 1 B. Pass needle through the next A bead (ceiling/floor) from the previous row.

To get into position to continue on to the next unit, pass the needle through the side B bead of the previous unit, the two beads just added​ the next A bead (floor/ceiling) from the previous row.

Note that your thread will be alternating clockwise and counterclockwise thread paths for the rest of the row and that you will only need to pick up 2 beads to make all subsequent units in this row.

Continue to add units until you have completed the second row and are ready to be the third.

Tip: To make sure that you do not accidentally increase or decrease while stitching the units in the rest of the rows, it can help to count out the beads you will need for each unit and keep them separate. This way you can be sure that you have completed the correct number of units for each row.

If you find it too difficult to keep track of your beads using single beads for each of the four sides of the units, try using two beads for each side. This way, the beadwork forms small squares that make it easier to see the thread path.

Note that when you are stitching, you should not see any thread crossing lengthwise between beads, hence the name "right angle weave".

It is sometimes difficult to master tension when weaving with this stitch. Practice will help you feel how much or how little tension is needed to make the beads lay correctly. Don't worry if your beadwork looks a bit "wonky" at first. With practice, it will even out. It is also sometimes more difficult to get an even piece of beadwork using single beads for each of the four sides of the units.