Brick Stitch Bead Count Calculator
Calculate bead count for brick stitch from project dimensions and bead size.
Returns row counts and thread length estimate for earrings, pendants, and cuffs.
Brick stitch (also called Comanche stitch or Cheyenne stitch) is an off-loom beading technique where beads are stacked like bricks in a wall — each row is offset by half a bead. It is one of the most versatile stitches for shaped beadwork, earrings, and decorative elements.
Bead Count for Rectangular Brick Stitch
Total Beads = Rows × Beads per Row
For a rectangle, every row has the same count. For shaped pieces (triangles, diamonds, increasing/decreasing patterns), you must calculate each row individually.
Common Brick Stitch Shapes
| Shape | Row Pattern | Total Beads Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Rectangle | All rows equal (N) | Rows × N |
| Triangle (increase) | 1, 2, 3, … N | N × (N+1) / 2 |
| Triangle (decrease) | N, N-1, … 1 | N × (N+1) / 2 |
| Diamond | 1,2,…N,…2,1 | N² (center row = N) |
| Earring (triangle + fringe) | 1,2,…N + fringe rows | Sum of rows + fringe beads |
Bead Sizes and Dimensions
Seed bead sizes use an inverse scale — larger numbers mean smaller beads:
| Size | Width (mm) | Height (mm) | Beads per Inch (width) | Beads per Inch (height) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15/0 | 1.3 mm | 1.0 mm | 20 | 25 |
| 11/0 | 1.8 mm | 1.4 mm | 14 | 18 |
| 8/0 | 3.0 mm | 2.2 mm | 8.5 | 11.5 |
| 6/0 | 3.7 mm | 2.5 mm | 7 | 10 |
| Delica 11/0 | 1.6 mm | 1.3 mm | 16 | 19 |
Delica beads (Miyuki brand) are cylindrical and fit together more uniformly than round seed beads, making them the preferred choice for brick stitch.
Worked Example — Diamond-Shaped Earring with Delica 11/0
Center row (widest): 10 beads. Row pattern: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Total beads: 10² = 100 beads per earring, 200 for a pair.
Physical size: 10 beads × 1.6 mm = 16 mm wide (about ⅝ inch). Height: 19 rows × 1.3 mm = 24.7 mm tall (about 1 inch).
Thread Estimation
Brick stitch uses approximately 6 inches (15 cm) of thread per bead on average, accounting for the path through each bead and the turn between rows.
Thread needed = Total Beads × 6 inches = Total Beads × 15 cm.
For 100 beads: 100 × 6" = 600 inches = 50 feet (15 meters). Add 20% for tails, restarts, and finishing: approximately 60 feet (18 meters).
Thread Types for Brick Stitch
| Thread | Diameter | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Nymo B | 0.20 mm | 11/0 and larger, general use |
| Nymo D | 0.30 mm | 8/0 and larger, structural pieces |
| FireLine 4 lb | 0.13 mm | 15/0 and 11/0, strong and stiff |
| FireLine 6 lb | 0.15 mm | 11/0 and larger, extra strength |
| KO Thread | 0.25 mm | All-purpose, easy to handle |