Choctaw Lace Necklace

Necklace can be worn only one or layer them most Mississippi Choctaws were about 3-5

I like to use Nymo brand size D thread as it resist breaking better. I also like to us a "Big Eye" needle (any needle that will go through the size 11 seed bead will be ok). You will need a hank of seed beads size 10 or 11 and bugle beads size 3. 

Instructions are for traditional way as they are made by Mississippi Choctaw. There is no "clasps" you attach necklace either with thin strip of rawhide or in Mississippi they use safety pins or ribbons.

Start by measuring out a long piece of thread maybe about 40" (or what ever is comfortable for you to work with) Knot off the end, thread needle with other end and start by putting 3 seed beads, 1 bugle, 3 seed, 1 bugle and then go back through the first 3 seed this will make your loop where you will attach your necklace. Now start stringing seed beads until your piece measures 23" ending with a loop like the first one you made. Instead of going back through 3 seed beads you will want to go through 5. This is the point that you will begin the lace pattern.

String 3 seed, 1 bugle, 3 seed, 1 bugle until you have 7 bugle (7 for a short, 9 for a medium and 13 for a long necklace). After the last bugle you will want to string 6 seed and then go back through the first seed bead (this will give you a decorative oval circle at the end. Now start back up starting with 1 bugle, 3 seed, 1 bugle 1 seed go through the middle seed from the previous row. This is what gives you the diamond design. Then 1 seed, 1 bugle, 3 seed, 1 bugle, 1 seed go through the middle seed bead from the other row. Continue this pattern until you have 7 bugle beads ending with 3 seed. Now count over 5 seed beads on the top row of seed beads that you strung, run your thread through that seed bead and then back down through the 3 seed beads.

Now you start with a bugle bead and continue this pattern throughout the necklace. Then take the remaining thread on the needle and go back through the stringer of seed beads on top and cut off.