Bead crocheting is the process of adding a bead into every stitch of your project. The most common form is a rope-style bracelet that has a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes. This week I’m going to share five posts introducing you to this project!
As with anything I take on, I got obsessed and read a ton of articles, browsed Pinterest for hours, invested more money than it will return – and had a great time learning about it. :) This project is ideal for anyone who has done simple crochet or knit projects before, doesn’t want to pull their hair out when they spill beads all over the floor, and can relax when doing mindless, repetitive motions.
A guide to the basic supplies needed to start bead crocheting
Bead Crochet Supplies
First we’ll start of with the necessary tools for bead crocheting.
- Beads (obviously!)
- Crochet hook (somewhere around size 10)
- Crochet thread (also around size 10) (BTW, stiffer materials are easier to work with)
- Scissors
Optional Supplies
Extremely helpful, but not entirely necessary, additional tools to use.
Glue
Take the end of your thread and dip a little in the glue. Allow to dry, 5 minutes should be more than enough. Repeat. This will stiffen your thread and allow you to thread the beads straight on to it. This is the easiest, cheapest option!
Needles
Otherwise, you’re going to need needles to string the beads, and I’d recommend a really good variety pack. Depending on the size of your beads and thread, you’ll need a pretty thin eye to get it to go through the bead, but thick enough to thread it. You can always buy specialty beading needles, too.
Bead mat
When you’re threading your beads, you want to have a bunch out at a time to help the process along, but keep them separated so you can tell the colors apart (more important for projects where you’re using different shades of the same color). Working on a thin cloth (like a placemat), a rubberized cutting board (think fabric cutting, not food), or a small mold tin are all good options!
Measuring tape
Honestly, most tutorials aren’t even going to be very nice and give you a real length you should be making sure you have. I just make sure if I hold a end of my thread in one hand, and the other end in my second hand, then when I pull my arms as far apart as possible there should be beads entirely between them, maybe even with a little slack.
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