How to Square Stitch: Sardine Fish Pendant Necklace

Learn how to square stitch with this step-by-step beading tutorial! Create a stunning sardine fish pendant necklace using Miyuki Delica seed beads, Fireline, and basic beading tools. This beginner-friendly square stitch tutorial includes a full bead pattern, photo instructions, and a bonus double sardine fish design. Perfect for seed bead lovers and DIY jewelry makers!

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Materials Needed: (Necklace length is 22.25")

• Delicas Size 11 Miyuki Seed Beads -- 1568 Opaque Agate Blue Luster
• Delicas Size 11 Miyuki Seed Beads -- 1132 Opaque Canary
• Delicas Size 11 Miyuki Seed Beads -- 757 Opaque Light Siam Matte
• Delicas Size 11 Miyuki Seed Beads -- 035 Galvanized Silver
• Delicas Size 11 Miyuki Seed Beads -- 1569 Opaque Cyan Blue Luster
• Tulip Beading Needles Size #12 (1) (John James #12 work as well)
• Silver Plated 6mm Spring Ring Clasp (1)
• Silver 1.7mm Petite Cable Chain - Sold By 6 Inches (22")
• Silver Plated 50mm Long 24 Gauge Ball End Head Pins (1 Headpin)
• Fireline® - Crystal - 50 Yards - 6lb (8 feet)

Tools Needed

• Needle Nose Pliers
• Round Nose Pliers
• Bead Mat
• GS Hypo Cement

Pattern:

Instructions on Construction: 

1. Cut 8 feet of fireline, thread on your needle, then string on a scrap larger seed bead (wrap the fireline around the seed bead twice - this is your stopper bead *do not knot*), then string on 11 red delica beads

2. String on one more red delica onto the needle then thread the needle back up through the last delica bead in the first row - this added bead will be the start to your second row

****IMPORTANT: For each stitch - pull tight for even tension throughout your entire project

3. Thread your needle back through the added bead as shown in the picture above

4. Then back up the last bead on the first row to secure

5.Then back through that first bead on the second row

6. Now we will string on a silver bead, following the pattern. Thread the needle up through the second bead down in the first row as shown.

7. Then back down the other end of the silver bead to secure (you only need to secure the one time, unlike the previous bead)

8. See a pattern? You will be attaching each new bead onto the one above it in the pattern

9. Keep following the pattern

10. Once you have reached the end of the second row, remove the stopper seed bead, take your needle and thread it back up the first row. This helps to secure and straighten your square stitch

11. Then back down through the 2nd row on the other side

12. Now is a great time to secure that initial tail by tying a surgeon's knot, then trim the ends. Hold off on glue till the very end. 

13. Then Thread the needle back through that second row once more

14. At this point, I like to use a scrap headpin to keep my project straight and not get too mishappen by my hands as I continue stitching

15. Now for row 3! 

16. Then back through the bead

17. Continue the pattern of the third row, then thread the needle up through the second row

18. Then down through the third row

19. Start the fourth row

20. Then loop through that bead.

21. Continue following the pattern until you complete each row. Don't forget to thread the needle through the second to last row and then again through the last row.

22. Then, to further secure. Thread your needle and fireline back up through each row. Pull tight between each stitch

23. Stop at the second row

24. Then carefully shimmy your needle through the fireline between the first and second row. Then knot using a surgeon's knot

25. Take your headpin (flat head or ball end is fine either way, we will be cutting it off) and carefully thread it through the first row

26. On the open end of the head pin, start a wire wrap loop and before closing, thread on on one of your 10 inch sections of chain

27. Finish the wire wrap loop and cut off the excess wire

28. Cut off the headpin's end and create a wire wrap loop - repeating steps 26 and 27 - use your second section of 10" chain

29. Attach one jump ring and clasp to one end of the chain and then just a single jump ring to the other section of chain to complete the necklace

Bonus! If you would like to make a large version with two sardine fish, use the pattern below! Repeat all previous steps, however, you will need about 14 feet of fireline. Now you how to square stitch sardine fish pendant necklace and a double sardine fish pendant!