How to Knit and Bead a Scarf

Make a scarf more attractive by adding some beads to the design. Simple knit and purl rows can be worked to turn a simple scarf into a fashion statement. No fancy supplies are needed. Knitting needles, a skein of bulky yarn and some beading supplies will help you to create a great accented scarf. The pattern works up in a brief amount of time. Beginners can knit and bead this scarf without worry.

Things You'll Need

• Jump rings
• Head pins
• Assorted beads
• Bead spacers
• Round nose pliers
• Chain nose pliers
• Size 11 US knitting needles
• 1 Skein bulky yarn
• Crochet hook (size J)

Instructions

1. Cast 20 stitches onto the size 11 knitting needles. Knit in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) for 16 rows. Purl the next 4 rows to make ridges.

2. Continue with this pattern until there are 8 sets of ridges. Knit one row and purl one row for the next 20 rows, ending with a knit row. Bind off the last knit row.

3. Loosely wrap the remaining yarn around your hand. Cut one side. Trim the length so the yarn strips are all one length. Fold a strip of yarn in half and use the crochet hook to pull it through the stitches on the end of the scarf. Knot eight stips of yarn on each end of the scarf. Leave a space between each knotted loop. Press the scarf with an iron if it has rolled on the sides.

4. Open all the jump rings using the pliers. Set them aside. Slip beads onto the head pin leaving a space at the top. Bend the tip into a circle by holding the pin with the chain nose pliers. Grasp the pin tip with the round nose pliers. Bend the pin tip into a loop. Tighten it so the beads don't fall off.

5. Slip the looped end of the beaded pin head onto the jump ring. Loop the jump ring onto the space between looped yarn strips on the end of the scarf and close the jump ring securely. Continue to add the beaded pin heads across the bottom edge of both ends of the scarf. There should be 7 beaded pin heads spaced out on each end of the scarf.

6. Continue to bead the pin heads and loop the tip. Slip the jump ring into the ridged section of the scarf. Attach four beaded pin heads on the top ridge and four on the lower ridge alternating the space so they zigzag. The first two sets of ridges on each side of the scarf will have beaded pin heads attached to them. The other ridges will be empty.

Tips & Warnings

• Large beads should be placed on the bottom of the pin head with a spacer.

• Try alternating small and medium sized beads toward the top. Vary the style of the beads.

• Use flat, round, oblong, or oval shaped beads for interest.

• To add contrast to the scarf, use contrasting colored beads.

• If wool yarn or blended wool is used, wash in cold water. Dry flat to avoid shrinkage.