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Knitting on its own is already a wonderfully creative outlet - but add beads into the mix, and you’ve opened up a whole new world of texture, shimmer, and elegance. Whether you’re looking to elevate a baby blanket, add detail to a shawl, or simply try something new, knitting with beads can take your work from cosy to captivating. It might seem fiddly at first (beads do have a habit of rolling away!), but with a few tricks and a touch of patience, you'll soon be adding sparkle like a pro.
When it comes to knitting with beads, the type of bead you choose matters more than you might think. Not all beads play nicely with yarn. We generally recommend opting for glass seed beads, as they offer both sparkle and structure. They come in a variety of finishes, from matte to metallic, and - here’s the crucial bit - they tend to have a smooth hole that won’t snag delicate fibres.
Size-wise, a popular choice is size 6/0 or 8/0 beads, which balance visibility and workability beautifully. Anything too small becomes a wrestling match with your yarn. If in doubt, pick up a few types and test them with your preferred yarn.
You'll need a few important tools and materials for knitting, especially if you're aiming to knit with beads. A small crochet hook (around 0.6mm to 1mm) can be incredibly helpful for placing beads on stitches. If you're going the pre-threading route, a beading needle or a bit of dental floss (yes, really!) works wonders.
And let’s not forget good lighting. Beads are tiny. Shadows and low light will quickly turn a relaxing project into a test of patience. If you’re just getting started, take a look at our affordable knitting sets for adults – they’re a lovely place to begin.
This is the classic method. You thread all your beads onto the yarn before you start knitting. Yes, all of them. It’s a bit like stringing popcorn at Christmas - time-consuming, slightly fiddly, but kind of meditative.
Once you’re knitting, you simply slide a bead into place when needed. The downside? You’ll need to plan your pattern carefully, and shifting beads along metres of yarn can get a bit annoying. Still, it works a charm for many.
Don’t fancy pre-threading hundreds of beads? We don’t blame you. With this method, you use a small crochet hook to place beads directly onto stitches as you go.
This gives you much more freedom and flexibility. You can decide on placement as you knit (within reason), and there’s less risk of damaging your yarn by constantly moving beads along it. It’s a bit slower per stitch, but easier on the prep work.
Think of this as a happy hybrid. You knit a stitch, then place a bead between that stitch and the next by slipping it onto the yarn. It sits neatly in the space between stitches, rather than directly on one.
The look is slightly different - more of a ‘floating bead’ effect - but it can be stunning, especially in lace or airy patterns. Try it on a small swatch and see what you think.
Tension and bead size go hand in hand. If your beads are too large for the yarn, they’ll stretch things out and may look awkward or even distort your stitch pattern. Too small, and they simply won’t fit.
It’s worth doing a tension swatch with beads included. This will help you decide if you need to adjust your needle size or even switch out your yarn.
There’s nothing worse than finishing a row only to watch a bead pop right off the end. Most of the time, this happens when the bead isn’t properly seated on the yarn or stitch.
To prevent this, make sure your beads are placed snugly and that you complete each stitch properly. And maybe keep a little bowl nearby to catch escapees - just in case.
Consistency is key for a polished final piece. Beads that shift or bunch can make a pattern look messy. The solution? Keep your yarn tension even, take your time, and refer to your pattern often.
Using stitch markers to denote bead placement rows can also help keep things orderly, especially in more intricate designs.
Adding beads to borders is an elegant way to elevate a piece without overloading it. Think baby blankets with beaded picot edges or shawls with a glittering trim. The beads catch the light just so and give a subtle sense of luxury.
A few well-placed beads on the outer edges can make a world of difference.
This is where things get really interesting. Adding beads into cable crossings or nestled in lace motifs creates visual intrigue and texture. Just be cautious - they can get lost in dense textures, so placement is everything.
We recommend knitting a sample swatch before committing. (Yes, we know, swatching isn’t the most thrilling part - but your future self will thank you.)
Not every knitted piece needs to be wearable art - but sometimes, it’s fun to make something small and sparkly. Beaded wrist cuffs, headbands, or even tiny pouches are great practice pieces.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try combining beadwork with fine cotton or silk yarns. The results? Surprisingly professional.
Spilled beads are no one’s idea of a good time. We suggest using a shallow dish, bead mat, or a divided container to keep your colours and sizes sorted. Even a reused egg carton will do in a pinch.
And always close your bead containers. Always.
There’s no shame in starting small. A beaded coaster or bookmark lets you experiment without the pressure of a major project. Once you’re comfortable, you can move on to scarves, shawls - or even that ambitious cardigan you’ve been eyeing.
Think of it as bead boot camp.
Blocking isn’t just for lace. When you’ve incorporated beads, blocking helps to set the stitches and ensure the beads lie exactly where you want them. Use care when pinning, especially around the beaded areas.
Steam blocking is often safest, but always check your yarn’s fibre content before going near any heat.
Knitting with beads can feel a little daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it, the possibilities are nearly endless. It’s a beautiful way to add texture, colour and a touch of sparkle to your handmade creations.
Start small, be patient, and don’t worry if your first few attempts aren’t flawless. We all drop beads from time to time. But the end result? So worth it.
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