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Open Chain Stitch
The only real difference between this and a regular chain stitch worked in BCB style is the distance between where the needle comes up (A and C above) and where it comes down (B and D above). However, this makes quite a difference in the overall look of the stitch, as you'll see from the color pictures. To exaggerate the difference even more, string on 20 to 30 seed beads for each stitch - but don't use this for anything fragile or washable!
Thread Crossing Thread
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Bring needle up at A, string on 12 black beads, needle down at B. Remember to make the distance between A and B larger than for regular chain stitch, perhaps as much as a quarter of an inch.Come up at C and make a tiny stitch across the thread between beads 3 and 4, bringing the needle down outside the loop. |
| Bring needle up again at C, string on 12 white beads, and bring needle down at D. Come up at E and make a small stitch across the thread between beads 3 and 4, bringing the needle down outside the loop. |  |
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When you are ready to end the chain, take two small stitches across the thread between beads 3 and 4 and again between beads 9 and 10 of the last loop, as shown at G and H at left. |
Open chain stitch is one variation where the TCT method really comes into its own. The neat, clear open squares it forms cry out for ornamentation. Here are some possibilities:
| Use a bugle bead in the center row of beads. String (4sb, bb, 4sb) for each stitch. |  |
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Use bugle beads on all three sides of the open square formed by each stitch. String (1sb, bb, 2ab, bb,2sb,bb, 1sb) for each stitch. |
| Put bugle beads on each side and a star bead in the center. String (sb, bb, 2sb, star, 2sb, bb, sb) for each stitch. |  |
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