If you're interested in Native American beadwork or traditional craft techniques, you're going to love this video from Chris Bullock, owner of The Wandering Bull. In this detailed how-to, Chris walks you through the Lazy Stitch technique, a classic style of beadwork used by many Plains tribes.
A Family Legacy, 50 Years in the Making
Chris opens the video with a bit of personal history. His father started The Wandering Bull over 50 years ago, and the family has been involved with Pow Wows and Native crafts ever since. The passion clearly runs deep — the vest Chris wears in the video was a gift from his son, crafted with Lazy Stitch beadwork.
What Is Lazy Stitch?
Lazy Stitch is a beading technique where rows of beads are stitched onto leather (or fabric) in segments called lanes. It’s called “lazy” because it’s faster than other techniques, but don’t let the name fool you. The results are anything but lazy. The work is beautiful, detailed, and deeply traditional.
Chris shows several finished pieces as examples:
-
A Lakota-style doll with Lazy Stitch on the yoke, belt, moccasins, and leggings
-
A beaded rosette bag and strap
-
An older pipe bag featuring brain-tanned leather and real sinew
-
His own vest, a gift from his son, full of long rows of Lazy Stitch diamonds
Materials Matter
Chris emphasizes the importance of using high-quality materials:
-
Beads: He uses size 10/0 seed beads. Pro tip — bead colors and dye lots can vary between shipments, so it’s best to buy extra the first time.
-
Leather: Smoked brain-tanned deer hide is his favorite. It’s easier to work with than canvas and gives a better end result.
-
Thread & Needle: He uses Nymo thread and a size 10 needle, thoroughly waxed to prevent tangling.
A Step-by-Step Tutorial
The video then dives into a hands-on demo as Chris starts a beaded necktie project. He shows how to:
-
Start and hide your thread knot
-
Stitch rows of 9 or 10 beads while maintaining even spacing
-
Work in opposite directions for each lane
-
Tie off threads mid-project without creating lumps on the back
-
Adjust bead rows for consistency (hint: avoid cramming beads too tightly)
You'll also learn small but crucial tips — like how to bend the leather slightly to keep your needle in the right spot, and why it's better to leave a bit of space between rows for a smoother finish.
How Long Does It Take?
Curious about the time commitment?
Chris shares that his son was able to complete about 7 inches of Lazy Stitch in an hour. Considering the vest Chris wears has dozens of 7-inch lanes, you can imagine the dedication and hours involved.
