How to make Pondo Stitch?

Pondo stitch was so named by Nick Kap and Susan Mandel, who identified this weaving technique among the Mpondo tribe in South Africa and then shared it in a magazine to the general public. Originally, Pondo stitch is woven differently from what is available as a tutorial on the Web. Several weaving techniques exist with this same technique name because it has been adapted by weavers who have modified it to better suit their way of weaving. Susan and Nick have set out to rectify the information circulating on this point with an article and data sheet on traditional pondo stitch. Read the article for more information.

In this data sheet on how to weave Pondo stitch, we present three different versions of the stitch. The first is the traditional version presented by Susan and Nick. The second version of Pondo stitch is a direct adaptation of this traditional version, but more adapted to the practices of today's weavers. The third version is easier to understand and achieves the same visual result. It's more akin to right-angle weaving. However, to achieve the same result, several other techniques are also available.

Pondo stitch is also known as African circle stitch.

Here's a tutorial on how to create a Pondo Stitch bracelet:

Pondo Stitch traditional version (v1)

Traditionally, this stitch is woven using another, thicker thread as reinforcement. To achieve this stitch, the weave must be tight and the thread must not slip, as the blue beads separating the patterns are not ironed a second time. Also, the beads are originally all the same size. To weave the bottom row, the needle is passed around the thread connecting the beads of the front row, as in brick stitch (figure 8).

Pondo stitch adapted version (v2)

The fact that you don't iron in the blue beads separating the patterns can be a problem for weavers who don't have access to the same material, and therefore also weakens the creation. This is why the most common Pondo stitch is to weave through the blue beads a second time once the first row of beads has been woven (figure 7), and to return to the starting point at the end of each row of beads. Reinforcement wire is also eliminated for more creative possibilities. Also, new rows of beads are not woven by passing the needle around the thread of the previous row, but by passing through the previously woven beads (figure 8). This version may be a little complicated for beginners, as there is a lot of thread passing through the beads, which can be confusing.

Pondo stitch simplified version (v3)

Another version of Pondo stitch is a circulating version of right-angle weave, with the addition of a round of beads. This version is a little easier for beginners to understand, as the principle is simple: four beads are threaded and woven in a loop (figure 2), with one bead added between each (figures 3 and 4). When you change rows of beads, simply consider your work by turning it through 90°, and repeat virtually the same technique (figures 10 to 12).

We hope this sheet has helped you understand this weaving stitch, and we look forward to seeing all your beautiful creations with it!