Knitting with beads is fascinating and fun. Who can resist adding bling to their knitting? Before you know it, you might find you are addicted to thinking of ways to add beads everywhere!
The basic techniques of knitting with beads is quite easy. In fact, there are MANY different methods of knitting with beads. However, they often produce different design results and thus are not exactly interchangeable. Also, there are pros and cons in each method depending on what and how the project item will be used. I plan to cover these as we go along in this year’s series of bit-sized projects and tutorials. Please trust me meantime that I am using a method in each of our projects for good reasons. [superemotions file=”icon_wink.gif” title=”Wink”]
But first things first so we get off to an easy, bit-sized start. Our first project, Beading Hearts Friendship Bracelet, uses Beaded Garter Stitch. The premise is simple:
- string beads onto your yarn
- knit in garter stitch, pushing a bead into place between stitches to create the pattern design
Stringing beads using what you have on hand
You don’t necessarily need special equipment to string beads. Of course, there are lots of special purpose beading needles and gadgets out there that you might decide you want after you really succumb to the addiction of knitting with beads. But for this first project, you can use what you probably already have on hand as a “beading needle” rather than going out and buying anything special. I’ll be back tomorrow to show you.
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