Seed Bead Hoop Earrings with Tubular Herringbone Stitch: A New Technique to Try
If you've mastered brick stitch and peyote stitch and are ready to add a new technique to your beading toolkit, this tutorial is a great next step. I'll show you how to make seed bead hoop earrings using tubular herringbone stitch — a technique that creates a beautiful, twisted rope-like texture wrapped around a hoop.
This project is a wonderful way to branch out if you've been sticking to flat stitches like brick or peyote and want to try something with more dimension.
What Makes Herringbone Stitch Different
Herringbone stitch gets its name from the distinctive V-shaped pattern the beads form as you work, similar to a herringbone fabric weave. Unlike brick or peyote stitch, where beads sit relatively flat against each other, herringbone beads angle against one another in pairs, which creates a naturally textured, almost braided look.
Working herringbone in its "tubular" form means stitching in a continuous circle rather than flat rows, which is exactly what you need to wrap beadwork around a hoop earring finding. The result is a rounded, rope-like tube of beads that hugs the curve of the hoop beautifully.
Why This Is a Great Project
- Introduces a whole new stitch — herringbone has a different rhythm and structure than brick or peyote stitch, so it's a great way to expand your skill set.
- Beautiful texture — the V-shaped pattern gives your beadwork a dimensional, almost rope-like quality you don't get from flat stitches.
- Transferable technique — once you understand tubular herringbone, you can use it for bracelets, necklaces, and other rounded designs, not just hoops.
- A satisfying challenge — if you're ready to level up from flat stitching, this is a rewarding next step.
What You'll Need
(Adjust this to match your exact supply list from the video.)
- Miyuki Delica beads or seed beads in your chosen color(s)
- A pair of hoop earring findings (beadable hoops)
- Beading needle (size 10 or 12)
- Beading thread (like Nymo, FireLine, or C-Lon)
- Scissors or thread snips
- A beading mat or tray to keep your beads organized
What to Expect in the Tutorial
This tutorial breaks tubular herringbone down step by step, so it's approachable even if this is your first time trying the stitch. I cover:
- How to start your tubular herringbone stitch around the hoop
- The rhythm and hand position of herringbone stitch, and how it differs from brick or peyote
- How to keep your tension even as you work in a continuous circle
- Tips for keeping your V-pattern consistent and neat
- How to finish off your beadwork securely once the hoop is covered
By the end, you'll have a beautifully textured pair of hoop earrings — and a brand-new stitch in your repertoire that opens the door to all sorts of future projects.
Ready to Try It?
Grab your hoops, thread up a needle, and let's give herringbone a try! This is a great project if you're comfortable with the basics of beading and ready to stretch your skills into a new stitch.
👉 Watch "Seed Bead Hoop Earrings with Tubular Herringbone Stitch" on YouTube
Looking for more ways to build your beading skills? Check out the free beading pattern downloads page, or browse the full shop for more designs. And if you'd like exclusive monthly tutorials and patterns, come join Bead Camp!
If you make a pair using this tutorial, I'd love to see them — tag me or drop a photo in the comments. Happy beading!
~ Darcy