Brick Stitch Bead Count Calculator
Calculate the total bead count for brick stitch beadwork projects with row-by-row breakdown and thread estimates.
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 |