Peyote vs Brick Stitch: How to Choose the Best Bead Weaving Technique for Miniatures

If you’d like to see every detail with real step-by-step examples, you can watch the full video on my YouTube channel here: Watch on YouTube.

Hello everyone! Today I want to help you choose the best technique for weaving adorable miniature bead patterns, like a winter mitten. I often see discussions about which method is better — Peyote Stitch or Brick Stitch — so I decided to compare them side by side to help you decide what works best for you.

I absolutely love miniature bead patterns because they’re so versatile — you can turn them into pendants, brooches, earrings, pins and more. The only limit is your imagination! But which bead weaving technique should you use for small pieces like this? Let’s break it down.

The Peyote Stitch is done in horizontal rows. Each new bead fits between two beads from the previous row, creating a zigzag mosaic look. There are two types: even count and odd count. The odd count Peyote is very beginner-friendly — it’s simple to move from row to row. The even count is more advanced but lets you create beautiful symmetrical patterns for bracelets, stars and earrings. For miniatures, you often need to use both variations because the piece width can change as you go.

The Brick Stitch is worked in vertical rows. Each new bead is stitched above the previous row and attached with thread like bricks in a wall — that’s where the name comes from. Switching rows is easy, but if you want your edges to look perfect without visible threads, you’ll need to spend a little extra time stitching carefully. Brick Stitch is the most popular for miniatures but takes more time than Peyote.

When choosing a pattern, always look at its shape and find the widest point. For Peyote, beads sit vertically; for Brick Stitch, they sit horizontally. If you’re using a graphic chart, you can rotate it to fit the technique you want. But if you only have a word chart, you can’t switch.

The first row is key. In Peyote, you must string beads in the correct sequence for two rows at once, which can be tricky. In Brick Stitch, the challenge is to pull the first row tight so there are no gaps.

About speed — Peyote wins here. It takes fewer steps to secure each bead compared to Brick Stitch. But Brick Stitch makes a stronger piece. When you feel the finished beadwork, Brick Stitch usually holds its shape better. If you want your Peyote piece to be stronger, reinforce it by weaving extra thread through the finished rows in different directions.

Thread matters too. Brick Stitch uses more thread and works best with a thin thread to avoid visible gaps. Peyote is more flexible — you can use thick or thin thread. For perfect shapes in both, I recommend using Japanese Miyuki Delica beads, because they have a uniform cylindrical shape. Czech or other oval beads can also work, but Brick Stitch handles them better — in Peyote, uneven beads can make your rows shift.

So, which technique is your favorite? I personally choose based on the pattern and sometimes mix both for a clean edge. Now you know all the details — you can try both and see what suits you best!

Thank you so much for reading — and if you want to see this comparison in action, don’t forget to watch the full video and subscribe to my channel. Happy bead weaving! ✨