1. First you need to decide how many different sized beads you want to use. You can use as few as two on up to five or even more. The more you use, the thicker the twist, and the more involved the project. I have found that 4 to 5 different sized beads makes a nice size twist, but it is up to you. You want to use beads that are sized from 4mm (as the largest) to size 11 seed beads (as the smallest). Beads will be strung in graduated sizes as you work around to create the spiral.
2. Once you decided on how many different sized beads to use, be prepared to buy a lot of beads. This really sucks them up, but you'll find it well worth using up your beads when you see the results. You will especially need a large amount of the smallest beads (normally size 11 seed beads).
3. Line up your beads in order from the largest down to the smallest bead and assign them a number. So, if you have five beads, the largest would be number 1, the next smallest would be number 2, and continue until the smallest so it would be number 5, which would be your size 11 seed beads.
4. Cut your choice of thread (nymo or silamide) and thread your needle. Some beaders like to double their thread. This is up to you. There are a lot of beads making up a twist like this, so it is helpful in order to keep the twist strong.
5. Starting with the largest bead, string on one bead of each: 1, 2, 3, and 4.
6. Then string on five number 5 beads. (Remember these are your size 11 seed beads).
7. String on another number 1 bead (which is your largest bead).
8. Now tie these beads into a circle, double knot, and leave a long tail, which you'll need to thread back into your finished piece later.
9. String on another number 1 bead.
10. String on 1 number 2 bead, and go through the number 2 bead in the previous row.
11. String on 1 number 3 bead, and go through the number 3 bead in the previous row.
12. String on 1 number 4 bead, and go through the number 4 bead in the previous row.
13. String on 7 number 5 beads (seed beads) and go through the first seed bead of the previous row (not through all the seed beads).
14. String on 1 number 1 bead, and go through the number 1 bead in the previous row.
15. Repeat steps 10 - 14 with one change. When you get to the seed beads (bead number 5), add two more each row until you total 11 seed beads. From then on, you will use 11 of these beads in every row.
16. At this point, your piece may look really strange to you. However, have faith. As you work, pull your thread to tighten your beads. You'll see a little nest forming around your thumb. Keep pulling beads tightly as you work. Tie a knot every once in awhile to help secure your piece.
17. When you have reached the length you want, you are ready to decrease the seed beads (bead number 1) for the last three rows. So, you use 9 number 5 beads for one row. Then 7 number 5 beads for the next row, and then 5 number 5 beads for the final row.
As you can imagine, you will probably have to add more thread as you work the spiral. So, keep this in mind while you work. Also, there are a variety of ways to add a clasp. You can make a toggle using beads, or as pictured in my piece, you can use a little wire and create a clasp. You can really get carried away with twisting. There are also all kinds of variations you can create depending on the beads you use. In the piece I made pictured here, I used four sizes of beads: 4mm garnet, size 6 yellow glass beads, size 8 dark blue glass beads, and size 11 Japanese rainbow seed beads.
All graphics created by Tammy Powley.
