These Necklaces are done in the African Net Stitch. The free pattern with instructions and graph sheet can be found on the beadwork pages at the About.com site. There are also graphs and instructions for color variations here.
I must admit that when I first saw this necklace, I wasn't impressed enough to want to try it. After seeing several lovely examples on Singing Wolf's beadwork site, I quickly changed my mind.
For netted pieces, I don't like to follow word by word (bead by bead) instructions. If you are like me, then perhaps you would benefit from the following instructions.
My directions note the
Here are my notes:
| row 1 | 4T | down | row 12 | 3T | up |
| row 2 | 4T | down | row 13 | 4T | down |
| row 3 | 9T (on itself) | down, then up on itself | row 14 | 4T | down |
| row 4 | 5T | up | row 15 | 5T | down |
| row 5 | 3T | up | row 16 | 3T | up |
| row 6 | 4T | down | row 17 | 5T | up |
| row 7 | 4T | down | row 18 | 3T | up |
| row 8 | 5T | down | row 19 | 4T | down |
| row 9 | 6T (3 bead picot fringe) | down, then up on itself | row 20 | 4T | down |
| row 10 | 5T | up | row 21 | 5T | up |
| row 11 | 5T | up | row 22 | 3T | up |
Okay, to back up a bit, when you start out you will need to string a "stop bead" (I always use the same kind and color, so the stop bead is a part of the pattern...anyway, string 12 beads (1 stop bead and 11 others), then go through 7th bead from the needle end (going back toward the tail end). Next, string 4 and go through the stop bead (going toward the tail end), then follow the pattern above starting at line 3.
Other hints: Netting is fun and once you get going, you don't have to count your beads so much...you will note that each side of the net mirrors the other side, so it is easy to see which bead to go through. Once you have one completed pattern, you can use that and the printed graph to double-check your work.
On all 3 of these necklaces I also went back to the starting net and worked row 21 and 22 before working the skinny necklace portions. The neckpieces on the 2 matte mix necklaces on the left were done using the instructions from Maria Oldrings site, her "Sunflower necklace", which is also the pattern for my Prom Choker. The black African net necklace was finished by doing a simple 4 bead net pattern.
Some additional notes: I have tried doing these necklaces in japanese seed beads and haven't been too crazy about the results. For some reason, czech seed beads, especially the matte mixes work best. They lend a delicate and antique look to the finished necklace, and feel terrific on your skin! Also, I have found that adding gemstone chips is fun. Try using a chip instead of doing the 3-bead turnaround (picot edging) on the bottom points. The last pic on this page shows a close-up of a necklace with amber chips, showing the simple 4 bead net that I use to finish the length of the necklace.
(3/19/2000)I just recently finished this African Net necklace done in the chakra/rainbow colors and I really like it! If you like this one, be sure to check out my other chakra colored jewelry.
I hope you like this beadwork, please let me know your thoughts by sending me an e-mail.
In Love, Light & Healing...
Rev. Susan H. Aguirre