Bead Crochet
Crocheting with beads is a great way to add new fibers to your jewelry designs! From the very simple to beautifully complex, this technique is sure to keep you coming back for more. Take a look at what our designers have come up with and add this technique to your repertoire.
Let’s start with this Artbeads MiniVid demonstrating how to make a simple crochet chain with beads. This technique is so easy! Start by loading up your chosen beads onto the thread you want to use. We like using seed beads from our Artbeads Designer Blends because the color palettes are ready to go and fabulous. We also love Czech glass beads. You can use virtually any kind of bead you prefer, so long as it fits on the thread you are using. Our designer Cheri likes to use size 10 crochet thread and a size E (3.50mm) crochet hook. Try using our Tulip crochet hooks. We also offer Miyuki crochet thread. These threads come in beautiful color waves that will inspire the colors of beads you use. Once you have your thread and beads picked out, follow the technique illustrated in the video above!
Once you have the technique mastered, there are many ways you can incorporate it into your jewelry designs.
Artbeads Designer Cheri Carlson’s simple Rosalie necklace features a single beaded crochet chain embellished with crystal pearls and bicones. This is a great look for a wedding and comes together so quickly. The soft crochet thread is comfortable to wear and flexible, too. Of course, you can customize the color palette for any occasion! Cheri’s Forest Path bracelet employs the same technique: she made a long beaded crochet chain and finished the end with a TierraCast button. The long strand can be wrapped around your wrist as a bracelet!
You can really make this technique shine with a multi-strand necklace! Cheri created her Esmeralda necklace with five strands of beaded crochet chains. She mixed in crystal beads, seed beads and even some SuperUno beads for an unforgettable boho look. End caps make a nice finishing touch for this design. Try using end tubes, too!
You don’t have to stick to just threads when crocheting with beads. You can also experiment with wire! This method employs the same technique as above, but swaps out wire for crochet thread. Artbeads Chief Jewelry Designer Cynthia Kimura likes to use 26 gauge Artbeads Designer Wire, as it is flexible, easy to work with and available in a variety of colors. She used this wire in her Boardwalk Magic bracelet. As you can see, the look is totally different than when using crochet thread!
So, you’ve mastered making crochet chains with thread and wire. What’s next? It’s time to try beaded crochet ropes! This technique starts out like the ones above, but quickly becomes tubular to form the rope. When starting out, it’s wise to practice with thicker yarn and big beads in different colors, so it’s easier to see what you’re doing. You can see how this technique works in our Artbeads Cafe Video and Tutorial video. Once you’ve got this technique down pat, try making Cynthia’s Long Ago and Far Far Away necklace. She used 8/0 seed beads with S-Lon bead cord. You can also use fine TOHO Amiet thread. Once again, end caps make it easy to turn a beaded crochet rope into fabulous jewelry!
If you’re looking for even more inspiration for adding crochet to jewelry, why not try a more traditional approach. Some have been embellished with beads and others feature buttons as closures. This is a great idea for making chokers, bracelets and even bookmarks!
Now that you're a crochet aficionadao, it's time to invest in quality crochet supplies. Check out Tulip for amazing supplies like crochet hooks that are easy and comfortable to use, scissors, beading needles, and more.
As you can see, there are so many ways to incorporate crochet into your jewelry designs. How have you used crochet in your creations? Share with us in the comments below or visit our Facebook page and share a picture of your designs.
