The Stitch Workshop books all focus on one aspect of beading. This book is about right-angle weave.

They start with all the information you'll need to learn the basics even if you've never strung a seed bead in your life. The first part is called Right-Angle Weave and Stitching Basics and it covers right right-angle weave, other stitches that may be called for in the projects, tips for right-angle weave, tools and materials. All very well illustrated and photographed so the information is very clear.

The focus is single needle right-angle weave instead of crossed double needle technique.

Then you get into the projects, gleaned from a really good seed bead magazine, these have several designers and several styles. The book is organized so the projects start with very simple and straight forward flat projects and then builds in complexity. So if you've never done the stitch before, working through the projects in the book in order will build familiarity and comfort with the technique.

It will teach you how to make curves, work in 3 dimensions and embellishments for this versatile stitch.

Right angle weave is one of my personal favorite techniques for it's drape and adaptability, and I love the more advanced projects in this book.

Connie Blachut's Seed Bead Loops Add Drama bracelet features embellished right angle weave with a center line of bigger beads, and an edging that's worked as embellishment that gives a lot of dimension and looks a bit like a rope.

Lisa Kan, who is one of my favorite designers, contributes a Zig Zag bangle that uses simple techniques to make a bracelet that could very easily become a favorite wear everywhere bangle.

Shelly Nybakke's A Metalsmith's Match is intricately beaded and lives up to it's name. Embellished layers simulate the look of granulation.

My favorite project in the book is the Right-Angle Weave in the Round, with it's trendy circle shape and lots of shine, it's a wonderful piece that could be done in colors and bead finishes to create different looks for different things. The pendant is much like a donut made with beads so you wouldn't have to use just the chain suggested. It's a great shape that is very adaptable.

Recommended for beginning through intermediate beaders who want to learn single needle right-angle weave techniques or want to become more proficient using them.

You can get this book directly from the publisher, Kalmbach Books, your local bead store, or by clicking the Amazon.com affiliate link below.


Amazon.com affiliate links don't affect your cost, and provide extra income to me personally, which helps support my book addiction.

Kalmbach Publishing Co. provided this review copy of Stitch Workshop: Right-Angle Weave to me free of charge.
To learn more about BellaOnline's review policy, please check our review policy.