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 for 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 technical name because it has been adapted by weavers who have modified it so that it better matches their way of weaving. Susan and Nick wanted to correct the information circulating on this point through an article and a technical sheet in English on the traditional pondo stitch . Do not hesitate to read this article for more information.

In this technical sheet on how to weave Pondo stitch we will therefore present you with 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 suited to the practices of today's weavers. The third version is a simpler version to understand and which allows to achieve the same visual result. It is more like weaving at right angles. Know however that to obtain this same result several other techniques also allow it.

Pondo stitch can also be found under the name point africain circle or african circle stitch .

Here is also a tutorial to learn how to create a pondo stitch bracelet :

Pondo Stitch traditional version (v1)

Traditionally this stitch is woven using another thicker thread as a frame. To pass this stitch in this way, you have to tighten your weaving and have a thread that does not slip because you do not pass a second time in the blue beads separating the patterns. Also, originally the pearls are all the same size. To weave the row below, pass the needle around the thread connecting the beads from the front row as for the brick stitch (Figure 8).

Pondo stitch adapted version (v2)

The fact that we do not pass through the blue pearls that separate the patterns can pose production concerns for weavers who do not have access to the same material and therefore also weakens the creation. This is why the most common Pondo stitch is to pass a second time through the blue beads once the first row of woven beads (figure 7) and return to the starting point, and this, at the end of each row of beads . The reinforcing wire is also eliminated for more creation possibilities. Also we do not weave the new rows of beads by passing the needle around the thread of the previous row, but passing through the previously woven beads (Figure 8). This version can be a bit complicated for beginners because there is a lot of thread passing through the beads and it can be confusing.

Pondo stitch simplified version (v3)

Another version of Pondo stitch that circulates looks like weaving at right angles or weaving right angle weave, to which we add a round of pearls. This version is a little easier to understand for beginners because the principle is simple: We thread four beads that we weave in a loop (Figure 2) and we add a pearl between each pearl (Figures 3 and 4) each time . When you change the row of pearls, you just have to consider your work by turning it 90 ° and practically repeat the same technique (Figures 10 to 12).

We hope this sheet has helped you understand this weaving point and we are waiting to see all your beautiful creations with it!