Step 6
Round 4 and onwards. You can add the first bead in round 4 with the beadwork flat. So pick up a 15, skip a bead and sew through the next bead.
Step 7
If you’re not already holding the bead work now is the time to pick it up. To keep a good tension wrap the tail thread around your middle finger and hold your work between your index finger and thumb. If you find holding the bead work too fiddly try sliding it onto a dowel or chopstick. To continue this round, pick up a 15, skip a bead, and sew through the next bead.
Step 8
As you work this round you’ll be able to pull the bead work into a tube. Pick up a 10, skip a bead, and sew through the next bead. Carry on beading, remembering to step up at the end of each round. When you step up, what you’re actually doing is sewing through the last bead of the previous round and the first bead of the round you’re just finishing.
Step 9
To end the spiral neatly, complete three or four rounds just using size 15 seed beads. This will narrow the hole at the end of your work and give you a neat finish. You don’t need to completely close the hole of the tube as you’ll be adding a pearl next.
Step 10
The pearl you add in this step will give yourself an easy connection point to which you can secure your clasp or chain. Exit a size 15 seed bead. Pick up a pearl and sew through a 15 on the opposite side of the spiral’s hole. Make sure it’s nice and snug then sew back through the pearl and the two seed beads either side of it a couple of times then weave the thread into the bead work to secure. Repeat at the other end.
Step 11. To add a simple chain of beads, cut a piece of thread three times the desired length of one side and thread a needle onto each end. Sew through the pearl at the end of the spiral and pull the thread so that you have the same amount on each side. Onto each strand string 3 size 11 seed beads then pass both strands through a combination of seed beads and pearls of your choice.
Step 12
When you have the desired length string enough beads onto one of the strands to form a small loop. Sew back around this loop and knot around the thread. Pass back down your length of beads. This section will need to be secure to hold the weight of your necklace.
Step 13
Once you have repeated this on the other side of your necklace, attach a jumpring to each small beaded loop on either side of your necklace. Attach a lobster clasp to one of these rings.