How ot start a bead crochet rope

 

Most beginning students have difficulty learning to create the first few rows of bead crochet.

Knowing which bead is next is most confusing and the beads seem to get into a jumbled mess.

Try my method and see if it helps.

You will do the chain stitch first, whatever number of beads you choose, and slip stitch them together to make a round of beads as seed in the photo above.  

(5  beads in the round in photo)

Insert a small Philips head screwdriver through the opening in the middle of the round and push the round of beads to the bottom.  The screwdriver head makes a nice ledge and the round won't fall off.

This photo shows the crochet hook under the loop of the first bead to be crocheted.

This photo is shot at a different angle and you can see how nicely the beads stay in the proper position.

After a few rounds, you may remove the screwdriver and hold the rope on its own.

A flat head screwdriver won't work as well because the flat end is wider than the shaft, making it difficult to remove the round of beads.

Examples of other items you may use instead of the screwdriver:

right to left:  allen wrench, crochet hook, plastic straw.

Tip:  the allen wrench works well because it has facets that allow your crochet hook to follow the flatness of the facet.  The crochet hook is slippery, but again the flat area where you hold the hook allows the rope to settle there.  The straw works well,  but will bend if too much pressure is applied.

The diameter of the object you choose must match the inner diameter of the rope. In other words, a rope that is crocheted with size 11 seed beads with 8 in the round, will need a smaller diameter straw, or whichever object you use.  Size 6 seed beads may need a larger object.  Find one that works for you.

Bead Crochet Safety Chain for Necklace

The safety chain for the necklace must have a clasp attached to one end of the chain, as shown in photo. The spring ring clasp is attached to the chain by opening the small loop with a chain nose pliers, the chain is placed onto the loop, and close the loop with the pliers.  See previous posts for complete instructions.

The chain may be a longer length if needed. If you like, this method may be used for the bracelet also.

How to add a safety chain to Bead Crochet jewelry

Materials needed: completed bracelet , 2 jumprings, 3 inch chain, pliers, safety glasses

Step one: Open one of the jumprings and put it through one the of beads located a few rows
from the clasp. The bead hole may not accomodate the jumpring because the jumpring is too small in diameter or large wire gauge. Change to a larger diameter, a smaller wire gauge or both. Experiment with the correct size. Do not close the jumpring.

Step two. Add one end of the chain to the jumpring.

Step three. Close the jumpring. Picture shows closed jumpring with one end of chain attached.

Step four. Open another jumpring and put it through a bead on the other side of the clasp. Choose a bead a few rows from the clasp and directly across from the bead on the other side.

Step five. Put the end of the chain on your jumpring and close with your pliers. You're done!

Tip: Add a dab of glue to the seam of the jumprings.
The glue will be impossible to detect and the chain won't slip through.
My original tip published in Bead and Button Magazine - June 2009.

© 2010 Susanne O’Brien All rights reserved.

Please do not distribute, lend or copy. Please give credit to the designer.

Step 1. Ope