Dangles
To make dangles, pass the thread through a bead on the base row, then
through the beads for the dangle. Skip one bead, and pass the thread back
through the rest (the end bead acts as an anchor, but will usually hang at
right angle to the rest of the string...).
For a fancier edge, skip
three beads, to make florets (they generally fit better with florets
on every other dangle). Or make loops by connecting a string of beads
between two beads in the base row. To align the dangles with the
base row, pass the thread back up through the original bead in the base
row, and then down through the next bead in the base row, repeating the
dangle. Often the lengths of the dangles will vary in a pleasing
pattern. It is also possible to build a matching pyramid of beads on the
"lower" side of the base row, to create a square. Or make a hexagon, by
using fewer rows of beads.
Bead Loops
Or make beaded loops, connecting the first and last bead, then smaller
loops for each inward pair, or connect all edges to the center, or connect
the first to the middle, and shift left each time. Bugle beads can be used
for the dangles, also.
Peyote Stitch
The "base row" is actually a double row. String the beads for the first
two rows of the pattern (interspersed) on the thread. Then add the first
bead of the third row, and pick up the beads for the second row between
adding the beads for the third row.
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Put the thread through the next bead, then around the thread between the
first two beads of the base row, and back through the hole in the latest
bead. Each row will have one less bead than the previous. To make a
hanger, string 6 beads on the thread and fasten the end. If you are
stitching either a matching pyramid, or dangles, off the base row, you can
pass the thread through the holes of the [leftmost] beads and continue
on the base row. It is highly desirable to have a long enough thread to
do the whole project. If you do not, weave the end of the finished thread
through a few beads to secure it, and start the new thread the same way.
Knots are not usually helpful (they tend not to fit through the beads
without untying).
To change the geometry, bugle beads of various lengths can be used
on certain rows.