Don’t be afraid of odd-count peyote! Yes, it does mean a funky turn – but it’s no excuse! Let me show you how to do that!

On one end of the work, you’ll always have a normal end, but on the other end, you’ll have to do a turn in order to carry on with the next row.

To start with odd-count peyote stitch, pick up an odd number of beads e.g. 5 beads. 

Now pick up 1 bead, skip the next bead and pass through the one after. Repeat this along. You should be left with one bead on the end! Now for the turn…

The odd-count peyote turn – method 1

Row 3: Pick up the new bead, pass through the loose bead working towards yourself and then 2 more beads on the diagonal. You’ll only be passing through 2 beads for this row; in the future it will just be one.

Coax the last bead from the row into position. Then we need to turn around, so pass through the bead right next door. Pass through the next 2 beads (not on the diagonal), then turn around and pass through the new bead. 

Now you’re ready to do your next row.

Odd-count peyote turn – alternative method 2

If you can’t remember the sequence, then there is an easier way – you can use brick stitch! Sneaky! Pick up the new bead, pass the needle under the thread path/bridge between the two edge beads, immediately turn around and pass back through that bead.

This is easy BUT will add extra bulk to this edge – so it will depend on what you are making.

Odd-count peyote turn – alternative method 3

This way is great when following a chart! For this method, you will create your first 3 rows as usual, then continue – but working in even count peyote – and ignore that last bead!

After you have finished your entire piece, you can go back and brick stitch that entire row in. Genius!