Easy Crochet Jewelry

One of my favorite things to crochet is jewelry. Combining beads with crochet or just forming crochet stitches into necklaces, bracelets or earrings really allows your creativity to soar.

You don’t need to know any fancy stitches or techniques to try this. The basic crochet stitches like chain, slip stitch, and single crochet can get you a long way.

This article Katelyn wrote for eHow.com a few months ago shows how to create Crochet Hoop Earrings. The first design features a loop formed from crochet stitches. The second project shows you how to take an existing earring wire hoop and add crochet to it. I think the silver design is my favorite and perfect for a holiday party.

LINK: http://www.ehow.com/how_4854243_crochet-hoop-earrings.html

Bead crochet necklaces or bracelets don’t need to be difficult either. Try stringing a bunch of large seed beads on size 10, 20 or 30 crochet thread, then simply pull up a bead each time you make a chain stitch. One strand alone makes a simple piece of jewelry or you could combine several strands into one necklace or bracelet for a different look.

The pictures below are examples of what you can do by simply stringing beads on thread and using the chain stitch. Give it a try and see what you can create! If you feel more comfortable following a visual guide with project ideas, try Bead Crochet Basics by Mary Libby Neiman or Bead Crochet (Easy-Does-It) by the Bead & Buttons Editors.

Simple Bead Chain Crochet with Glass Beads

Two Strands, Crochet Necklace Using Stone "Chip" Beads

 

The key to interesting crochet jewelry isn’t always the stitches. You can create unique jewelry by simply varying the combination of beads and thread. Experiment with different colors, sizes and textures of beads and don’t be afraid to try different types of fiber for the crochet stitches. The examples show above all use this wonderful shimmery thread called Lion Brand Lamé. It gives the piece just a hint of sparkle to complement the beads. You can also try novelty yarn such a eyelash or ribbon to create different textures in your jewelry.

It is also possible to crochet with wire, but that’s a topic for another day.

Happy crocheting!!!!

Cathy

Recent Find – Spool Quarterly – Coming in Fall

Look what I found! Cruising around looking for something new in embroidery, I stumbled upon this site announcing a new magazine coming in Fall 2010. According to their website they will have nationally know writers and designers, but are also looking for new designers.

“Any use of needle(s) and fiber with either an updated traditional look or an edgy twist is of interest.“

The magazine is in tabloid format, newspaper style sized at 11″ x 17″ and will be mailed quarterly. I’m looking forward to seeing how it goes. We can always use a new, slightly edgier publication in the needlework and crafts world.

So click on the Spool Quarterly logo and take a look. Subscription information is available and orders are being taken on the site.

What are your favorite crafting magazines?