Monica Knits

This is the second in a series of articles on inserting beads and sequins in knitting. The first article, Bead Insertion in Knitting, described stringing beads on yarn and purling beads into a 2 x 2 rib stitch ground. This article describes a slip stitch method of inserting beads into a stocking stitch ground. Read more...

Supplies

1. Beading or small diameter sewing needle.
2. Waste thread to transfer beads to knitting yarn.
3. 2.5 mm diameter knitting needles.
4. Fashion yarn.
5. Beads, Jewellery Fundamentals, Iridescent Blue Glass Beads, #14571 Size E (6/0), Made in China, Sulyn Industries.

Bead Insertion Steps
For this approach the beads are pre-loaded on the yarn, and brought into position on the stocking stitch side for insertion. Click on any of the thumbnails below to view a larger image.

Step 1Step 2 Step 3





Load Beads on Yarn:
1. Pick up beads with a sewing or beading needle.
2. Load beads on the yarn, using waste thread. The waste thread is looped around the yarn and the beads slide over this loop and onto the yarn.
3. Slide beads down the yarn, where they are parked until needed. Most of the beads are parked about 3 feet away from the knitting. For this method all beads are loaded in advance; adding a few extra provides insurance in case of a miscount.

Insert Beads:

4. K across to the first bead position.
5. Bring the bead to the front, against the most recent K stitch.
6. Slip the next stitch purlwise, to anchor the bead.
7. K across to the next bead position.

Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7

Related Posts
Bead Insertion in Knitting (stepwise instructions for inserting beads in rib stitch)
Festive Beaded Wrist Warmers (mohair yarn, rib pattern beading)