red thread sessions { part 04 }

Today we're going to crochet a red thread necklace/bracelet.  But we'll only be using the chain stitch, so if you aren't a crocheter, no worries.

I love making these because they're pretty versatile.  They can be worn as a necklace...

...or as a bracelet...

{01} Gather your materials:  spool of red thread (waxed cotton cord, pearl cotton, nylon cord, something like that); an assortment of beads, and a small crochet hook (I used size E).

{02}  Do not try to measure and cut the thread from the spool.  Just string about 50-60 beads (or bead sets--like the little silver beads) onto the spool.  Note: if it’s easier, you may use a small piece of very thin wire as a ‘needle’ to pull the string through the bead hole (see inset).

{03}  About 6" from thread end tie a slip knot and make 5 chain stitches (here's a link to instructions for chain stitching). 

{04}  Slide the first bead (or bead set) up to the last chain stitch and, while holding the bead snugly in place, chain around it as if the bead isn't there.  You'll want to just keep chaining 5-6 stitches and pull a bead up, chain a few stitches, pull a bead up, etc.

 

{05}  After you pull up your last bead, chain 5 more stitches and fasten off.  Cut thread end 6-8" from last chain.  On each end, tie a small lobster clasp and use a large needle to work the thread ends into the chain stitches.  Dab a little glue on the knots to secure.

  And you're finished!

 

 

Comments

[Sherry Cartwright]

Ohmygoodness, I've often wondered how beads were attached to crocheted necklaces. Well, now I know -- thank you!

The red thread with the dark wooden beads is very beautiful.

[caro]

Love the ease of this, Thanks Rebecca!

[Suzette Ladouceur]

Oh, I am definitely going to try this one! Thank you so much for making it a doable project!

[Joy]

Lovely,

[Fulvia]

Thank you! this is so lovely.

[Sandi]

love this. Thanks for the instructions. Will be making this, possibly this week.

Sandi

[Debbie Demmers-Lujan]

Good job with the instructions, Rebecca. I am a picture person myself....if I can't figure it out with pictures, well, I am "up a creek!!!" debbie

[Jill]

I've always wondered how beads were added that way because I do know how to crochet a bit...you put them on the string first...Thanks so much for this tutorial! Fun!

[Debbie]

Truly truly inspirational blog thankyou……..i found you from across the water here in the UK ,i started off reading http://rosiesarmoire.blogspot.com/
then that led me on and finally i came across you via blog lists,what a journey,i will be back again to read more and to follow your wonderful works in Haiti x

[maryann]

oh.my.goodness! i am LOVING your red thread series! thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sharon Chapman]

Well this is a light bulb moment. Thanks I have been wondering about that. I shall be trying this.

[Suzanne Duda]

I made this today and blogged about it...so easy and so cute...Thank you for the inspiration!

[Noël]

Rebecca, I love your red thread sessions. I cannot wait to try this necklace and writing with my sewing machine... although that one really scares me! Thank you so much for all the inspiration you share on your blog.

[Kim]

Thank you! This is about as far as my crocheting skills go, so it's quite doable! :)

[Cynnie]

What a cooooool necklace....I think I "need" one!!!!

[Judith A. Avery]

I love it - I created one of your designs this evening, but have to laugh - I read the design as 50 of each bead, soooooo, I realized that had to be misunderstood as my piece was growing, so I stopped at 20 of each bead, and course, the tiny sets x20 also - long is not the word, it wraps wonderfully, I love it, thanks you for your ingenious design.