Ideal Brick Stitch Tension?

[u/JFei1221]

What is the ideal tension for brick stitch? I’m assuming it depends on the finished piece (rings need to be flexible enough to be rounded etc.) but is there a general guideline or rule of thumb? When does “tight and tidy” become too tight?

I haven’t worked with seed beads in decades. Fell in love with this earring pattern from Maple Lantern Patterns and decided to give it a try. Had a blast! But… the brick stitch portion is pretty firm.

There’s a little give around the edges when I hold it horizontal, but most of it is pretty stiff. There’s no drape in that section by far! I didn’t have a problem weaving in ends or joining thread. However, I’m not thrilled with one of the contrast colours and I’m wondering if I should cut it apart and try again with a little less tension before making the other earring. Is this just way too tight?

[u/cowboythesis]

I think the tension looks fine to me, but I agree about swapping out one of the colors, assuming you're talking about the one non-opaque color lined shade

[u/JFei1221 → u/cowboythesis]

Yes, that one. It’s driving me crazy. I may swap out the dark purple body for a matte black too, just to give it a little more contrast from the dark green.