Small Sunflower Beaded Flower: Right Angle Weave & Peyote Stitch Tutorial

This beautiful Small Sunflower design combines two fundamental bead-weaving techniques: Right Angle Weave (RAW) for the structured base circle, and Peyote Stitch for the layered petals. By using three different bead sizes (15/0, 11/0, and 8/0), the petals naturally fall into two layers — one set on top of the other — creating a dimensional, lifelike flower.

In this guide, you will learn:

The full meaning of each step in the process
Step-by-step instructions for the base circle and petals
How to use three bead sizes (A, B, C, D) to achieve the layered effect
Right Angle Weave and Peyote Stitch techniques

Why Make a Beaded Sunflower?

Benefit	Explanation
Dimensional	Two layers of petals create depth and realism
Uses multiple bead sizes	15/0, 11/0, and 8/0 beads work together
Combines two stitches	Learn RAW and Peyote in one project
Versatile	Use as a pendant, earring component, brooch, or embellishment
Stunning result	A miniature sunflower that sparkles

Part 1: Materials & Bead Sizes

Bead Key

Bead Code	Size	Color (Example)	Role
A	15/0	Smallest	Petal tips / upper layer
B	11/0	Medium	Petal bodies
C	11/0	Medium (contrast)	Base circle filler
D	8/0	Largest	Base circle anchors / petal attachment points

Note: In your diagram, A and B are both 11/0? Let me clarify based on the text:

Code	Size from Text	Role
A	15/0	Smallest bead (petal tips)
B	11/0	Medium bead (petal bodies)
C	11/0	Medium bead (base circle filler)
D	8/0	Largest bead (base circle anchors)

Complete Materials List

Material	Specification	Quantity
Seed beads A	15/0	Approximately 50–60
Seed beads B	11/0	Approximately 50–60
Seed beads C	11/0 (contrasting color)	8 beads
Seed beads D	8/0	8 beads
Beading thread	Nylon (Nymo, FireLine, or Wildfire)	60 inches (152 cm)
Beading needle	Size 12 or 13	Very fine for 15/0 beads
Scissors	Sharp	For cutting thread

Color Suggestions for Sunflower

Bead Code	Traditional Sunflower	Purple Artisanal Version
A (15/0)	Dark brown (center)	Deep purple
B (11/0)	Yellow / gold	Lavender
C (11/0)	Yellow / gold (contrast)	Light purple
D (8/0)	Dark brown (base)	Eggplant

Part 2: Understanding the Structure

The Base Circle

The base circle uses alternating sizes of beads: C (11/0) and D (8/0) repeated 8 times.

The Petals

Each petal attaches to a D bead (the larger 8/0 beads) in the base circle. The petals use B (11/0) and A (15/0) beads.

Lower layer of petals: Attached to D beads
Upper layer of petals: Created by the staggered arrangement

Why Alternating Sizes?

Effect	Explanation
Creates anchor points	Larger D beads give the thread a place to exit and enter
Allows layering	Petals attached to D beads sit at different heights
Provides structure	The alternating sizes lock the base circle in place

Part 3: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create the Base Circle

Action	Detail
Using a 60-inch piece of thread	Cut approximately 152 cm
Pick up 1C and 1D eight times	Alternate: C, D, C, D, C, D, C, D, C, D, C, D, C, D, C, D
Total beads	16 beads on the needle

Result: A line of 16 alternating beads.

Step 2: Form the Circle (First Pass)

Action	Detail
Pass through all the beads a second time	Go through the entire circle again
This reinforces the base	Creates a stable ring

Step 3: Reinforce and Exit at a D Bead

Action	Detail
Pass through the first three beads a third time	This locks the circle
Exit a D bead	Your needle should be coming out of a large (8/0) bead

Result: A tight circle of alternating C and D beads, with thread exiting a D bead, ready to begin the first petal.

Step 4: Begin the First Petal

Action	Detail
Pick up 6 B beads (11/0)	These form the main body of the petal
Pass back through the fourth B bead added	Count: 1, 2, 3, 4 → go back through the 4th bead

Result: The B beads form a loop that will become the petal shape.

Step 5: Add the Petal Point

Action	Detail
Pick up 2 A beads (15/0)	These are the smallest beads — the petal tip
Pass through the third B bead added (the one right next to where you just exited)	Connect the tip to the petal body

Result: The petal now has a pointed tip made of 2 tiny A beads.

Step 6: Continue Building the Petal

Action	Detail
Pick up 2 A beads (15/0)	Another pair for the other side
Pass through the fifth B bead added	The other side of the petal

Result: The petal is now symmetrical, with A bead tips on both sides.

Step 7: Complete the Petal and Move to Next D Bead

Action	Detail
Pick up 1 A bead (15/0)	Center tip of the petal
Pass through the sixth B bead added	Complete the top of the petal
Pass through the D bead the thread exited	Return to the base circle
Then pass through the C and D bead next to it	Move to the next D bead for the next petal

Result: One complete petal attached to a D bead, and your thread is now positioned at the next D bead.

Part 4: The Repeat Pattern

Steps 3–6 Repeated for Each D Bead

Step	Action
3	Exit a D bead
4	Pick up 6 B, pass back through 4th B
5	Pick up 2 A, pass through 3rd B
6	Pick up 2 A, pass through 5th B
7	Pick up 1 A, pass through 6th B, then through D, C, D to next D

How Many Petals?

The petals attached to the D beads become the lower layer of petals. The alternating arrangement creates the upper layer naturally.

Part 5: Understanding Right Angle Weave (RAW) in This Project

Right Angle Weave is used in Steps 1–3 to create the base circle.

RAW Principle	How It Applies Here
Beads form right angles	Each C and D bead sits at 90° to its neighbors
Thread passes through beads multiple times	You go through the circle 2–3 times to lock it
Creates a flexible, structured base	Perfect for attaching petals

Part 6: Understanding Peyote Stitch in This Project

Peyote stitch is used in Steps 4–7 to create the petals.

Peyote Principle	How It Applies Here
Beads are staggered	Each row of beads sits in the gaps of the previous row
Creates a flat, even surface	The petal lies flat and symmetrical
Perfect for petal shapes	You can add decreases (fewer beads) at the tip

In this petal:

Base of petal: wider (6 B beads)
Middle: tapers with A beads
Tip: pointed (single A bead)

Part 7: Visual Summary of the Petal

Petal Bead Structure

                    ● (1 A bead - tip)
                   / \
                  ●   ● (2 A beads)
                 /     \
                ●       ● (2 A beads)
               /         \
              ●           ●
              ●           ● (B beads)
              ●           ●
               \         /
                ●       ●
                 \     /
                  ●   ●
                   \ /
                    ● (attachment to D bead)

Bead Count per Petal

Bead Code	Quantity per Petal	Total for 8 Petals
B (11/0)	6	48
A (15/0)	2+2+1 = 5	40

Part 8: Finishing the Flower

Step 8 — Secure the Thread

Action	Detail
After the 8th petal	Weave the thread back through several beads
Pass through the base circle	In both directions
Tie a surgeon’s knot	Between beads (invisible)
Weave through 5–6 more beads	To hide the tail
Trim close to the bead	Be careful not to cut the thread holding the flower together

Step 9 — Attach Findings (Optional)

Use	Attachment
Pendant	Add a bail to the back of the flower
Earring	Attach an earwire to one petal or the center
Brooch	Glue or sew a pin back to the reverse side
Bracelet embellishment	Sew the flower onto a beaded or leather bracelet base

Part 9: Common Mistakes & Fixes

Mistake	Cause	Fix
Base circle is wobbly	Did not pass through beads enough times	Go through the circle 2–3 times before adding petals
Petals point in wrong direction	Exited the wrong side of the D bead	Always exit the D bead from the same side for consistent petal direction
Petals are uneven	Inconsistent tension	Pull each petal with the same firmness
15/0 beads are hard to see	Tiny size!	Use good lighting and magnification (reading glasses or beading loupe)
Thread breaks	Tension too tight or old thread	Use fresh thread; loosen tension slightly
Needle won’t pass through 15/0 beads	Needle too large	Use a size 12 or 13 beading needle
Petals don’t layer	D beads not sitting correctly	Check that your base circle alternates C/D correctly

Part 10: Design Variations

Variation	Change	Effect
Larger flower	Add more C/D pairs (e.g., 10 instead of 8)	More petals, larger flower
Different colors	Change B and A bead colors	Daisy, rose, or fantasy flower
Center bead	Add a focal bead in the middle	Embellished center
Smaller petals	Use fewer B beads (e.g., 4 instead of 6)	Delicate, smaller petals
Longer petals	Use more B beads (e.g., 8 instead of 6)	Elongated sunflower petals

SEO Blog Post Optimization

Meta Tag	Suggested Content
Title	Small Sunflower Beaded Flower: Right Angle Weave & Peyote Stitch Tutorial
Meta Description	Learn to make a small sunflower with 15/0, 11/0, and 8/0 seed beads using Right Angle Weave and Peyote stitch. Step-by-step instructions.
URL slug	/small-sunflower-beaded-flower-tutorial
Keywords	beaded sunflower, right angle weave, peyote stitch flower, 15/0 seed beads, 11/0 seed beads, 8/0 seed beads, beaded flower tutorial
Alt text for image	Small sunflower beaded flower tutorial showing Right Angle Weave base circle with alternating C (11/0) and D (8/0) beads, and Peyote stitch petals using B (11/0) and A (15/0) beads

Final Pro Tip: Work with a Thread Conditioner

15/0 beads have very small holes, and thread can fray or snag. Use a thread conditioner (like Thread Heaven or beeswax) to strengthen and lubricate your thread. This will make passing through tiny beads much easier and prevent breakage.

Summary: You Can Now Make a Beaded Sunflower

Step	Technique	Skill Learned
1–3	Right Angle Weave (RAW)	Create an alternating C/D base circle
4–5	Peyote stitch	Build the petal body with B beads
6	Peyote stitch (decrease)	Add the petal tip with A beads
7	Weaving	Move between D beads to attach all 8 petals

This beautiful sunflower can be used as a pendant, earring, brooch, or embellishment. Once you master the pattern, experiment with different colors and bead sizes to create a whole garden of beaded flowers.