Potawatomi Weave Bracelets

I have been currently working on bracelets using the Potawatomi bead weaving stitch. This bead weaving stitch was developed by the Potawatomi Nation. The Potawatomi Nation is well known for their beautiful woven basketry, quill embroidery, and of course beadwork.


The Potawatomi weave is a bead weaving stitch which is commonly used to make beaded friendship bracelets. The width of the bracelet depends on how many beads are woven together for each row. The rows are woven diagonally, not horizontally or vertically. I have made 3 bracelets using this technique.

The first bracelet is a “7 bead weave”. I used size 11/0 seed beads in the colors of silver and gold. This made a lovely tennis bracelet with a gold and silver diagonal pattern. This bracelet is a great accessory to wear for a formal or informal occasion.

The second bracelet was also made using a "7 bead weave." For this bracelet I used size 8/0 seed beads. These beads are larger than size 11/0 seed beads. Metallic hematite black and metallic teal colored beads created the diagonal pattern. Since this bracelet was made using larger beads, it is not as dainty as the first and would look great on either a woman or a man. (A picture of this bracelet is posted. Unfortunately my scanner does not do justice to the actual beauty of this bracelet.)

Unlike the previous 2 bracelets that used a "7 bead weave", the last bracelet was made using a "5 bead weave". I used only one color of size 11/0 seed beads and created a lovely monochromatic pink bracelet. I also added a scalloped edging to this bracelet that I did not add to the other two bracelets.

The Potawatomi weave is a real fun beading stitch. I really enjoyed making these bracelets. I also plan to make a necklace or two using this technique. If you are interested in learning more about the Potawatomi Nation check out this website;
http://potawatomi.aaanativearts.com/


When you have the chance, I invite you to visit my website, “Bead Between The Lines.”
You just might find something that you like or something that inspires you. And, please, take a moment to sign my guest book.

http://www.picturetrail.com/bead_between_the_lines