Even though Hubble stitch might remind you a Right Angle Weave (RAW) stitch when you look at the woven structure, it is quite different in many aspects.
I picked up a book Hubble Stitch: Instructions & Inspiration for this Creative New Lace Beadwork Technique to try a couple of projects and find out how Hubble stitch can help me creating beaded jewelry.
Exploring Hubble Stitch. Basic Beading Projects.
At first, I was tempted to start weaving a project from the end of the book, but luckily, I cooled off and went back the beginning. I have a habit reading magazines from the back, but this time, I thought it is important to learn the basics first and then, explore variations and ideas. Also, the book structure persuaded me to do so (see book review below).
Observations
1. My first observation about the stitch was not very positive. When I was making a simple bracelet offered at the beginning of the book, I noticed that I have to do way too much of “snugging.” Like in RAW, there is no such thing as snapping in. The woven structure looks as good as you weave it. So I tried as hard as I can and pulled my thread to keep a neat structure. Still, the woven “fabric” looked loose.
2. When I started weaving the second row, I did not follow directions. It happens to me, as, I am sure, happens to many creative beaders out there. Instead, I tried weaving the way; I think I should weave. By the seventh unit, I realized that my rows look slightly different than the book version of the bracelet. Different, but not ugly. I continued weaving according to the instructions and noticed that my “wrong” way of weaving created a slightly different pattern. I might explore that way of weaving more in the future because it looked very interesting.
3. When I weaved up to a third row, I noticed that accurately woven stitches form a very nice pattern. This pattern does not look exactly like a RAW pattern. The angle of every “happy man” (a term the author used to describe correctly woven Hubble unit) creates a row of “chicken feet” prints and resemble a knitting pattern. So my second observation was about the beauty of the pattern.
4. One thing I did not like about my first bracelet project, it had an open edge, the edge that was too soft to hold a structure of a bracelet. On the other hand, the bracelet felt extremely soft and comfortable on my hand, and I considered it as a plus.
5. When I moved to a second project, I already felt that adding a bead between two “happy men” would solve my problem of loosely woven structure.
This time around, I enjoyed making a new bracelet for myself, and the work on it went relatively fast. I finished it in one evening.
6. After completing a second project, I started thinking of different ideas on how to use this stitch in my beadwork.
Hubble Stitch Book Review
I like the clean look of this book and step-by-step instructions.
As soon as I opened the book and turned some pages, I saw that it is organized as a beading lesson. You start learning the basics of the stitch. You create your first and simplest bracelet using basics. Then you move to more interesting projects with more complicated steps and stitches. Throughout the book, Melanie is gradually increasing the difficulty level. Even though I did not complete all the designs in the book, I am sure, I would be proficient in Hubble stitch if I would choose to do so.
The illustrations are nice and sharp. Color diagrams are very helpful and even large enough to use without glasses.
There are different aspects of beading which you can use the Hubble stitch for, such as circular, tubular, beaded ropes and even beaded elements. All are illustrated and explained. Bead project for each type of stitching is included. After learning the basics, you can move to more complicated designs without worry.
I am yet to explore more Hubble stitch projects from the book. Meanwhile, I would love to hear from you about this stitch and see your projects. Comment here or emails me your work-in-process photos!
Happy beading!
