Patent Abstract:
An apparatus that facilitates commencement and execution off-loom bead weaving stitches such as, but not limited to, odd/even count Peyote (Gourd), Two (or more) Drop Peyote, Herringbone (Ndebele), Brick (Comanche/Cheyenne), Right Angle Weave, Netting, and derivative stitches. The apparatus in all embodiments provides means to temporarily secure beads by use of one or more of the following: a nonflexible or flexible filament-with or without aid of a sewing needle, friction, clasping with means to engage and disengage or a releasable adhesive in a format that enables the user to have improved sightline and access to the beads, improved control of bead placement resulting in a reduction of color placement and stitch execution errors, and allows the completed or in progress beadwork to be removed from the apparatus intact. The apparatus may be formatted for bead size and configured or combined to accommodate the width of the desired beadwork.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/522,248, filed Aug. 11, 2011 by the present inventor. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Prior Art 
       [0002]    The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 U.S. Patents 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Pat. No. 
                 Kind Code 
                 Issue Date 
                 Patentee 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 8,066,035 
                 B1 
                 2011-11-29 
                 Stevens 
               
               
                 1,726,933 
                   
                 1928-05-11 
                 G. St. John Jr. 
               
               
                 4,785,521 
                   
                 1988-11-22 
                 Ho 
               
               
                 .8,051,541 
                 B2 
                 2011-11-08 
                 Gupta 
               
               
                 5,494,734 
                   
                 1996-02-27 
                 Widders 
               
               
                 6,719,013 
                 B1 
                 2004-04-13 
                 D&#39;Estais 
               
               
                 7,147,008 
                 B2 
                 2006-12-12 
                 Sayler 
               
               
                 8,132,596 
                   
                 2012-03-13 
                 Weidler et al. 
               
               
                 6,686,021 
                 B1 
                 2004-02-03 
                 Case 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       NONPATENT LITERATURE DOCUMENTS 
       [0000]    
       
         BEADWORK magazine Interweave Press LLC 201 East Fourth Street, Loveland Colo. 
         Bead&amp;Button magazine Kalmbach Publishing Co. 21027 Crossroads Circle Waukesha Wis. 
         Bead Unique magazine All American Crafts, Inc. P.O. Box 459 Mt Morris, Il. 
         Bead Patterns, The Magazine, www.bead-patterns.com 
       
     
       General How-To Glossary Pages any Current Issue 
       [0007]    Beadwork is the art or craft of stringing beads together and/or attaching beads to one another or to cloth usually by the use of a needle and thread or other pliable filament. Beadwork may take the form of jewelry, clothing, sculpture, ornamental hangings, and other decorative items. Beads are available in a variety of different designs, sizes, colors, and materials. Beadwork techniques may be broadly divided into stringing, bead embroidery, bead crochet, bead knitting, loom and off-loom weaving. 
         [0008]    Simple beadwork projects can be created by hand in a short duration, while complex beadwork may take weeks of meticulous work with specialized tools and equipment. 
         [0009]    The most basic form of beadwork is stringing where beads are simply strung sequentially on a thread in a straight line to produce a pleasing configuration. The design possibilities for stringing are limited to linear formats. Off-loom stitches may have any number of beads determine the width. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,066,035 to Stevens discloses a bead stringing apparatus that allows user to pre-string specific groupings of beads onto a temporary thread stretched on a frame. The user can then permanently string additional beads on a separate wire, pass the wire through the pre-aligned bead holes of the bead groupings on the temporary thread and then continue to add random beads between the pre-strung groupings. When the project is complete the temporary thread is removed leaving all beads permanently strung on the wire. While this may speed the stringing process the resulting designs are still limited to linear formats with the beads in single file order, one after another. Off-loom stitches may have any number of beads determine the width and any number determine the length of the finished beadwork. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,726,933 to G. St. John Jr. discloses a bead holding device that facilitates forming a knot in the thread between each bead as it is strung. Pearls are often strung in this manner; if the thread breaks the knots will keep the majority of the beads from sliding off the broken thread. Off-loom stitches do not require knots between the beads; knots may be a hindrance when making the multiple passes through the beads as are required when working off-loom bead weaving stitches. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,521 to Ho discloses a method for automatically linking beads or the like. This device suspends a magnetic member in such a way that beads fed into the vicinity of the member can be strung onto the member automatically due to gravity causing a downward pull on the beads once the magnetic member has entered the hole of the bead. This device appears to focus on automatically stringing beads in a straight line. While this may speed the stringing process the resulting designs are still limited to linear formats with the beads in single file order, one after another. Off-loom stitches may have any number of beads determine the width and any number determine the length of the finished beadwork. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,051,541 to Gupta discloses a stringed bead securement device which is used as a temporary brake or stopper so beads cannot slide off one end of the thread or line as the user adds more beads to the other end. There are other traditionally known methods to provide a brake or stopper using beads and/or thread that pre-date this device so this device is not required to work off-loom stitches. 
         [0014]    Traditionally bead embroidery, bead crochet, and bead knitting all utilize the same basic tools, and skills as traditional embroidery, crochet, and knitting with the simple addition of beads strung on the threads as they are manipulated by crochet hook or knitting needles or stitched to a substrate with decorative embroidery stitches using a hand sewing needle. Crochet hooks and knitting needles are not used to create off-loom bead weaving stitches. Bead embroidery and off-loom bead weaving stitches both may employ a hand sewing needle to guide the thread through the bead holes but the configuration of embroidery stitches are not the same as those stitches used to create off-loom beadwork since embroidery anchors stitches to a separate substrate such as cloth and off-loom stitches link beads to other beads or to the thread that lies between other beads and requires no other substrate. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,494,734 to Widders discloses a method of stitching beads into the openings in a grid formed by the warp and weft threads of a flexible mesh fabric. The beads are suspended in the openings by passes of additional thread over and under the warp and weft of the mesh fabric. The mesh fabric becomes a permanent supporting substrate of the beadwork. This method shares commonalities with both loom weaving and bead embroidery. This method does not relate to off-loom stitches as no fabric substrate with warp and weft fibers are utilized when stitching off-loom beadwork. 
         [0016]    Beadwork may also be constructed on a loom. When weaving on a loom a multitude of threads are strung across opposed ends of the loom structure. These threads are conventionally referred to as warp threads. The beads are positioned and secured between the warp threads by means of one or two passes of a separate weft thread guided by a hand sewing needle suspending a bead or beads between an adjacent pair of warp threads. When the loomed beadwork is completed the multitude of warp threads must be individually secured to maintain the structural integrity of the loom woven beadwork. The user may choose to follow a printed chart or pattern stipulating the relative position of specific color beads in order to reproduce the pattern within the beadwork. Since the loom is traditionally a stand-alone structure it is easy to see all of the threads and beads while user is creating the beadwork and this facilitates following the chart. However the width of the completed beadwork is limited by the size of the loom. Off-loom stitches may have any number of beads determine the width and any number determine the length of the finished beadwork. 
         [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,013 to D&#39;Estais and U.S. Pat. No. 7,147,008 to Sayler disclose two types of looms specifically adapted for beadwork disclosing a multitude of warp threads on the loom frame as necessary for function. There are numerous additional beading loom designs that all share the need for multiple warp threads to function. Off-loom beadwork does not require a multitude of warp threads or a loom as is indicated by the term Off-loom which specifies that the beadwork is not made on a loom. 
         [0018]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,132,596 to Weidler et al. discloses a bead weaving device. This device appears to be a portable beading specific work-station that can stand alone on a table or in the users lap. The device secures the clasp of the jewelry type beadwork with a “toggle half securer”, to an angled working surface as a third hand function while the user works the beaded portion of the item. A “Peyote Block Attachment” is described as being removably couplable to the work station base. The positioning of the “Peyote Block Attachment” to the angled work surface is illustrated in  FIG. 3  reference number  310 . and  is stated to be for use in performing peyote stitching. The steps required for use of the “Peyote Block Attachment” are not defined in the summary, the claims, nor demonstrated in the drawings. The method(s) required for attaching the peyote beadwork or beads to, or how the beadwork or beads are engaged by, the “Peyote Block Attachment” is not described or illustrated. It is not specified in what manner the “Peyote Block Attachment” facilitates the stitching of the peyote beadwork. The use of the “Peyote Block Attachment” would not be inherently understood by those familiar with the traditional steps of the off-loom stitch known as peyote by referencing the information and drawings provided by Weidler et al. 
         [0019]    Off-Loom beadwork is typically constructed using one thread often with the aid of a hand sewing needle to guide the thread through the bead holes. There are some variations that employ two needles. Traditional Off-loom stitches may include both odd and even bead count versions of Peyote stitch also known as gourd stitch, Two and/or Three-Drop Peyote stitch, Herringbone stitch also known as Ndebele stitch, Brick stitch also known as Comanche or Cheyenne stitch, Right Angle Weave stitch also known by the initials R.A.W., Netting stitches, and the derivative stitches that can be traced back to the aforementioned stitches. Each off-loom stitch produces beadwork with a distinctive format and resulting surface texture produced by how the beads relate to one another within the beadwork. These off-loom stitches are traditionally executed using small, relatively uniformly shaped beads called seed beads. Seed beads come in different sizes which are determined by the quantity of beads strung through the bead holes with each bead touching its preceding and following beads in a single straight thread that will measure approximately an inch. Fifteen size 15 beads when strung on a straight thread will measure approximately an inch, eleven size 11 beads when strung on a straight thread will measure approximately an inch and so on. 
         [0020]    The Off-Loom bead weaving stitches begin with the user stringing a predetermined number of beads onto the thread to form the specific base row configuration needed to produce the off-loom bead stitch of choice. The user then employs a stitching sequence, commonly called a thread path, which varies according to the desired stitch formation to join the next bead or grouping of beads to the base row with multiple passes through specific beads or linking passes under the threads present between beads. Each consecutive row builds upon and is linked via thread to the previous row(s). 
         [0021]    The base row of beads is usually held by the fingers and thumb of the non-dominant hand of the user while the user performs the steps of the desired stitch with the needle controlled by the dominant hand. The non-dominant, possibly less skillful, hand may find it difficult to hold or control the small beads while working the steps for the desired stitches. This difficulty may result in thread path or stitch formation errors. In addition areas of the base row beads are obscured from view by the user&#39;s fingers as the user needs to grasp the base row beads during typical execution of the Off-Loom stitches. It can be difficult to perform the stitch correctly when user&#39;s fingers are physically impeding access to the beads, or visually blocking line of sight to the beads due to the need to grasp the base row beads. 
         [0000]    User may choose to follow a printed chart of a design or pattern stipulating the relative position specific color beads in order to reproduce the printed design or pattern within the beadwork. Following a chart requires that beads of specific colors be strung in a precise order for the base row and that this precise order needs to be maintained throughout the stitching process for the pattern to be reproduced accurately. U.S. Pat. No. 6,686,021 to Case discloses a beading pattern surface and method for creating beadwork which specifies pre-printed beading grids with configurations that match the resulting bead configurations of the completed off-loom bead weaving stitches will act as a guide to help maintain proper thread tension and bead spacing within the resulting beadwork. The Case pattern surface does not address the difficulties inherent with starting the flat off-loom bead weaving stitches but focuses on aiding in maintaining proper bead spacing, thread tension, and bead color placement after the beadwork is already started. The user still needs to hand-hold the base row beads while working the first few rows in order to establish the desired bead configuration before putting the beadwork onto the Case beading surface and aligning the beads to the pre-printed grid. Off-loom stitches often require multiple passes through a centrally located bead, this may create a pivot point or axis where two beads may inadvertently rotate and change position within the first few rows of the beadwork. This may disrupt the desired bead color placement when following a chart of a design or pattern. The rotation of beads out of the desired color sequence may not be noticed by the user until one or more consecutive bead rows are added since portions of the base row beads are obscured may be common when starting the first few rows of Off-Loom bead weaving. These errors may be very frustrating to the user as they require the user to rework sections of the beadwork or start over from the beginning. Two of the major periodicals that specialize in beadwork and related arts such as:  BEADWORK  Interweave Press LLC 201 East Fourth Street, Loveland Colo. 
         [0022]    Bead&amp;Button Kalmbach Publishing Co. 21027 Crossroads Circle Waukesha Wis. Currently list in their respective reference how-to glossary of stitches sections the troublesome but traditional hand held base row configuration methods of starting off-loom stitches. Thus an apparatus which renders the first few rows of Off-Loom bead weaving easier to observe and/or regulate is novel, unobvious, and desirable. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0023]    In accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus to facilitate the commencement and execution of Off-Loom Bead Weaving Stitches and Method(s) of using same comprises a body with surface area for the user to grasp the apparatus in a way that does not obscure the user view of the beads while executing at least one, or a plurality of rows of Off-Loom Bead Weaving. The embodiment comprises a plurality of holes of pre-determined size. The size and spacing of holes are pre-determined as required to substantially function as a means for releasably engaging thread and/or a plurality of beads relative to the pre-determined bead sizes as a means to regulate and stabilize the beads in a configuration that facilitates the user executing the desired Off-Loom Bead Weaving Stitches. 
       ADVANTAGES 
       [0024]    Ideally an apparatus to facilitate the commencement and execution of off-loom bead weaving stitches would provide adequate surface area for the user to grasp the apparatus manually or mechanically in a way that does not obscure the user view of the beads while executing the first few rows of Off-Loom bead weaving. The apparatus would also provide a means to regulate the beads while also limiting undesired rotation of beads out of order while forming the base row(s) giving the user improved control of the small beads. Improved control and a clear sight line would logically result in greater accuracy of color placement and a more successful execution of the desired thread path for the specific Off-Loom bead weaving stitches. The apparatus would be easily dedicated for use with specific bead sizes by altering the size and/or spacing of the bead engagement or thread engagement embodiment to function relative to the pre-determined bead sizes. The apparatus could include an option to increase the stitching area so the apparatus can be used for any size beadwork project. 
         [0025]    Other advantages of one or more aspects or embodiments will be apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS—FIGURES 
         [0026]    In the drawings closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes. 
           [0027]      FIG. 1  Shows a representative bead, side, end, and ¾ view 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  Shows a representative pattern or chart for stitching even-count single bead peyote stitch which will be used as a representative off-loom bead weaving stitch throughout. Pattern is read from the bottom up. The convoluted thread path is shown as it would be stitched to connect row one beads and row two beads. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 3A-C  Show the first steps to commence the off-loom stitch. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 4A-C  Show the pivot points created when the beads of row  3  are added. Pivot points allow beads from row  1  to exchange places or torque with respect to adjacent beads in row  3 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  A-B Show the relative position of the user fingers when holding first 3 rows of beadwork in progress and user fingers while holding the embodiment of the apparatus with the same first 3 rows of beadwork in progress. 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  Shows one embodiment of the apparatus which comprises a panel of flexible material perforated with a multitude of holes or voids in a predetermined configuration and size to correlate to the size of beads to be used to produce off-loom stitches. The holes are positioned such that they leave bridges of un-cut material of a pre-determined size mesial to the voids. The embodiment may also comprise additional voids which may be used to anchor or guide thread. 
           [0033]      FIGS. 7A-B  Show the intended fold line and direction of fold of embodiment from  FIG. 6  and the embodiment folded. 
           [0034]      FIG. 8  Shows a stop bead which is a possible means to anchor a thread, additional possible means are illustrated in  FIGS. 10C-E   
           [0035]      FIG. 9A-B  Show a possible engagement of the means to anchor a bead from  FIG. 8  with the embodiment from  FIG. 6  and an enlargement of same. 
           [0036]      FIG. 10A-E  Show a possible engagement of thread in a void of the embodiment from  FIG. 6  in position to commence stitching and enlargement of same. Additional possible means to anchor thread in embodiment from  FIG. 6  with or without the use of a stop bead from  FIG. 8 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 11  Shows the pathway of the threaded needle into the extended aperture and under the fold of base material mesial to voids created in  FIG. 7  in the embodiment from  FIG. 6 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 12  A-H Show a possible pathway of thread to engage bead(s) within void(s) of the embodiment from  FIG. 6  and an enlargement of the same. With consecutive rows of beads added to the embodiment from  FIG. 6  in the peyote stitch format. 
           [0039]      FIG. 13  A-B Show possible thread path and bead configurations for Herringbone and Right Angle Weave stitch formats 
           [0040]      FIG. 14  A-B Show removal of the first row of thread to release beadwork from the embodiment from  FIG. 6 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 15  A-D Show a possible means to increase the usable stitching area by trimming and overlapping units. 
           [0042]      FIG. 16  A-D Shows ¾ view and side view of a possible embodiment of the apparatus comprising means to engage beads along one or more edges. 
           [0043]      FIG. 17A-D  Shows ¾ view and side view of a possible embodiment of the apparatus comprising means to engage thread along one or more edges. Illustrated with and without beads engaged by thread. 
           [0044]      FIG. 18  Shows a possible embodiment of the apparatus comprising means to engage thread  FIG. 17  or to engage beads  FIG. 16  along one or more edges. The different edges may comprise spacing suitable for different size beads. 
           [0045]      FIG. 19A-B  Show possible mechanical couplings between units to expand stitching surface. 
           [0046]      FIG. 20A-B  Shows a possible embodiment of the apparatus comprising a multitude of voids with corresponding fold lines as a possible means to engage thread. 
           [0047]      FIG. 21A-E  Shows a possible embodiment of the apparatus that comprises a series of opposed parallel folds resulting in a plicated surface with a series of voids to engage thread  FIG. 17 . Front view with and without beads and thread engaged, top view with beads and thread engaged. 
           [0048]      FIG. 22A-C  Shows a possible embodiment of the apparatus that comprises a multitude of openings, slits or slots, on a plane to engage thread and/or beads and enlargement of same with beads and thread engaged. 
           [0049]      FIG. 23A-C  Shows a possible embodiment of the apparatus that comprises a multitude of raised convex arches mesial to openings on a plane to engage thread and enlargement of same with beads and thread engaged. 
           [0050]      FIG. 24A-B  Shows a possible embodiment of the apparatus that comprises a multitude of recessed or concave dimples mesial to openings on a plane to engage thread and enlargement of same with beads and thread engaged. 
           [0051]      FIG. 25A-B  Show a possible embodiment of the apparatus that comprises a flexible or semi-flexible plane with a crispate edge with slits or slots cut into the crispate edge at regular intervals to engage thread shown with and without beads and thread engaged. 
           [0052]      FIG. 26A-F  Show a possible embodiment of the apparatus that comprises a wire or plastic filament that is pivotally attached to a base at one end and is releasably attached to the base at the other end of the filament.  FIG. 25A-D  shows embodiment with the addition of dimples to engage the beads along the plane of the base directly under the filament. 
           [0053]      FIG. 27A-B  Show a possible embodiment of the apparatus that comprises a base with a raised work stop and another plane traversing the base to create a furrow or rabbit recess to engage beads. 
           [0054]      FIG. 28  Shows a possible embodiment of the apparatus that comprises a base with hollows to slidably engage individual units that comprise a means to engage a thread or a means to engage a bead when extended outward from the marge of the opening. 
           [0055]      FIG. 29A-H  Show a possible embodiment of the apparatus that comprises individual units that comprise a method to engage thread with a means to join units with or without means to provide rotation, % view of single unit and units joined, partial rotation and in use with beads and thread engaged. 
           [0056]      FIG. 30A-H  Show a possible embodiment of the apparatus that comprises individual units that comprise a method to engage a bead with a means to join units with or without means to provide rotation, % view of single unit and units joined, partial rotation and in use with beads and thread engaged. 
       
    
    
     DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0000]    
       
           32  bead(s) 
           34  flexible filament or thread/thread path 
           36  representative chart or pattern 1    
           38  rotation point: one bead that shares two threads 
           40  fingers or gripping device employed by user 
           42  body of embodiment of the apparatus with adequate surface area to be held manually or mechanically without impeding view of, or access to, beads while in use 
           44  holes/voids/slits releasable means to engage thread 2    
           46  holes for anchoring and positioning thread 
           48  fold(s) 
           50  stop bead: used to stop the forward progression of thread through a hole 
           52  sewing needle 
           54  cut away fold right, frustrum right 
           56  cut away fold left, frustrum left 
           58  overlap cut ends 
           60  releasable means to join units 3    
           62  releasable means to engage a bead 4    
           64  releasable means to secure front plane to back plane in a folded unit 
           66  raised arches 
           68  dimple depressions 
           70  crispate marge or edge of embodiment 
           72  movable means to secure end of wire or plastic filament to base 
           74  releasable means to clasp loose end of wire or plastic filament 
           76  means to join units to allow central rotation, torque 
           78  means to join units to allow longitudinal nutation on a plane 
           80  Null spacing area 
       
     
         [0082]    Representative chart or pattern 1  illustrates the off-loom bead weaving stitch single bead peyote but should not be used as a means to limit the use of the apparatus to exclude the other off-loom bead weaving stitches such as but not limited to: both odd and even bead count versions of Peyote stitch also known as gourd stitch, Two and/or Three-Drop Peyote stitch, Herringbone stitch also known as Ndebele stitch, Brick stitch also known as Comanche or Cheyenne stitch, Right Angle Weave stitch also known by the initials R.A.W., Netting stitches, and the derivative stitches that can be traced back to the aforementioned stitches. 
         [0083]    Means to engage thread 2  may comprise but is not limited to a hole or void through which the flexible filament or thread may freely pass. 
         [0084]    Releasable means to join units 3  may comprise but is not limited to use of friction coupling, adhesive, tongue and grove, hook and loop, male and female, or other mechanical/physical means to join. 
         [0085]    Releasable means to engage a bead 4  may comprise but is not limited to friction coupling, adhesive, or other grasping means. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0086]    The term Bead  32   FIG. 1  may refer to an item with a hole completely passing through its inner plane, beads  32  may indicate the plurality. Seed beads  32  come in a variety of sizes. Size is determined by the quantity of same size beads  32  that can be strung in a straight line that equal or measure one inch. Size 11 beads  32  would string a quantity of 11 beads  32  in an inch.
 
The term Off-Loom may refer to beadwork constructed by hand with one or two needle  52   s  and one or two threads as opposed to the multiple warp and weft threads of loom beadwork construction methods. Traditional Off-loom stitches may include both odd and even bead  32  count versions of Peyote stitch also known as gourd stitch, Two and/or Three-Drop Peyote stitch, Herringbone stitch also known as Ndebele stitch, Brick stitch also known as Comanche or Cheyenne stitch, Right Angle Weave stitch also known by the initials R.A.W., Netting stitches, and the derivative stitches that can be traced back to the aforementioned stitches. The stitch know as single bead  32  Peyote  FIG. 2-4C  is shown for demonstration purposes only and is not to be used to limit the apparatus  42  to that stitch as it works well with the other aforementioned stitch formations
 
The term Thread may refer to any flexible strand-like material which can be manipulated with or without the use of a hand held  40  needles  52  or machine guided needle.
 
The term Beadwork may refer to an article created with beads  32  and thread  34  as defined herein.
 
The term User may refer to the person physically manipulating thread  34  with the intent to produce a piece of beadwork consisting of beads  32  of any size or substance joined by thread  34  with or without the aid or use of a hand held  40  needle  52  or machine guided needle  52 .
 
Bead Width may refer to the measurement of a bead  32  at its widest diameter of the bead  32  on the planes that do not comprise the hole(s) the diameter across the bead  32  without regard to the hole.
 
Bead length may refer to the measurement or diameter of the bead  32  from the plane comprising the opening(s) or hole(s) to the opposite plane with opening(s) or hole(s) which may also be considered the length of the hole(s) through the interior of the bead  32 .
 
       Detailed Description—FIGS.  6 - 11 —First Embodiment 
       [0087]    One embodiment of the apparatus  FIG. 6  may comprise a panel or sheet  42  of rigid or semi-rigid material with a means for folding  48  or a panel or sheet  42  of flexible folding  48  material that can be hand held  40  or placed on a table top for use with or without a means of support and which comprises line(s) or row(s) of a plurality of voids  44  or apertures of square, oval, round, triangular, or irregular configuration or a combination thereof to be called “holes  44  passing completely through the material of a diameter and shape to allow passage of beads  32  and thread  34  through the holes  44  whereas the horizontal orientation of the individual holes  44  are more than 100% of the pre-determined nominal size of the beads  32  but no more than 125% of the pre-determined nominal size of said beads  32  and the perpendicular orientation of the holes  44  are at least 100% of the pre-determined nominal size of said beads  32  but not more than 120% of the pre-determined nominal size of said beads  32  with the optimum size somewhere in between to be determined by the size variance and shape variation due to production or manufacturing methods of the beads  32  to be used with the embodiment of the apparatus  42 . The margins of said holes  44  are to be aligned parallel and perpendicular along a straight plane. The upper and lower margins of the holes  44  should lie on the same plane with approximately equal portions of the holes  44  on either side of the intended straight fold  48  line(s)  FIG. 7A . 
         [0088]    One or more embodiments may comprise an addition of extension(s) to the margin of the holes  44  comprised of a contiguous aperture whereas the connecting hole  44  joining the hole and the aperture is smaller than the starting hole but at least large enough to accommodate the point of a sewing needle  52 . The aperture extends beyond the perimeter of said hole  44  to create an accessible entry or ingress into the area under the fold  48  and between the front and back planes of the material when folded  48   FIG. 11   
         [0089]    The plurality of holes  44  shall be positioned alternately with areas of un-cut material to be called “bridges” of an approximately equal size as the holes  44  with a width of approximately 80% of the pre-determined nominal size of the beads  32  up to but no more than 125% of the pre-determined nominal size of said beads  32  with the optimum size somewhere in between to be determined by the size variance and shape variation due to production or manufacturing methods of the beads  32  to be used with the embodiment of the apparatus  42 . The perpendicular aspect of the uncut material to be determined by the perpendicular aspect of said contiguous holes  44 . The embodiment may comprise additional holes  46  of a size and shape to allow only the passage of the sewing needle  52  and thread  34  for use as guides to anchor or position the thread  34  prior to use with the apparatus  42   FIGS. 9A-B ,  10 A-E. 
         [0090]    The outer shape and dimensions of the embodiment of the apparatus  42  may be independently determined or may be regulated by the desired number of holes  44  and the predetermined size of the beads  32  to be used with the apparatus  42 . The embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  is for illustrative use only and is not to be considered the only or best configuration of the apparatus  42 . Outer dimensions of the apparatus  42  may comprise sufficient surface area when folded  48  for the user to grasp the apparatus  42  manually or with a gripping mechanism  40  without impeding the user view of the beads  32  or the manipulation of thread  34  via sewing needle  52  through holes of said beads  32  and holes  44  of the apparatus  42   FIG. 5B . 
         [0091]    Operation First Embodiment— FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 5B ,  FIG. 6 ,  FIGS. 7A-B ,  FIG. 8 ,  FIGS. 9A-B ,  FIGS. 10A-E ,  FIG. 11 ,  FIGS. 12A-H ,  FIGS. 13A-B ,  FIGS. 14A-B ,  FIGS. 15A-D   
         [0092]    The manner of using the current embodiment of the apparatus  42  for the execution of Off-Loom bead weaving stitches may utilize the representational Off-Loom bead weaving stitch known as Peyote for illustrative purposes, this should not be used to limit the apparatus  42  to this stitch as it works equally well with the other Off-Loom bead weaving stitches. 
         [0093]    User folds  48  the apparatus  42  along the fold  48  line indicated in  FIG. 7A  and creases the material to maintain the folded  48  configuration shown in  FIG. 7B . Embodiment must remain folded  48  throughout active use of the apparatus  42  until at least 4 rows of beadwork are completed. 
         [0094]    Thread a sewing needle  52  with a length of thread  34 , pass threaded needle  52  through a waste bead  32  two times for use as a stop bead  50  or means to stop the forward progression of the thread  34  through a hole  46  of a smaller diameter than the bead  32   FIG. 8 . 
         [0095]    Pass needle  52  under the folded  48  area of the embodiment and out one of the small guide holes  46  in the embodiment  FIGS. 9A-B . Draw the thread  34  through to position the stop bead  50  inside the fold  48 . Pass needle  52  down through the small guide hole  46  on the fold  48  and exit up through the first large hole  44   FIGS. 10A-B . A stop bead  50  is not necessary to the functionality of the embodiment additional alternative methods of positioning the thread  34  are illustrated by  FIGS. 10C-E  but other positioning configurations not pictured may work as well. Embodiment must remain folded  48  from this point on throughout active use of the apparatus  42  until at least 4 rows of beadwork are completed. 
         [0096]    User strings the first bead  32  of the first row onto the needle  52  and passes the needle  52  right to left from the first large hole  44 , under the folded  48  material between the voids  44  to exit up through the 2 nd  large hole  44   FIG. 11 ,  FIGS. 12A-B . The user draws the needle  52  and thread  34  through the 2 nd  hole  44  until the first bead  32  is engaged by the first hole  44  and held in position by the interaction of the thread  34  and the apparatus  42 . A second bead  32  is strung onto the needle  52  and the needle  52  passes into the 2 nd  hole  44 , passing under the folded  48  material between the 2 nd  and 3 rd  voids  44  and exits the 3 rd  hole  44   FIG. 12C . The user repeats the action of stringing a bead  32  and passing under the fold  48  of material that lies mesial to the consecutive voids  44  to position one bead  32  within each hole  44  to achieve a predetermined quantity of beads  32  engaged within the voids  44  of the embodiment equal to the first row of beads  32   FIG. 12D . 
         [0097]    Note that the user stitches the beads  32  in row number one, one at a time rather than stringing the first and second row alternately all at once as in the traditional method. Adding beads  32  one at a time would improve color position accuracy. 
         [0098]    To add the second row of beads  32  the user has the choice of stitching by moving left to right by maintaining the current relative positioning of the a apparatus  42  or the user can turn the apparatus  42  over so the opposite side now presents while maintaining the fold  48  so the user can continue stitching right to left if that direction is preferred. Illustrations show alternating the stitching direction for clarity. Thread  34  exits the 5 th  large hole  44 . The first bead  32  in the second row is strung onto the needle  52  and the user passes the needle  52  left to right through the last bead  32  added in the first row. 
         [0099]    Since the user grasps  40  the apparatus  42  below the area that engages the beads  32  and thread  34  the user sightline or view of the beads  32  is not impeded by the user&#39;s fingers  40  as is the case with the traditional method of starting the stitch  FIG. 5A . Improved sightline may improve stitch formation and bead  32  color placement. Since the beads  32  are engaged by the apparatus  42  the beads  32  cannot rotate  38  out of color order which may also improve color placement accuracy When the thread  34  is drawn through the last bead  32  in the first row the first bead  32  in the second row may be positioned on top of the folded  48  material mesial to the 5 th  and 4 th  voids  44 . This positioning will cause the second row bead  32  to assume an off-set position relative to the beads  32  in the first row  FIG. 12E . This off-set or staggered presentation of beads  32  is desirable in the representational stitch known as Peyote. The remaining beads  32  in the second row are added one by one by stringing a bead  32  and passing left-right through the next first row bead  32  to the right until the thread  34  exits the first bead  32  added in the first row and one bead  32  has been added between each first row bead  32   FIG. 12F . Again the opportunity to add the beads  32  one by one rather than stringing the first and second row alternately all at once as in the traditional method greatly improves color position accuracy. 
         [0100]    Third row beads  32  are joined to the 2 nd  row beads  32  moving right to left  FIG. 12G . In the traditional method of stitching peyote unwanted bead  32  rotation  38  between the first and third rows of beads  32  may occur at this stage but this unwanted rotation  38  cannot occur with the embodiment as the first row beads  32  are engaged with the apparatus  42  and are not free to rotate. The increased control offered by the apparatus  42  greatly reduces the opportunity for beads  32  to rotate out of color order  38 . 
         [0101]    Fourth row of beads  32  are added one by one to the third row beads  32   FIG. 12H . After the fourth row is complete the unwanted bead  32  rotation  38  cannot occur and the beadwork may be removed from the apparatus  42  and completed or beadwork may remain attached to the apparatus  42  as the user continues to add the consecutive rows of beads  32  and removed later. 
         [0102]    Possible thread  34  path and bead  32  configurations for the Off-Loom stitches known as Herringbone or Ndebele  FIG. 13A  and Right Angle Weave  FIG. 13B  are shown on the embodiment of the apparatus  42  but should not be used to limit the use of the apparatus  42  to those stitches as the embodiment works well with other Off-Loom stitches too. Alternately the beadwork process can commence on the opposite side of the embodiment and worked in a mirror image progression if the user so chooses. 
         [0103]    To remove the beadwork from the apparatus  42  after at least four bead  32  rows are added the user opens the fold  48  and works from inside the fold  48  where a single line of thread  34  is visible mesial to the voids  44 . User removes the stop bead  50  if one was added and then uses the sewing needle  52  to gently un-stitch the thread  34  that crosses between voids  44   FIGS. 14A-B . Removing this thread  34  releases the intact beadwork from the apparatus  42 . The embodiment of the apparatus  42  can be used again and again to start additional projects. 
         [0104]    To increase the stitching area when using this embodiment of the apparatus  42  the user may cut away the fold  54  area that lies mesial to the first large hole  44  and the right edge of the apparatus  42   FIG. 15A  and cut away the fold  56  area that lies mesial to the first last hole  44  and the left edge of the apparatus  42   FIG. 15B  then overlap  58  the cut areas so the first remaining large hole  44  from  FIG. 15A  and the last remaining large hole  44  from  FIG. 15B  are aligned. Use a means to removably join  60  the two embodiments at the overlap  58  such as, but not limited to, adhesive tape  FIG. 15C . If additional stitching area is desired user may remove the fold  48  area from both sides of a third apparatus  42   FIG. 15D , and place this double-cut unit between units from  FIG. 15A  and  FIG. 15B  and use a removable means to join  60  the two resulting areas of overlap  58 . In this manner the available stitching area can be easily customized by the user. 
         [0105]    The greater numbers of beads  32  in the starting rows of large Off-Loom beadweaving projects greatly increase the opportunity for beads  32  to rotate out of color order  38  or for the user to make an error in color selection as the longer strings of beads  32  used to start the stitches in the traditional method become unwieldy. Unfortunately it also takes longer to start over if an error is made so the expansion of stitching area of the apparatus  42  is highly desirable to reduce errors while starting larger projects. 
       Second Embodiment—FIGS.  16 A-D  19 A-B 
       [0106]    Embodiment of the apparatus  42  may comprise a panel or sheet  42  of rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible material that can be hand held  40  or placed on a table top for use with or without a means of support of sufficient thickness that a plurality of raised surfaces of a size and shape to accommodate approximately 50% to 75% the width of the desired bead  32  size and 80% to 120% of the pre-determined bead length with a means to temporarily grasp  62  and hold said beads  32  in position until the user wishes to disengage the beads  32  from the embodiment of the apparatus  42  said means may comprise, but are not limited to, friction, clasping with means to engage and disengage or an adhesive. The means to engage  62  a bead  32  may comprise a configuration that alternates the raised means to engage  62  a bead  32  with unaltered base  42  edges to segregate the means to engage  62  a bead  32  to achieve the desired conformation of engaged beads  32  relative to non-engaged beads  32  to facilitate the formation of the desired bead  32  stitches. 
         [0107]    The outer shape and dimensions of the embodiment of the apparatus  42  may be independently determined or may be regulated by the desired number of bead engaging  62  means and the predetermined size of the beads  32  to be used with the apparatus  42 . The embodiment shown in  FIG. 16A-B  is for illustrative use only and is not to be considered the only or best configuration of the apparatus  42 . Outer dimensions of the apparatus  42  may comprise sufficient surface area for the user to grasp the apparatus  42  manually or with a gripping mechanism  40  without impeding the user view of the beads  32  or the manipulation of thread  34  via sewing needle  52  through holes of said beads  32  engaged by the apparatus  42   16 C-D. The embodiment of the apparatus  42  may comprise a mechanical means to releaseably join units  60  of the apparatus  42  to each other in order to expand the stitching area  FIGS. 19A-B  such as, but not limited to, scarf, hook, docking ferrule, coupling, clamp, loop and hook, adhesive, or adhesive tape, or friction join. 
         [0108]    Operation Second Embodiment— FIGS. 16  C-D 
         [0109]    User temporarily inserts or attaches one bead  32  consecutively from the second row of the desired Off-Loom bead weaving stitch to correlating consecutive bead engagement  62 surfaces on this embodiment of the apparatus  42   FIG. 16C . User threads a sewing needle  52  and passes right to left through the first bead  32  on the right held by the apparatus  42 . User strings first bead  32  from the first row onto the needle  52  and passes through the second bead  32  held by the apparatus  42  thus suspending the first row bead  32  between the second row beads  32  by means of the thread  34 . User repeats the string a bead  32 , pass through a bead  32  held by the apparatus  42 . In order to complete the desired first row two beads  32  are added after the last second row bead  32  held by the apparatus  42 . One of the two completes the first row and one begins the third row when the user passes left to right through the last second row bead  32  held by the apparatus  42   FIG. 16D . 
         [0110]    User completes at least four rows of the desired Off-Loom bead weaving stitch and the beadwork can be disengaged from the embodiment of the apparatus  42  and completed independently. Alternately the beadwork process can commence on the opposite side of the embodiment and worked in a mirror image progression if the user so chooses. 
         [0111]    Since the user grasps  40  the apparatus  42  below the area that engages the beads  32  the user sightline or view of the beads  32  is not impeded by the user fingers  40  as is the case with the traditional method of starting the stitch. Improved sightline may improve stitch formation and bead  32  color placement. Since the beads  32  are engaged by the apparatus  42  the beads  32  cannot rotate  38  out of color order which may also improve color placement accuracy 
       Third Embodiment—FIGS.  17 A-D,  18 ,  19 A-B 
       [0112]    Embodiment of the apparatus  42  may be comprised of a body  42  of rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible material that can be hand held  40  or placed on a table top for use with or without a means of support of sufficient thickness that a plurality of raised segments along one or more perimeter edges of the embodiment of the apparatus  42   FIGS. 17B ,  18  Upper surface plane on the “teeth” of the said striations may be comprised of un-cut material that stands proud in relation to the “notches” or depressions or can be added material that stands proud above the plane of the perimeter of the rest of the embodiment of the apparatus  42  thus creating “notches” or depressions congruently between the added materials. The striations of similar or congruent size and/or shape manifest along a contiguous portion of the perimeter(s) of the embodiment of the apparatus  42 . The teeth and/or notches may be of any suitable shape, square, oval, round, triangular, or irregular configuration or a combination thereof that may accommodate the aforementioned beads  32  within the depressions of the notches to an approximate depth of more than 20% of the bead  32  width up to approximately 80% of the desired bead  32  width in relation to the upper plane of the aforementioned “teeth” with the optimum depth from the upper plane of the material to the lowest point the bead  32  touches falling somewhere between to be determined by the size variance and shape variation due to production or manufacturing methods of the beads  32  to be used with the embodiment of the apparatus  42 . 
         [0113]    The width of the notches or the distance between the teeth that in turn create the notches may be at least 100% of the bead length up to 120% of the bead length (bead length measured from hole to hole in the bead  32 ) with the optimum width falling somewhere between to be determined by the size variance and shape variation due to production or manufacturing methods of the beads  32  to be used with the embodiment of the apparatus  42  and which may accommodate a hole  44  that passes completely through the interior thickness of the raised “tooth” parallel to or at an angle to the broader surface plane of the material these holes  44  to comprise a diameter and shape adequate in size and configuration to allow passage of a sewing needle  52  with sufficient material remaining around the hole  44  to maintain the integrity of the material that comprises each “tooth”. 
         [0114]    The outer shape and dimensions of the embodiment of the apparatus  42  may be independently determined or may be regulated by the desired number of thread  34  engaging means and the predetermined size of the beads  32  to be used with the apparatus  42 . The embodiments shown in  FIGS. 17B ,  18 ,  19 A-B are for illustrative use only and is not to be considered the only or best configurations of the apparatus  42 . Outer dimensions of the apparatus  42  may comprise sufficient surface area for the user to grasp the apparatus  42  manually or with a gripping mechanism  40  without impeding the user view of the beads  32  or the manipulation of thread  34  via sewing needle  52  through holes of said beads  32  or holes  44  of the embodiment of the apparatus  42 . The embodiment of the apparatus  42  may comprise a mechanical means to releaseably join units  60  of the apparatus  42  to each other in order to expand the stitching area  FIGS. 19A-B  such as, but not limited to, scarf, hook, docking ferrule, coupling, clamp, loop and hook, adhesive, or adhesive tape, or friction join. 
         [0115]    Operation Third Embodiment  FIGS. 14A-B ,  17 C-D 
         [0116]    User threads a sewing needle  52  and passes right to left through the first thread engagement hole  44  on the right on the apparatus  42 . User strings first bead  32  from the right side of the first row of the desired Off-Loom stitch onto the needle  52  and passes right to left through the second thread engagement hole  44  on the apparatus  42  thus suspending the first row bead  32  between the first thread engagement hole  44  and second thread engagement hole  44  by means of the thread  34   FIG. 17C . User repeats the process to string a bead  32  and, pass needle  52  through a thread engagement hole  44  on the apparatus  42  to complete the first row of the desired Off-Loom bead weaving stitch. 
         [0117]    First bead  32  of the second row is strung and the user passes left to right through the last first row bead  32  held by thread engagement holes  44  and thread  34   FIG. 17D . Progressive rows of beads  32  are added in a like manner traversing right to left and left to right. Alternately the beadwork process can commence on the opposite side of the embodiment and worked in a mirror image progression if the user so chooses. 
         [0118]    User completes at least four rows of the desired Off-Loom bead weaving stitch and the beadwork can be disengaged from the embodiment of the apparatus  42  by removing the thread  34  from the thread engagement holes  44  using the sewing needle  52  in a similar function as shown in  FIGS. 14A-B  or by other means to remove. 
         [0119]    Since the user grasps  40  the apparatus  42  below the area that engages the thread  34  the user sightline or view of the beads  32  is not impeded by the user fingers  40  as is the case with the traditional method of starting the stitch. Improved sightline may improve stitch formation and bead  32  color placement. Since the beads  32  are engaged by the apparatus  42  the beads  32  cannot rotate  38  out of color order which may also improve color placement accuracy 
       Fourth Embodiment—FIG.  20 A 
       [0120]    This embodiment of the apparatus may be comprised of a body  42  of semi-rigid, or flexible material that can be hand held  40  or placed on a table top for use with or without a means of support of sufficient thickness and which comprises lines or rows of a plurality of voids  44  or apertures of square, oval, round, triangular, or irregular configuration or a combination thereof to be called holes  44  passing completely through the material  42  of a diameter and shape to allow passage of beads  32  and thread  34  through the holes  44  whereas the horizontal orientation of the individual holes  44  are more than 100% of the pre-determined nominal size of the beads  32  but no more than 125% of the pre-determined nominal size of said beads  32  and the perpendicular orientation of the holes  44  are at least 100% of the pre-determined nominal size of said beads  32  but not more than 120% of the pre-determined nominal size of said beads  32  with the optimum size somewhere in between to be determined by the size variance and shape variation due to production or manufacturing methods of the beads  32  to be used with the embodiment of the apparatus  42 . 
         [0121]    The margins of said holes  44  are to be aligned parallel and perpendicular along a straight plane. The size and relative placement of the holes  44  within a line shall correspond to the dimensions of a specific predetermined bead  32  size whereas each line of voids  44  engages a different bead  32  size. The upper and lower margins of the ranks of holes  44  should lie on the same plane with approximately equal portions of the holes  44  on either side of the intended straight fold  48  lines 
         [0122]    The outer shape and dimensions of the embodiment of the apparatus  42  may be independently determined or may be regulated by the desired number of voids  44  and the predetermined size of the beads  32  to be used with the apparatus  42  and the quantity of rows of voids  44  desired. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 20A  is for illustrative use only and is not to be considered the only or best configurations of the embodiment of the apparatus  42 . Outer dimensions of the apparatus  42  may comprise sufficient surface area for the user to grasp  40  the apparatus  42  when folded  48   FIG. 20B  manually or with a gripping mechanism  40  without impeding the user view of the beads  32  or the manipulation of thread  34  via sewing needle  52  through holes of said beads  32  or holes  44  of the embodiment of the apparatus  42 . 
         [0123]    The embodiment of the apparatus  42  may comprise a mechanical means to releaseably join the front plane to the back plane of the apparatus  42  when folded  48  such as, but not limited to, scarf, snap, hook, docking ferrule, coupling, clamp, loop and hook, adhesive, or adhesive tape, detent, or friction join  FIG. 20B . 
         [0124]    Operation Fourth Embodiment  FIGS. 12A-H ,  FIGS. 13A-B ,  FIGS. 14A-B ,  20 B 
         [0125]    Operation of this embodiment correlates to the operation of the first embodiment  12 A-H,  FIGS. 13A-B ,  FIGS. 14A-B , in regards to  FIG. 20B   
       Fifth Embodiment—FIGS.  21 A 
       [0126]    This embodiment comprises a panel or sheet  42  of semi-rigid, or flexible material that comprises a series of opposed parallel folds  48  resulting in a plicated surface that can be hand held  40  or placed on a table top for use with or without a means of support of sufficient thickness and which comprises line(s) or row(s) of a plurality of voids  44  or apertures of square, oval, round, triangular, or irregular configuration or a combination thereof to be called holes  44  passing completely through the material of a diameter and shape to allow passage of a needle  52  and thread  34  through the holes  44 . 
         [0127]    The configuration of said thread engaging holes  44  may comprise pairs of holes  44  aligned and appositionally located on the two planes of the forward folds  48  at a distance from the crest of the fold  48  to an approximate depth of more than 20% of the bead  32  width up to approximately 80% of the desired bead  32  width in relation to the upper plane of the crest of the folds  48 . The pairs of holes  44  are aligned when the plicated folds  48  are compressed  FIG. 21A . The depth of the aft facing folds  48  is determined independent of the bead  32  sizes. 
         [0128]    The outer shape and dimensions of the embodiment of the apparatus  42  may be independently determined or may be regulated by the desired number of voids  44  and the predetermined size of the beads  32  to be used with the apparatus  42 . The embodiment shown in  FIG. 21A  is for illustrative use only and is not to be considered the only or best configurations of the embodiment of the apparatus  42 . Outer dimensions of the apparatus  42  may comprise sufficient surface area for the user to grasp  40  the apparatus  42  when folded  48   FIG. 21A  manually or with a gripping mechanism  40  without impeding the user view of the beads  32  or the manipulation of thread  34  via sewing needle  52  through holes of said beads  32  or holes  44  of the embodiment of the apparatus  42 . 
         [0129]    Operation of Fifth Embodiment  FIGS. 21B-E   
         [0130]    User threads a sewing needle  52  and passes right to left through the first pair of thread engagement holes  44  on the forward fold  48  to the right on the apparatus  42 . User strings first bead  32  from the right side of the first row of the desired Off-Loom stitch onto the needle  52  and passes right to left through the second pair of thread engagement holes  44  on the second forward facing fold  48  of the apparatus  42  thus suspending the first row bead  32  between the first thread engagement hole  44  pair of holes  44  and second thread engagement hole  44  pair of holes  44  by means of the thread  34   FIG. 21B . User repeats the process to string a bead  32  and pass needle  52  through a pair of thread engagement holes  44  on the apparatus  42  to complete the first row of the desired Off-Loom bead weaving stitch  21 C and top view  21 D. 
         [0131]    First bead  32  of the second row is strung and the user passes left to right through the last first row bead  32  held by thread  34  between the last two pair of thread engagement holes  44   FIG. 21E . Progressive rows of beads  32  are added in a like manner traversing right to left and left to right. Alternately the beadwork process can commence on the opposite side of the embodiment and worked in a mirror image progression if the user so chooses. 
         [0132]    User completes at least four rows of the desired Off-Loom bead weaving stitch and the beadwork can be disengaged from the embodiment of the apparatus  42  by removing the thread  34  from the thread engagement holes  44 . Since the user grasps  40  the apparatus  42  below the area that engages the thread  34  and thus the beads  32  the user sightline or view of the beads  32  is not impeded by the user fingers  40  as is the case with the traditional method of starting the stitch. Improved sightline may improve stitch formation and bead  32  color placement. Since the beads  32  are engaged by the apparatus  42  the beads  32  cannot rotate  38  out of color order which may also improve color placement accuracy 
         [0133]    Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Embodiments  FIGS. 22A-C ,  23 A-C,  24 A-B 
         [0000]    These Embodiments of the apparatus  42  are of similar nature and may be grouped as such, they may comprise a sheet  42  of rigid, semi rigid, flexible material and may comprise line(s) or row(s) of a plurality of voids  44 , slits, slots or apertures of square, oval, round, triangular, or irregular configuration or a combination thereof to be called holes  44  passing completely through the material ( 42 ) of a diameter and shape to allow passage of thread  34  through the holes  44  whereas the horizontal orientation of the individual holes  44  are more than 100% of the pre-determined nominal size of the beads  32  but no more than 125% of the pre-determined nominal size of said beads  32  and the perpendicular orientation of the holes  44  are at least 100% of the pre-determined nominal size of said beads  32  but not more than 120% of the pre-determined nominal size of said beads  32  with the optimum size somewhere in between to be determined by the size variance and shape variation due to production or manufacturing methods of the beads  32  to be used with the embodiment of the apparatus  42 . The margins of said holes  44  are to be aligned parallel and perpendicular along a straight plane  FIG. 22A . The areas between the slits  44  may be raised into arches  66   FIG. 23A , or depressed into dimples  68   FIG. 24A . 
         [0134]    The outer shape and dimensions of the embodiment of the apparatus  42  may be independently determined or may be regulated by the desired number of voids  44  and the predetermined size of the beads  32  to be used with the apparatus  42 . The embodiments shown in  FIG. 22A ,  FIG. 23A , and  FIG. 24A  are for illustrative use only and are not to be considered the only or best configurations of the embodiments of the apparatus  42 . Outer dimensions of the apparatus  42  may comprise sufficient surface area for the user to grasp the apparatus  42  manually or with a gripping mechanism  40  without impeding the user view of the beads  32  or the manipulation of thread  34  via sewing needle  52  through holes of said beads  32  or holes  44  of the embodiment of the apparatus  42 . 
         [0135]    Operation of Sixth, Seventh, Eighth Embodiments— FIG. 22B-C ,  FIG. 23B-C ,  FIG. 24B   
         [0136]    User threads a sewing needle  52  and passes from under the plane of the apparatus  42  upwards through the first thread engagement hole  44 , strings first bead  32  in first row of the desired Off-Loom bead weaving stitch and pass down from the top plane of the apparatus  42  through the second hole  44  to the left thus suspending the first row bead  32  on the top plane of the apparatus  42  between the first thread engagement hole  44  and the second thread engagement hole  44  by means of the thread  34   FIG. 22B ,  FIG. 23B , and  FIG. 24B . User repeats the process to string a bead  32  and, pass needle  52  down a thread engagement hole  44  and up the next in the progression on the apparatus  42  to complete the first row of the desired Off-Loom bead weaving stitch. 
         [0137]    First bead  32  of the second row is strung and the user passes left to right through the last first row bead  32  held by thread  34  between the thread engagement hole  44   FIG. 22C ,  FIG. 23C . Progressive rows of beads  32  are added in a like manner traversing right to left and left to right. Alternately the beadwork process can commence on the opposite side of the embodiment and worked in a mirror image progression if the user so chooses. 
         [0138]    User completes at least four rows of the desired Off-Loom bead weaving stitch and the beadwork can be disengaged from the embodiment of the apparatus  42  by removing the thread  34  from the thread engagement hole  44  holes  44 . 
         [0139]    Since the user grasps  40  the apparatus  42  at a distance from the area that engages the thread  34  and thus the beads  32  the user sightline or view of the beads  32  is not impeded by the user fingers  40  as is the case with the traditional method of starting the stitch. Improved sightline may improve stitch formation and bead  32  color placement. Since the beads  32  are engaged by the apparatus  42  the beads  32  cannot rotate  38  out of color order which may also improve color placement accuracy 
       Ninth Embodiment—FIGS.  25 A-B 
       [0140]    Embodiment may comprise a sheet  42  of semi rigid, or flexible material and may comprise a crispate  70  edge that is segmented by a plurality of voids, slits, slots  44  passing completely through the material ( 42 ) of a diameter and shape to allow passage of thread  34  through the holes  44  whereas the horizontal orientation of the individual holes  44  are more than 100% of the pre-determined nominal size of the beads  32  but no more than 125% of the pre-determined nominal size of said beads  32  and the perpendicular orientation of the holes  44  are at least 100% of the pre-determined nominal size of said beads  32  but not more than 120% of the pre-determined nominal size of said beads  32  with the optimum size somewhere in between to be determined by the size variance and shape variation due to production or manufacturing methods of the beads  32  to be used with the embodiment of the apparatus  42 . The margins of said holes  44  are to be aligned parallel and perpendicular along a straight plane  FIG. 25A  and may or may not extend to the edge or marge of the crispate  70  portion of the sheet  42 . 
         [0141]    The outer shape and dimensions of the embodiments of the apparatus  42  may be independently determined or may be regulated by the desired number of voids  44  and the predetermined size of the beads  32  to be used with the apparatus  42 . The embodiment shown in  FIG. 25A  is for illustrative use only and is not to be considered the only or best configurations of the embodiments of the apparatus  42 . Outer dimensions of the apparatus  42  may comprise sufficient surface area for the user to grasp the apparatus  42  manually or with a gripping mechanism  40  without impeding the user view of the beads  32  or the manipulation of thread  34  via sewing needle  52  through holes of said beads  32  or holes  44  of the embodiment of the apparatus  42 . 
         [0142]    Operation of Ninth Embodiment— FIG. 25B   
         [0143]    User threads a sewing needle  52  and passes from under the plane of the apparatus  42  upwards through the first thread engagement hole  44 , Strings first bead  32  in first row of the desired Off-Loom bead weaving stitch and pass down from the top plane of the apparatus  42  through the second hole  44  to the left thus suspending the first row bead  32  on the top plane of the apparatus  42  between the first thread engagement hole  44  and the second thread engagement hole  44  by means of the thread  34   FIG. 25B . User repeats the process to string a bead  32  and, pass needle  52  up a thread engagement hole  44  and down the next in the progression on the apparatus  42  to complete the first row of the desired Off-Loom bead weaving stitch. 
         [0144]    First bead  32  of the second row is strung and the user passes left to right through the last first row bead  32  held by thread  34  between the thread engagement holes  44   FIG. 25B . Progressive rows of beads  32  are added in a like manner traversing right to left and left to right. Alternately the beadwork process can commence on the opposite side of the embodiment and worked in a mirror image progression if the user so chooses. 
         [0145]    User completes at least four rows of the desired Off-Loom bead weaving stitch and the beadwork can be disengaged from the embodiment of the apparatus  42  by removing the thread  34  from the thread engagement holes  44 . 
         [0146]    Since the user grasps  40  the apparatus  42  below the area that engages the thread  34  and the beads  32  the user sightline or view of the beads  32  is not impeded by the user fingers  40  as is the case with the traditional method of starting the stitch. Improved sightline may improve stitch formation and bead  32  color placement. Since the beads  32  are engaged by the apparatus  42  the beads  32  cannot rotate  38  out of color order which may also improve color placement accuracy 
       Tenth Embodiment—FIG.  26 A 
       [0147]    This embodiment comprises a base  42  of rigid or semi rigid material that may be of any 3-dimensional form that comprises at least one flat plane, cube, oval, rectangular, circular, or any combination thereof. The outer shape and dimensions of the embodiments of the apparatus  42  may be independently determined or may be regulated by the desired number of beads  32  of a predetermined size, said beads  32  to be used with the apparatus  42 . 
         [0148]    The embodiment shown in  FIG. 26A  is for illustrative use only and is not to be considered the only or best configurations of the embodiments of the apparatus  42 . Outer dimensions of the apparatus  42  may comprise sufficient surface area for the user to grasp the apparatus  42  manually or with a gripping mechanism  40  without impeding the user view of the beads  32  or the manipulation of thread  34  via sewing needle  52  through holes of said beads  32  while engaged by of the embodiment of the apparatus  42 . 
         [0149]    The embodiment may comprise a rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible wire or plastic filament to removably engage  62  beads  32  and that is movably attached to one face of the base  42  and which spans the distance across the flat plane of the base  42  and extends a pre-determined distance beyond the a positional plane of the base  42  in relation to the attachment. This movability may be achieved through use of a means to articulate such as, but not limited to, a hinge, toggle, ball and socket, spring, cord, or pivot and may be permanently or temporarily affixed to the base  42 . The pre-determined gauge of the filament to be of a thickness in relation to the desired bead  32  size to be engaged to provide adequate remaining space within the bead  32  while engaged by the filament for the passage of a sewing needle  52  and thread  34 . 
         [0150]    The embodiment may comprise a means to releasably clasp the free end of the filament, this means to clasp may comprise a clamp, a hook, hook and loop, snare/loop, button, coupling, snap, or friction docking and may be permanently or temporarily affixed to the base  42 . 
         [0151]    Operation of the Tenth Embodiment— FIGS. 26B-F   
         [0152]    User releases the filament from the means to clasp and strings all of the first row beads  32  onto the filament  FIG. 26B  and secures the means to clasp with the beads  32  held on the flat plane of the embodiment by the filament  FIG. 26C . 
         [0153]    User threads a sewing needle  52  and passes right to left through the first bead  32  held on the filament, user strings the first bead  32  in the second row of the desired Off-Loom stitch and passes right to left through the second bead  32  held by the filament  FIG. 26D . The first bead  32  of the second row is suspended between the first and second beads  32  held by the filament by the thread  34 . User repeats this process to add one second row bead  32  between or mesial to each of the first row beads  32  held by the filament in accordance with the desired Off-Loom bead weaving stitch. 
         [0154]    Progressive rows of beads  32  are added in a like manner traversing right to left and left to right. Alternately the beadwork process can commence on the opposite side of the embodiment and worked in a mirror image progression if the user so chooses. 
         [0155]    User completes at least four rows of the desired Off-Loom bead weaving stitch then the beadwork can be disengaged from the embodiment of the apparatus  42  by releasing the means to clasp and sliding the beads  32  off of the filament. 
         [0156]    Since the user grasps  40  the apparatus  42  below the area that engages the thread  34  and the beads  32  the user sightline or view of the beads  32  is not impeded by the user fingers  40  as is the case with the traditional method of starting the stitch. Improved sightline may improve stitch formation and bead  32  color placement. Since the beads  32  are engaged by the apparatus  42  the beads  32  cannot rotate  38  out of color order which may also improve color placement accuracy 
       Eleventh Embodiment—FIG.  27 A 
       [0157]    This embodiment may comprise a rigid base  42  and an additional rigid or semi rigid segment with appositional planes joined with a means to nutate along parallel and contiguous planes. The rigid base  42  may comprise a raised work stop whereas the interaction of the base  42  and the second segment creates a furrow or rabbit recess to temporarily engage beads  62   FIG. 27A . The depth of the furrow is determined by the thickness of the secondary segment and may comprise a thickness equal to at least 50% of the width of said beads  32  to no more than 75% of the width of said beads  32 . 
         [0158]    The outer shape and dimensions of the embodiments of the apparatus  42  may be independently determined or may be regulated by the desired number of beads  32  of a predetermined size, said beads  32  to be used with the apparatus  42 . 
         [0159]    The embodiment shown in  FIG. 27A  is for illustrative use only and is not to be considered the only or best configurations of the embodiment of the apparatus  42 . Outer dimensions of the apparatus  42  may comprise sufficient surface area for the user to grasp the apparatus  42  manually or with a gripping mechanism  40  without impeding the user view of the beads  32  or the manipulation of thread  34  via sewing needle  52  through holes of said beads  32  while engaged by of the embodiment of the apparatus  42 . 
         [0160]    Operation of the Eleventh Embodiment— FIG. 27B   
         [0161]    User engages the first row beads  32  in the furrow of the apparatus  42  allowing space equal to the length of one bead  32  between the first row beads  32   
         [0162]    User threads a sewing needle  52  and passes right to left through the first bead  32  held in the furrow, user strings the first bead  32  in the second row of the desired Off-Loom stitch and passes right to left through the second bead  32  held in the furrow  FIG. 27B . The first bead  32  of the second row is suspended between the first and second beads  32  in the furrow by the thread  34 . User repeats this process to add one second row bead  32  between or mesial to each of the first row beads  32  in the furrow in accordance with the desired Off-Loom bead weaving stitch. 
         [0163]    Progressive rows of beads  32  are added in a like manner traversing right to left and left to right. Alternately the beadwork process can commence on the opposite side of the embodiment and worked in a mirror image progression if the user so chooses. 
         [0164]    User completes at least four rows of the desired Off-Loom bead weaving stitch then the beadwork can be disengaged from the embodiment of the apparatus  42  by releasing the beads  32  from the furrow. 
         [0165]    Since the user grasps  40  the apparatus  42  below the area that engages the thread  34  and the beads  32  the user sightline or view of the beads  32  is not impeded by the user fingers  40  as is the case with the traditional method of starting the stitch. Improved sightline may improve stitch formation and bead  32  color placement. Since the beads  32  are engaged by the apparatus  42  the beads  32  cannot rotate  38  out of color order which may also improve color placement accuracy 
       Twelfth Embodiment—FIG.  28 , FIGS.  29 A-H, FIGS.  30 A-H 
       [0166]    Twelfth embodiment version#1 may comprise a plurality of individual segments of rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible material  42 ,  FIG. 29A , that can be hand held  40 , contained in an outer structure  FIG. 28  or placed on a table top for use with or without a means of support and of sufficient thickness which may accommodate a hole  44  that passes completely through the interior thickness of each or alternating segment(s) parallel to or at an angle to the broader surface plane of the material these holes  44  to comprise a diameter and shape adequate in size and configuration to allow passage of a sewing needle  52  with sufficient material remaining around the hole  44  to maintain the integrity of the material that comprises each segment. The width of the segments may be at least 100% of the bead length up to 120% of the bead length (bead length measured from hole to hole in the bead  32 ) with the optimum width falling somewhere between to be determined by the size variance and shape variation due to production or manufacturing methods of the beads  32  to be used with the embodiment of the apparatus  42 . 
         [0167]    The means of manipulation of the parts into required position may comprise but are not limited to joining with a means to rotate the segments on a fixed axis  76   FIGS. 29B-D  that lies below the center plain by the desired perpendicular aspect of the depth of the notches so when a segment is rotated to 180 degrees of its starting location The segments may also comprise means to join and nutate  78   FIG. 29C . The segments may also comprise both the means to engage a thread  34  and the null  80  spacing area needed to provide the proper spacing between means to engage thread  44  when executing the Off-Loom bead weaving stitches  FIG. 29H  with means to join units together  60 . 
         [0168]    The embodiment shown in  FIG. 29A  is for illustrative use only and is not to be considered the only or best configurations of the embodiments of the apparatus  42 . Lower dimensions of the apparatus  42  may comprise sufficient surface area for the user to grasp the apparatus  42  manually or with a gripping mechanism  40  without impeding the user view of the beads  32  or the manipulation of thread  34  via sewing needle  52  through holes of said beads  32  or through the holes  44  of the embodiment of the apparatus  42 . 
         [0169]    Twelfth embodiment version #2 of the apparatus may comprise a plurality of individual segments of rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible material  FIG. 30A  that can be hand held  40 , contained in an outer structure  FIG. 28  or placed on a table top for use with or without a means of support and of sufficient thickness which may accommodate a raised surface of a size and shape to accommodate a single bead  32  of desired size: approximately 50% to 75% the width of the desired bead  32  size and 80% to 120% of the pre-determined bead length with a means to temporarily grasp and hold 62 said bead  32  in position until the user wishes to disengage the bead  32  from the embodiment of the apparatus  42  said means  62  may comprise, but are not limited to, friction, clasping with means to engage and disengage or an adhesive. The segments may be held together on a flat plane in respect to each other by some means  60  and can be manipulated into the desired position as regards to spacing and height to accommodate the aforementioned beads  32 . The means of manipulation of the parts into required position may comprise but are not limited to joining with a means to rotate the segments on a fixed axis  76   FIG. 30B  that lies below the center plain by the desired perpendicular aspect of the depth of the notches so when a segment is rotated to 180 degrees of its starting location. The segments may also comprise means to join and nutate  78   FIG. 30F . The segments may also comprise both the means to engage  62  a bead and the null  80  spacing area needed to provide the proper spacing between means to engage  62  beads  32  when executing the Off-Loom bead weaving stitches  FIG. 30C  with means to join units together  60 . 
         [0170]    The embodiment shown in  FIG. 30A  is for illustrative use only and is not to be considered the only or best configuration of the embodiment of the apparatus  42 . Lower dimensions of the apparatus  42  may comprise sufficient surface area for the user to grasp the apparatus  42  manually or with a gripping mechanism  40  without impeding the user view of the beads  32  or the manipulation of thread  34  via sewing needle  52  through holes of said beads  32  while engaged by of the embodiment of the apparatus  42 . 
         [0171]    Operation of the Twelfth Embodiment— FIG. 29E ,  FIGS. 30C-E   
         [0172]    User assembles or rotates the individual units into the configuration that best suits the Off-Loom bead weaving stitch they wish to execute. 
         [0173]    User threads a needle  52  and attaches the first row of beads  32  between the thread  34  engaging units  FIG. 29E  or the user attaches the first row beads  32  directly to the bead  32  engaging units  FIG. 30C . Row two beads  32  are added via needle  52  and thread  34  to lie mesial to the first row beads  32  suspended by the thread  34 . 
         [0174]    Progressive rows of beads  32  are added in a like manner traversing right to left and left to right. Alternately the beadwork process can commence on the opposite side of the embodiment and worked in a mirror image progression if the user so chooses. 
         [0175]    User completes at least four rows of the desired Off-Loom bead weaving stitch then the beadwork can be disengaged from the embodiment of the apparatus  42  by releasing the thread  34  from the thread  34  engaging units or releasing the beads  32  from the bead  32  engaging units. 
         [0176]    Since the user grasps  40  the apparatus  42  below the area that engages the thread  34  and the beads  32  the user sightline or view of the beads  32  is not impeded by the user fingers  40  as is the case with the traditional method of starting the stitch. Improved sightline may improve stitch formation and bead  32  color placement. Since the beads  32  are engaged by the apparatus  42  the beads  32  cannot rotate  38  out of color order which may also improve color placement accuracy. Although particular embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, it is not intended to limit the invention to such a disclosure and changes and modifications may be incorporated and embodied within the scope of the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 3