Knitting and Crochet Forum banner
1 - 10 of 10 Posts

leeb

· Registered
Joined
·
58 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
I am making a Lacy Cardigan for a bride and would like to add the beads as I crochet. I tried googling to find a chart on what size mm bead to use with #7 Crochet Thread. Found charts explaining all the bead sizes and of course charts for crochet thread size but nothing on what size bead goes with what size thread. Would appreciate any help.
 
I've been curious about this, as well. I have a lot of Miyuki 10/0 and 12/0 beads, but doubt they'd fit on anything larger than cobweb weight! Also, I know you have to think about the edges of the beads, whether they're liable to damage the thread. Anyone with experience want to weight in?
 
First the bead has to be big enough for the thread to go through.
Next consideration is how prominent you want the bead to be.
What is the placement of the beads? Consider number of beads and weight.

Size #7 is fairly heavy thread so size 8 or 10 would probably be appropriate. Size 11 might be too small for the thread. Size 15 would definitely be too small.
There are no rules.
You have to try the beads and consider the look you are going for.
 
For fingering weight yarn you can use size 8/0 or 6/0 or 'E' beads. A size 10 might work with the fingering or lace yarn; but they might be too small to show up on your sweater. However that depends on your pattern & how they contrast with the yarn. Makes no sense to go to the trouble of adding beads to your knitting, if the beads won't show up from a short distance. A size 6/0 is ideal; but try to find beads that have a shiny or sparkly finish that will show up & others will notice. If the beads are too close in color to your yarn, they could visually disappear into your stitches unless seen close up. The Japanese glass beads (Miyuki or Toho) are two high quality brands of glass beads. They are smooth on the inside & shouldn't damage your yarn. IMO, the finishes that give you a good sparkle/shine for your money are the AB (Aurora Borealis/Rainbow) & the Luster beads. Stay away from beads that are transparent on the outside with the color on the inside. The color may not be permanent & eventually wash away over time & wear. Also, the Galvanized metallic finish on beads (gold, silver, copper, etc.) is durable & the color is permanent as long as they are Miyuki's or Toho's. They are more expensive, though.

ETA: When adding beads, don't get carried away. When it comes to beads, less is more. Too many beads can make your item too heavy & the weight could stretch out your stitches over time. Too many beads can also be uncomfortable when sitting if you lean against a chair back or church pew. Just something to keep in mind.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
Thank you Laceluvr! I had just about decided to get # 6 & 8 to try. If they didn't work on the crochet thread I would then hand sew them on. I called several places that sell beads and crochet thread - no one knew the answer. I do all my shopping on line and should be able to find exactly what I need thanks to you! Appreciate all your helpful comments as well.
 
leeb said:
I am making a Lacy Cardigan for a bride and would like to add the beads as I crochet. I tried googling to find a chart on what size mm bead to use with #7 Crochet Thread. Found charts explaining all the bead sizes and of course charts for crochet thread size but nothing on what size bead goes with what size thread. Would appreciate any help.
Czech beads are sized by # per inch. The larger the number, the smaller the bead.
Size 6 beads work well with fine lace knitting.
 
leeb said:
Thank you Laceluvr! I had just about decided to get # 6 & 8 to try. If they didn't work on the crochet thread I would then hand sew them on. I called several places that sell beads and crochet thread - no one knew the answer. I do all my shopping on line and should be able to find exactly what I need thanks to you! Appreciate all your helpful comments as well.
I use size 8 beads on crochet thread (size 10) all the time for my bead crochet. I have to thread all the beads onto the crochet thread before I can start a bead crochet project. It's mercerized cotton thread size 10 & the size 8 beads work perfectly for that size thread. I use a size 7 steel hook to bead crochet. The cotton thread holds up very well even when I use the Czech glass beads which are not as good quality as the Japanese beads.
 
1 - 10 of 10 Posts