Crochet

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BEADS AND CROCHET – A CHARMING COMBINATION

by

This might be the primo site combining beading and crochet:

bead-wrangler.jpg

http://www.beadcrochet.com/

This site has kits and beads for sale, how-to’s, and other interesting things to check out.

About.com is always a good site to check out when you want to learn something new. This article teaches a variety of ways to incorporate beading into your crochet:

http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa030197.htm

Of course, a lot of us with little girls or granddaughters would like to make things like this:

beaded-socks.jpg
http://members.aol.com/SAG55/drbsock.html

And, here’s a charming little beaded tree that could be used as a brooch or an ornament:

bead-tree.GIF

http://members.tripod.com/~Shefog/CrochetWorkroom/9.html

But, beads can be used for all kinds of things – and all sizes of beads:

beaded-basket.jpg

http://crochetme.com/patterns/beaded-jute-basket

Crochet Pattern Central has a lot of freebies for bead crochet. You can check it out at this link:

http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/bead_crochet.php

If you want to go more upscale, try some things at this site:

victorian-crochet.jpg
http://www.victoriancrochet.com/

Annie’s has some free patterns for beaded amulet bags. These are really pretty little things:

beaded-bags.jpg

http://www.knitting-and.com/crochet/beaded-amulet-bags.htm

And, I LOVE this pretty bracelet:

beaded-bracelet.jpg

http://www.futuregirl.com/craft_blog/2007/07/crochet-beaded-bracelet_30.html

Beads are available at most craft stores (Michael’s, Joann’s, Hobby Lobby in my area), but my favorite source for beads is Shipwreck Beads in Olympia, WA. Unlike most mail order businesses, I actually had the chance to browse in their ‘real’ store. It’s just a wonderful place with excellent prices. Might I suggest that you stick to glass or crystal beads for most of your crochet. Plastic is fine for kids’ socks and a few other applications, but glass, crystal, and ceramic beads and even most metal beads will got through the washer and dryer with little additional care needed. So, open your mind to a new way to crochet if you haven’t already tried combining beads with your crochet.

Comments

  1. Dear JD,
    Thank you for sharing this article.I also love work with beaded in crochet. Bead and crochet is a great patner I think :). This article inspire me again like charger to me.

    I have tried make some projects with it. If you want to look at them, click the link below :
    Purse
    http://dinamiccrochet.blogspot.com/2006/11/flower-beaded-punch-purse.html
    Doily
    http://dinamiccrochet.blogspot.com/2006/10/wood-beaded-doily.html
    Scrunchy
    http://dinamiccrochet.blogspot.com/2006/09/beaded-scrunchie-many-design-i-made-for.html

    Happy crocheting always,
    thata

  2. Thank you for the lovely eye-candy article. It was loaded with things that give a crocheter inspiration and the urge to try something new.
    Your efforts at finding new and interesting things in the crochet area is greatly appreciated.

Have you read?

The Forest Valley Shawl – Crochet Pattern

This is one of those shawl patterns that feels instantly calming, even before you pick up a hook. The Forest Valley Shawl (After Party Pattern 23) by Scheepjes, available through Jimmy Beans Wool, has a very gentle, nature-inspired feel that really lives up to its name.

What I love about this design is how wearable it is. Some shawls are beautiful but awkward to style; this one feels practical in the best way. It drapes naturally, sits nicely on the shoulders, and works just as well for everyday wear as it does for something a little dressier. It’s the sort of piece you grab when the air cools in the evening and you don’t want anything heavy.

From a crochet perspective, this is a lovely “slow and steady” project. The stitch pattern has enough variation to keep your interest, but it’s not overly complicated. It’s very much the kind of crochet you can sink into — the sort that lets your mind wander while your hands keep moving. Perfect for quiet afternoons or evening crochet sessions.

Skill-wise, this one is best suited to confident beginners moving into intermediate territory. If you’re comfortable following a pattern and keeping your stitch count in check, you’ll enjoy this a lot. It’s also a great pattern for appreciating beautiful yarn — especially colourways that shift and flow, as the shawl really lets them shine.

Overall, the Forest Valley Shawl is one of those free crochet patterns that feels thoughtful and soothing. It’s wearable, relaxing to make, and finished with a look that feels timeless rather than trendy. If you enjoy shawls that are as comforting to crochet as they are to wear, this one is definitely worth bookmarking.