At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What is Bead Knitting?
Bead knitting is like regular knitting, except that it involves the use of beads for extra strength and added decoration. The techniques used are different from those in bead crochet, but similar projects can be created, such as jewelry, bags, purses, doilies and other decorative items. Any kinds of beads can be used, such as those made of plastic, ceramic or glass, as long as they are a size suitable for the yarn. They can be strung onto the yarn in advance or as one progresses with the beadwork.
There are basically four different techniques that can be used in bead knitting in order to position the beads in the desired location. Two techniques position the beads on one side of the fabric, and the other two allow the beads to be seen from both sides of the work. Depending on the technique and pattern, the beads can be positioned in every stitch, in every other stitch or scattered throughout the project to create unique designs.
A common technique is working the bead directly into the loop of the stitch. This allows for the beads to be worked close together and in every stitch, so that the yarn can be completely hidden by the beads. The other technique that places the beads off to one side is the slip stitch method. The beads are also strung in advance but are not worked directly into the stitch. Instead, the yarn with the bead is brought to the front, and the stitch is simply passed from one needle to the next without it being worked.
To incorporate the beads so they can be seen from both sides, one can simply work around the pre-strung beads, positioning them between the two stitches. The beads also can be placed directly onto the loop by using a small crochet hook to pull the loop through the hole of the bead. This technique requires that the beads are big enough to pass over two strands of the yarn, because the bead is placed directly over the loop of the stitch. The stitch is then passed onto the needle without being worked.
Bead knitting patterns can be found online and in pattern books available at the library or at craft stores. Knitting needles, yarn, beads and other bead knitting supplies can be purchased in local craft stores and online. The knitting needles used in bead knitting are regular knitting needles that are suitable for the project. Most projects require only a straight needle, but some projects might require a circular or a double-pointed needle.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Bead knitting uses tiny seed beads and string to create art as well as wearable items like bracelets.]()
By: Sergey GoruppaBead knitting uses tiny seed beads and string to create art as well as wearable items like bracelets. -
![Knitting needles, yarn, beads and other bead knitting supplies can be purchased in local craft stores and online.]()
By: robcartorresKnitting needles, yarn, beads and other bead knitting supplies can be purchased in local craft stores and online.
Discussion Comments
@irontoenail - Well, I try to just follow the patterns I find to be honest. I don't think I'd be very good at doing my own thing, since I tend to wreck them even if I'm just making what seems like a tiny adjustment.
The thing to remember is that beads can really push the fabric apart, so that you don't necessarily end up with an "airtight" beaded knit garment. In some cases that's the point as you mean to wear it as a top layer, but if you are making something and don't want any holes you'd better stick to the instructions provided.
@Mor - Well, I think that you can use beads however you like as long as you follow a few simple rules. If you're going to use a lot of them, make sure the beads aren't too large and that they fit well together. I think you can use quite a few seed beads in knitting and not have any difficulty with the quantity.
You also need to make sure that if you're going to use a lot of beads, you don't try to use too many different types of beads for knitting. I think that's more likely to clash than if a person just uses a lot of one kind of bead.
I mean, it does depend on what you're making. People use bead knitting to make purses and necklaces and in those cases you might prefer for the finished product to be quite stiff rather than as pliable as the wool would be by itself.
I think you have to be careful about how you use beads if you're going to do something like this. They can be so beautiful and look so nice in the packaging that it seems like a good idea to just use as many as possible when you're knitting with beads.
But creations that use too many beads almost always look pretty bad. They can be garish and just plain ugly as well as being unpractical when it comes to use. Beads will make the garment quite stiff, after all and if it's too stiff then you won't be able to wear it comfortably, even if it does look good.
Beads can be irritating against the skin as well, and depending on how you knit them into the fabric, they might make more noise than you're comfortable with.
They can definitely be a wonderful addition to any garment but they need to be used as a kind of garnish, rather than the main course.
Post your comments