Crochet Styles - Crocheting with Beads

Beads add class and glamour to any article of clothing or accessory. Beads in a crochet article are no different.

There are two ways to add beads to a crocheted article.

1. The beads are crocheted into each stitch
2. The beads are sewn on after the projected is completed.

Crocheting the beads into the stitch:

• In order to do this, the beads are threaded into the yarn before you begin crocheting the article.
• You have to first decide how many beads are needed. If your project is small – say a purse or something similar, this shouldn’t pose any problems.
• If however, you want to incorporate beads into a garment, a little more planning is required.
• First, work a sample swatch (say 6” wide and 4 rows) using the same hook and yarn you plan to use for the garment.
• Now decide the placement of beads. Count the number of beads – say 3 beads for a 6” wide swatch.

Choosing the width of the swatch:

The width of the garment should be divisible by the width of the swatch without a remainder.
Suppose,
No. of beads for 6” = 3
Therefore no. of beads for 18” (the width of your garment) = 18 x 3/6 = 9 beads.
No. of beads in one row = 9.
Decide if you want beads in every row, or alternating rows, or in every 4th row etc and calculate the number of beads accordingly. Initially, you calculate and thread the number of beads required for 10 to 15 rows at a time. At the end of 15 rows, cut the yarn, and thread the required number of beads for the next few rows - reattach yarn and continue work. With experience you will know how many rows you can work with 1 ball of yarn. You can then thread the correct number of beads and avoid the hassle of frequent cutting and tying of yarn.

Now for the actual crocheting – Stitches used are either dc or tr.

1. If using dc - Insert hook into the back loop of stitch below, yarn over hook, draw loop through. Now slide one bead close to the 2 loops on hook and complete the stitch.
2. If using tr – yarn over hook, insert hook into the back loop of the stitch below, yarn over hook, draw loop through, yarn over hook draw loop through the first 2 loops on hook. Now slide one bead close to the 2 loops left on hook and complete the stitch. The bead is held in place on the wrong side of work.

Does this mean you can’t have beads in every row? Yes it does unless you sew on the beads or figure out a way to hold the bead in place on the right side of work.

Crocheting the beads after completing the project:

While there is room for flexibility in this method, the disadvantage is, the beads may fall off while washing and handling.
Advantage is - you don’t have to break your head over calculations.
Just make sure the yarn you use for sewing on the beads blends with the yarn you used for the project itself. Use half cross-stitch for sewn on the beads.

Enjoy exploring new avenues!!!

Tags: beads, crochet, crochet pattern, crochet styles, crocheting