Knitting with beads adds a simple elegance to any knitted piece. I often hear people say they are intimidated by beaded knitting and how hard it must be. The truth is it is quite simple as long as you know the basic techniques and the different effects they create. 

There are two basic techniques in beaded knitting: Crochet Method & Pre-stringing Method. Both are quite easy but give very different effects to your finished product and are not interchangeable. So choosing the proper technique before beginning any project is key to reaching your desired outcome.  

When using the Crochet Method, your beads will be locked into place allowing precise bead placement. Your beads will lie flat with your fabric and will be visible from both sides. They tend to lie vertically (holes going top to bottom). You do not have to pre-string your beads saving wear on delicate yarns.  Here is a great tutorial on this method. 

If you choose the Pre-stringing Method, your beads will float between two stitches allowing movement with the beads. For this method, you will need to take a little time to apply beads to your yarn before you begin. There are different ways to use this method, one being slip stitch leaving the beads only visible from the front of your work and on top of the fabric or Beaded Knitting in which the beads lie on the thread between two stitches. This allows the bead to show on both sides of your work and lays flat with your piece. Both methods are shown in this tutorial.  

The images below are great examples of the different techniques. Click on the images to view in full size. 

Most patterns will tell you which method they prefer you to use, but now you have the knowledge to choose for yourself or even make your own designs. When working with beads, you will want to keep care instructions in mind as some beads may chip or even lose their color when washed. 

The one thing every knitter/crocheter dreads about getting to the end of a project is having to weave in your ends! Those pesky ends are so time consuming and you are always worried if they will unravel with heavy use or as soon as you wash your new fabric. We have found a couple of great links to help you along so you will no longer have to worry!

To weave in your tails click here for Knitting or here for Crochet.

With this cold weather we are all staying indoors to keep warm and trying to find ways to keep us from getting chilled when we have to be out in the elements. Well have you thought about Thrumming? 

What is Thrumming you ask? This is a technique traditionally used in Northern Newfoundland, it creates a fleece lining in your knitted garments. It is mostly used in mittens, headbands and hats, but can be added to just about anything. We have found a great tutorial that demonstrates just how to do this simple technique. Can you imagine how cofmy and cozy a pair of  thrummed slippers would be?!?! We offer a variety of merino fleece at the store, so come on in and we will help you find a color that will match perfectly with your projct! 

Have you ever been nearly to the end of your long tail cast on and run out of tail?!? I believe we have all run into this problem and it can be so frustrating! Here are a few great tips so that this will never happen to you again:

1. Loosely wrap the yarn around your needles 10 times. Pinch and hold where the 10th stitch ends and pull the wraps off the needle. You then multiply that length by the number of stitches needed to cast on. (I also like to add a couple of extra inches just to be safe)
2. Multiply the width of the final project by 3 then add 6 inches for the tail. This should give you the correct amount of yarn needed to cast on your project. For example: If you are working on a project that will measure 10" wide when finished multiply 10x3+6= 36 inches
3. Wynnknit.com has posted a great document that gives estimations on the length of tail needed based on yarn weight and needle size. 

New to long tail cast on? Here are a couple of great videos to help you get started:
Knit Picks: Long Tail Cast On
New Stitch A Day : Long Tail Cast On