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Beads And Crochet – Have You Tried it?

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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.

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Pattern Review: Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern

The Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern is one of those fun wearable crochet projects that has just the right mix of retro charm and modern festival style. If you have been seeing granny square bucket hats popping up everywhere and thinking, “I could make that,” this pattern is a lovely place to start.

This crochet bucket hat is worked in the round using granny-style clusters, giving it that familiar textured look without requiring you to join lots of separate squares. That is a definite win if, like me, you enjoy the look of granny motifs but don’t always feel emotionally prepared for a mountain of seams and ends.

The pattern uses worsted weight #4 yarn, with cotton or a cotton blend recommended, which makes sense for a summer hat. Cotton gives the hat a bit more structure and keeps it feeling breathable rather than floppy and sweaty. You’ll need around 80g of yarn, a 5.5mm crochet hook, scissors, and a yarn needle. The finished hat is designed to fit a head circumference of approximately 51–55cm / 20.1–21.7 inches, which puts it in the adult small/medium range.

What I like about this pattern is that it includes practical fit notes rather than pretending every head and every crocheter’s tension is magically the same. The granny mesh has stretch, and the pattern suggests trying the crown on after Round 5 before continuing with the body section. That is such a useful little check-in point, especially with hats, because nobody wants to finish the whole thing only to discover it either perches on top like a teacup or slides down over your eyes like a lampshade.

The instructions are written in US crochet terms and include a clear stitch key covering chains, clusters, double crochet, repeats, slip stitches, and spaces. The pattern also explains how the rounds are closed, how the beginning chain functions, and how to count the clusters at the end of each round, which is helpful for keeping the shape on track.

The construction is straightforward: you begin at the crown, continue down into the sides, and then work the brim. The brim shaping comes from an increase round that helps kick the edge outward into that classic bucket hat shape. Rounds 15–17 then hold steady to smooth out the brim edge, giving the hat a neat finish without making the shaping feel overly complicated.

I would call this an easy to confident beginner crochet pattern rather than a very first crochet project. You’ll want to be comfortable working in the round, counting repeats, and making double crochet clusters. Once the rhythm clicks, though, it becomes a relaxing, repeat-friendly project — the sort of crochet you can work on while half-watching TV, provided you don’t lose count during the increase rounds. Ask me how I know.

This pattern also has great colour-play potential. The yellow version feels sunny and wearable, the scrap yarn version has brilliant festival energy, and a red-and-green version would make a surprisingly cute Christmas market hat. It would also be a good stash-busting crochet project if you have leftover cotton yarns hanging around from dishcloths, bags, or summer tops.

Overall, the Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat is a cheerful, wearable crochet pattern with strong Etsy appeal. It hits that sweet spot between nostalgic granny square style and modern handmade fashion, making it a great pattern for festival outfits, summer wardrobes, handmade gifts, and market sellers looking for a trendy crochet accessory.

Best for: confident beginners, granny stitch lovers, summer crochet projects, festival fashion, scrap yarn makes, and crocheters who want a wearable project that feels fun rather than fussy.