How to Crochet With Tube Bead Jewelry
Although crochet typically brings to mind scarves and sweaters, simple crochet techniques can be applied to nearly any jewelry stringing material. Crocheting multi-strand bracelets and necklaces creates a voluminous accessory without the weight. Crocheting with a strand of beads will yield a longer finished length than traditional stringing and will save you money.
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Things You'll Need
- Size 8 pearl cotton cord
- Beading needle
- Assorted tube beads
- Size D crochet hook
- Scissors
- Jewelry glue
- 2 crimp ends
- Crimpers
- 2 jump rings
- Round-nose pliers
- Chain-nose pliers
- Clasp
Instructions
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1
String assorted tube beads onto the cotton cord. You will need about 9 inches of beads per necklace strand and 4 inches per bracelet strand. Use a beading needle if you are having difficulty stringing the tube beads. A 9-inch strand will give a 18-inch crocheted strand. Four inches will give you an 8-inch bracelet.
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2
Make a loop with the cotton cord end, leaving a 3 inch tail. Hold the tail with your left hand while inserting your crochet hook into the loop with your right. Use the hook to grab the cotton cord and pull it up through the loop and onto your hook.
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3
Draw a bead up the cotton cord and hold it against your crochet hook. Bring the cord over your hook from behind and pull it through the loop already on the hook. Repeat this process, pulling up one tube bead at a time, until your strand is one half of an inch shorter than you want your finished necklace or bracelet.
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4
Cut the cotton cord about 3 inches from the final bead. Pull the thread all the way through the final loop, releasing it from your crochet hook. Repeat steps 1 to 4 for each strand of your necklace or bracelet.
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5
Align the ends of each strand together and tie an overhand knot as close to the final beads as possible. Dab some jewelry glue on the knot and inside the crimp end. Place the knot into the crimp end with the hole facing away from the beaded strands. Close the crimp end firmly with your flat nose pliers and allow the glue to dry. Trim the excess cotton cord close to the top of the crimp end. Repeat with the other end of the necklace or bracelet.
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6
Grip a jump ring with both sets of pliers at the opening. Open the jump ring by twisting the pliers away from each other. Attach one crimp end and one end of the clasp to the jump ring and close by reversing the twisting motion. Repeat with the other half of the clasp and the other end of the necklace or bracelet.
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Tips & Warnings
Use tube beads of different lengths and shapes to create texture in your necklace or bracelet.
Experiment with different thread and bead color combinations.
Crochet tube beads on artist wire for a more structured look.
Beads are a choking hazard to young children.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit thread image by Alex White from Fotolia.com
