Projects

                        To transfer you beads to your Perlé cotton

To transfer you beads to your Perlé cotton, carefully take one strand of beads from the hank. Pic.1

Tie a loop in one end and slip the end of your Perlé cotton thru the loop you have just made. Pic.2

 Carefully pass the beads the beads onto the Perlé cotton. Pic.3

Repeat until your required beads, or enough to get you started, are transferred.

Hint Tie a loop in the other end of the strand too. The knot will prevent your losing beads off this end while you are transferring them.

When transferring the beads, work over a tray to hold beads in case the fine cotton breaks.

If a bead will not transfer, use a pair of pliers to break the problem bead, so you can continue.

Pic.1

Pic.3

Pic.2

                                          To cast on using the thumb method

Cast on the first stitches in your pattern before you need to add beads and slip the required number of beads up to your needle.

Your next stitch will need to be cast on independantly, so position your thumb so the thread passes over it, then slip the thread around and under your thumb, loosely. Pic.1

Slip your knitting needle thru the loop you have just made, Pic.2,  forming a stitch ( or part of a hitch knot).Pic.3

Cast on your next stitches as you would normally cast on.Pic.4, and repeat as your pattern indicates.

P.S. the first stitch after adding beads will need to be cast on using this method.

 Pic.1

 Pic.2

 Pic.3

 Pic.4

Our thanks to Marie Messmer of Anlaby Designs for her work in pioneering the adaption of this lovely and addictive craft to doll skirts and other possibilities.

Scissor Keeper for leftover beads

3.5 strands Size 11 seed beads.

Perle 8 cotton.

1.25mm knitting needles.

Tapestry needle.

Some larger beads and a clasp.

n.b. Repeat instructions are in Bold print

Transfer beads onto your cotton and cast on 14 stitches.

1. Knit.
2. K2, slip 70 beads, K2, to end of row.
3. Knit.
4. K1, slip 70 beads, K2, to last stitch, slip 70 beads, K1.
5. Knit.
6. K2, slip 70 beads, K2, to end of row.
7. Knit.
8. K1, slip 1 bead, K2, to last stitch, slip 1 bead. K1.
9. Knit.
10. K2, slip 1 bead, K2, to end of row.
11. Knit.
12. K1, slip 1 bead, K2, to last stitch, slip 1 bead. K1.
13. Knit.

Leave about 30cm of thread. Slip thread thru stitches on needle and pull together,

Stitch seam together and slide a large bead in and stitch in place.

 Bring thread up into centre top, thread a few large beads and add a clasp, or tie to your scissors.

Slide thread back thru large beads and end off at top of knitting.

Transfer all the main colour beads onto your Perlé cotton, then transfer all the contrast colour beads and, with your knitting needles, cast on 1 stitch, slip 5 beads, cast on 2 stitches, 10 times, slip 30 beads, cast on 2 sts, slip 45 beads, cast on 2, slip 60 beads, cast on 2, slip 45 beads, cast on 2 sts, slip 30 beads, cast on 2 sts, slip 5 beads, cast on 2 stitches, 9 times, slip 5 beads, cast on 1 stitch.  You should have 50 stitches.

1. Knit.
2. K2, slip 3 beads, K2, to end of row.
3. Knit.
4. K1, slip 22 beads, K2, slip 18 beads, K2, slip 12 beads, K2, slip 7 beads, K2, 19 times, slip 12 beads, K2, slip 18 beads, K2, slip 22 beads, K1.

Knit 5 rows.

Cast off.

Stitch up and join ends to form a circle.

Cut the plastic mesh a little larger than the size of the face. Cover mesh with fabric, stitch the pin horizontally, as above, one third from the top of the mesh and set aside. (pin not needed for pendant.

Join the knitted circle, place your brooch face in the centre with the contrast loops at the bottom and adjust the surrounding beads..

When you are satisfied with the fit, take the face out and run a small amount of glue around the base of the face and press it back in the position you had rehearsed. Hold in place until you are satisfied the glue is set enough.

 You may need a dab of glue to hold any problem loops on place. Open out or twist the longer loops, (examples above).

Stitch to add more beads wherever you wish.

Stitch or glue on the mesh backing. Add cord or a length of beads if a pendant is your choice.

Bead knitted Brooch or Pendant

To make this brooch you will need

1 porcelain Brooch face      (Click on Pics for Faces)       

309 size 11 seed beads Main colour(cream)

310 size 11 seed beads Contrast colour (gold)

extra beads and sewing cotton

cord or beads for pendant, pin for brooch

Perlé 8 cotton

1.25mm knitting needles

beading needle

tapestry needle

glue

n.b. Repeat instructions are in Bold print.

Cast on first stitch after slipping beads with your thumb.