Beads And Crochet – Have You Tried it?

July 5, 2011 by jd wolfe

I wish I had a picture of the knitted shawl which inspired my quest for crochet patterns that would benefit from the addition of beads. Georgia, the owner of Hearthstone Knits, my favorite LYS, knitted a shawl that was beautiful on its own. However, with the addition of diamond shaped beads edging the lower edge of the shawl, it went from beautiful to stunning! Could I do this? Could I take a ‘regular’ pattern and turn it into something spectacular with the addition of beads.

In the interest of full disclosure, I am the owner of thousands of beads, having amassed quite a collection in years past when I created bracelets, earrings, and necklaces for myself and others (minus the crochet).

I found some amazing websites that offer beads, tutorials, patterns, and everything one needs to incorporate beading and crochet. Here are some of what I found:

First, for a little inspiration in the modern use of beads and crochet, how about this?

http://kristinaskrochet.50webs.com/rainforest.htm

I don’t know how long it took to design or crochet this, but I do know that it looks better in this photo than it would on me! However, for the bikini bod crocheters out there, here’s your inspiration.

The combination of beads plus crochet instantly brings jewelry to mind. I have two antique crochet/beaded lariats that belonged to my grandmothers. They are virtually identical, differing only in the small beaded attachments on the large bead that makes the lariat. Here are basic instructions to make a beaded rope.

How about adding beads to a doily? Here’s how.

And, here’s a really cute way to embellish pretty angel ornaments with tiny beads.

Great gift, great stocking stuffer, great idea for ornaments. Can’t go wrong with these!

Grab yourself a handful of pretty beads (I strongly prefer glass) and find a way to add them to your crochet. Swarovski crystals are a favorite of mine and will work in any of the applications I’ve posted here. They come in a huge variety of colors and a good range of sizes. If you can’t find them locally, check out www.shipwreckbeads.com or www.stonemountaingems.com for good selection and good prices.

Comments

Amy says
July 5, 2011 at 2:08 pm
Vashti Braha has a great pattern for using up all those seed beads, a cool and easy necklace with instructions for FIVE different thread/yarn sizes! It was quick and easy and a fun way to use up some bead and fiber leftovers.
http://www.shop.designingvashti.com/Dichroic-Pendant-Cords-Superpattern-for-5-Thread-Sizes-012-J4408B.htm
Star Creations says
October 25, 2022 at 1:36 pm
how do i find the pattern for the crochet angle with the beads?

Have you read?

Crochet Christmas Dove Ornaments With a Printable Gift Poem

There is something especially lovely about a handmade gift that comes with a few thoughtful words. These crochet Christmas birds pair a folded yarn ornament with a decorative poem card, turning a little crochet project into a keepsake.

The design has a rounded head, a tiny embroidered eye and beak, and a forked tail. A broad overlapping section forms the wing, giving the bird that folded, origami-inspired appearance. It is a simple-looking shape with plenty of handmade charm.

A Crochet Bird That Doubles as a Gift Topper

What appeals to me most is the idea of using the bird twice. Tie it onto a wrapped present as a gift topper, then let the recipient hang it on their Christmas tree afterwards. The wrapping gets recycled, the ribbon goes into somebody’s “far too useful to throw away” drawer, and the bird becomes part of next year’s decorations.

Cream would be a lovely choice for a Christmas dove, while cranberry red, sage green and dusty blue offer a different seasonal look. Keeping the wing plain lets the crochet texture and folded layers stand out.

For a personalised crochet gift tag, an embroidered initial is a sweet addition. One small letter gives the ornament a purpose without needing to squeeze an entire name onto the wing.

The Printable Christmas Dove Card

The accompanying printable brings the gift together. Watercolour-style holly, evergreen branches, berries and gold accents frame the card, with space above the poem for attaching the crocheted bird.

The original Christmas poem shares wishes for peace, joy and love, then invites the recipient to hang the dove on their tree. There is also a “With love from” line, so the finished card feels like a complete little present.

I would print it on firm cardstock and attach the bird with a removable thread or ribbon loop. That way, the recipient can lift it off the card easily when it is time to decorate the tree.

It is a thoughtful Christmas gift concept, especially for crafters who enjoy making small decorations with a personal touch. The bird and poem card belong together: a little handmade ornament, a Christmas wish, and something to bring out again next December.