DIY Network

Midnight Bracelet by Bethany Barry From "Jewelry Making" episode DJMK-411

In this segment guest jewelry artist/teacher/author Bethany Barry joins host Jackie Guerra to show you how to crochet a "bead soup" into an amazing bracelet.

The Materials list and step-by-step instructions are below!

advertisement

Guest Bethany Barry joins host Jackie Guerra to show you how to crochet "bead soup" into an amazing bracelet.

Materials --

Mastex thread
Seed beads: 6/0 and 8/0 in several colors
Small accent beads: triangles, squares, magatamas, flowers, etc.
Assortment of 6-8mm glass beads (15-20)
Nymo F
Beeswax
Wite-Out

Tools --

Steel crochet hook, size 2
Big-Eye needle

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Midnight Bracelet

1. Cut thread at an angle, and stiffen thread end with Wite-Out (figure A). Let dry. The Wite-Out allows you to see the end of the thread.

2. Mix bead soup with combination of seed beads, small accent beads and others.

   Tip: Bead crocheting uses a lot of beads. Keep in mind that 10" of strong beads equals 1" of bead crochet.

3. Thread beads onto spool of Mastex in random pattern (figure B). When you string the beads, think in terms of stringing by three -- use a little bead, a big bead and another little bead. Fill up your spool with beads -- you are always working from the spool. Don't even think of cutting your thread!

4. Once your beads are strung, start crocheting. Chain 18 stitches, leaving a 4-6" tail.

5. Single crochet one row with thread, chain two at end of each row.

6. Begin next row, crocheting with beads, sliding up three beads at a time, and putting hook into each stitch.

7. Alternate rows with and without beads until you have crocheted seven eighths of the bracelet. Bracelet length should be wrist size minus 1/2" for button loop.

8. Crochet the rest of the bracelet without beads, just fiber, leaving space for the button (figure C).

9. Thread a beading or regular needle with short thread, wax thread well, and sew on the button, tying off and hiding the end.

10. Working from spool, chain 10-12 stitches (big enough to fit over the button, but snug, not loose).

11. Connect ends to create a button loop.

12. Attach loop to bracelet end, and crochet into place.

13. Crochet an extra row around the loop for decoration.

14. Weave ends into bracelet base, and cut.

15. Weave the other tail into the base at the other end (figure D), hide and cut.

RESOURCES :

Bead Crochet
193149942X
Bethany Barry
April 2004
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Interweave Press

GUESTS :

Bethany Barry
Owner
PO Box 188
Forest Dale, VT 05745
Phone: 802-247-4610
Fax: 802-301-1034
Email: Bethany@bethanybarry.com
Website: www.bethanybarry.com