Ladder Bezel Earrings Tutorial

Start the Ladder Stitch: Pick up one 15/0 and one 11/0 seed bead. Repeat the pair (15/0, 11/0) until you have 20 total beads (10 pairs). Use ladder stitch to stitch each new pair next to the previous one: Stitch down through the previous pair and up through the new one to link. After 20 beads, you’ll have a strip that begins to curve naturally. Connect the Ends into a Circle: Bring the two ends of the ladder together to form a ring. Stitch through both ends to join them, forming the bezel shape. Add Interior Beads for Structure: Exit from a 15/0 inside the bezel. Add: 1 × 15/0 → 1 × 11/0 between anchor beads on the inside of the bezel. This helps form a base for supporting the rivoli. Create the Second Ladder Layer: Build a second ladder stitch band identical to the first: Again: 10 pairs of 15/0 + 11/0. Curve this second band and connect it to the first bezel, stitching it inside to form a full enclosure. Insert and Secure the Rivoli: Place the 14mm rivoli crystal face-up inside the bezel. Pull thread tight while stitching through the inside beads to lock it in place. Embellish Outer Edge: Exit from an outer 11/0. Add: 1 × crystal → 1 × 11/0 → crystal between each exposed pair. Repeat around the bezel for sparkling accents. Fill Gaps (Optional): Look for empty spaces (“negative space”) between embellishments. Add more crystals or 15/0s for a full, balanced look. Add a Wire Guard: Exit a top seed bead. Add: 1 × 11/0 → wire guard → 1 × 11/0 and stitch back down into the bezel. This forms a loop for your ear wire. Attach the Ear Wire: Slide your ear wire into the wire guard loop. Close gently. Finish the Thread: Weave through beads and tie half-hitch knots to secure. Burn or trim thread ends.