Gathering Acorns

Squirrels and Acorns Brick Stitch Collar Chain with TOHO Aiko Seed Beads

Skill LevelIntermediate

TechniqueSeed-Beading

Time6+ Hours

Approximate Size5 1/2 Inches

These little squirrels are gathering up their acorns, getting ready for fall and winter! author signature

Collar chains can be worn on shirt collars as a fun accessory for any ensemble. They also make cute accessories on jean jackets and can be used as sweater chains. This collar chain features brick stitch squirrels on either end, with dangling acorns between them. Becky used TOHO Aiko seed beads for consistent color and precise shape.

Step-by-Step Instructions Expand All Steps

Create a brick stitch squirrel using the PDF diagram below. You will be increasing and decreasing the stitch throughout the rows. Start with a ladder stitch at the bottom of the squirrel, with row 1. The row numbers and arrows on the diagram indicate which direction you are stitching for each row. Once you've completed one squirrel, repeat for a matching set of squirrels.

Brick Stitch Diagram
Basic Brick Stitch Text Tutorial
Decreasing and Increasing Brick Stitch Text Tutorial
Brick Stitch Video Tutorial
Gathering Acorns PDF Diagram

Use the PDF Diagram to create a brick stitch acorn. Start with the base of the acorn cap (the row with the number 1 on the diagram). Work your way to the top of the cap and then weave down to continue the rows for the body of the acorn. Once you've completed one acorn, repeat twice for a total of three acorns.

Gathering Acorns PDF Diagram

Add a new thread to one of the squirrels and stitch a silver-plated ¾-inch pin back with 2 holes onto the back. Repeat for the other squirrel, stitching on the other side of the squirrel, so that they face toward each other on the collar chains.

Bead Weaving Basics: Starting, Ending, and Adding Thread

Add a Vintaj natural brass 4mm 21 gauge jump ring to the seed bead at the tip of one of the squirrel's toe. Repeat for the other squirrel.

Opening and Closing Jump Rings Video

Cut a length of antique brass-plated Figaro chain approximately three inches long. Attach one end to the jump ring on one of your squirrels. Attach the other end of chain to the jump ring on your other squirrel.

Attach a jump ring to the bead at the top of a brick stitch acorn. Cut a single link from the antique brass-plated leaf chain. It should have two leaves dangling from it. Open a jump ring and add the jump ring on your acorn and the leaf chain link. Attach this dangle to the center of your chain. Repeat twice, adding each dangle to either side of the center dangle.

List of Components
TOHO Aiko 11/0 Opaque Matte Caramel Precision Cylinder Seed Beads, 4g Pack (AIKO-1605F, qty 1)
TOHO Aiko 11/0 Galvanized Matte Merlot Precision Cylinder Seed Beads, 4g Pack (AIKO-520F, qty 1)
TOHO Aiko 11/0 Frosted Gold-Lined Crystal Precision Cylinder Seed Beads, 4g Pack (AIKO-989FM, qty 1)
TOHO Aiko 11/0 Opaque Matte Bone Precision Cylinder Seed Beads, 4g Pack (AIKO-763, qty 1)
TOHO Aiko 11/0 Opaque Matte Beet Red Precision Cylinder Seed Beads, 4g Pack (AIKO-1625F, qty 1)
TOHO Aiko 11/0 Fiber-Optic Chai Tea Precision Cylinder Seed Beads, 4g Pack (AIKO-1502, qty 1)
TOHO Aiko 11/0 Opaque Oxblood Precision Cylinder Seed Beads, 4g Pack (AIKO-46, qty 1)
Antique Brass-Plated Figaro Chain (BBACH08, qty 1)
Antique Brass-Plated Leaf Chain (BBACH16, qty 1)
Vintaj Natural Brass 4mm 21 Gauge Jump Ring (FIND-2339, qty 8)
Silver-Plated 3/4-Inch Pin Back with 2 Holes (10pc pack) (FIND2569, qty 1)

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Nice choice! All or most of the products needed for this project are shown below with quantities. Sometimes we sell out of components and aren’t able to order more from the manufacturer (we know, it is very disappointing to us, too). Use the opportunity to mix up the design and make it yours by substituting similar products or altering the entire color scheme—it’s up to you!