| BEAD CROCHET TOOLS, TUTORIALS, KITS + MORE |
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Bead Crochet Jewelry is fun to make, and easy to learn in most instances, with some hurdles for beginners. Here is a simple guide to start with.
Bead Crochet? Which type of bead crochet are you interested in making? Tubular Bead Crochet also called Bead Crochet Rope, Chain Stitch Bead Crochet, or Turkish Flat Bead Crochet. Find out about these styles here.
- > Tubular Bead Crochet - A classic method to make beaded jewelry. It's easy once you get over the hurdle of starting the bead rope. I could not do it without the method by Studio Dax. When one of my very talented colleagues needed video support with the StudioDax method, I added a bunch of videos including one on how to make an invisible joint.
- > Chain Stitch Bead Crochet - NEW as of August 2024 - Learn how to make chain stitch crochet sennit with beads incorporated in the cording. It is the simplest bead crochet method made entirely with chain stitches, but it has its challenges. Initially, I thought the tutorial would only be a few pages long, but as I worked on it, it expanded and I already have a sequel planned. The step-by-step instructions feature two main projects for gradual learning, and include many tips to help elevate your bead crochet jewelry to a professional level.
- > Turkish Flat Bead Crochet - This crochet style is made with just two of the basic crochet stitches, the chain stitch and the single crochet stitch, and of course beads. Check the free tutorial on my blog and a YouTube video.
Hooks Sizes - It should be simple with standardized US or mm sizes, however each brand measure their hooks sizes their own way and the hooks profile are unique to each brand. Due to the unique hook profiles and measuring inconsistencies, a US Size 7 in one brand may compare to a US Size 0 in another. We tested some brands to make the process to choose a crochet hook a bit easier. > Crochet Hooks
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| Bead Crochet Rope Starter Jig and Tutorial Kit + Video Demo |
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The tubular bead crochet jig and tutorial from StudioDax, patent pending, is a great method and tool to start the bead crochet ropes. If you have struggled with this technique and had a hard time with the first inch, or if you always wanted to learn bead crochet ropes, get a starter kit and be on your way to learn this wonderful method, the easy way!
 
  
 
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With the StudioDax Method make a sample with the Miyuki 6/0 beads included in the kit and the standard C-Lon Bead Cord, then move on to Miyuki 8/0 beads and make a few bracelets like the ones shown in the second row. Try 8/0 with C-Lon Fine Weight Tex 135 Cord for a thinner bracelet. Then try 11s with Fine Weight Cord and C-Lon Micro Cord. You can even try 15s with C-Lon Micro Cord.
The StudioDax Tubular bead Crochet Starter Jig and Tutorial now comes with lots of extras:
+ Extra PDF created by marion jewels in fiber with access to all Video Demos and information for switching from Miyuki beads size 6, to size 8, 11, and 15.
+ Video Demos made by marion jewels in fiber showing all of the basic steps plus how to add a new cord, how to join beaded rope segments, and how to make an invisible joint to create infinity bracelets.
+ Coming up - 1 extra video - The StudioDax Tutorial has directions on how to make a 5 and 6 bead around crochet rope. Marion after a number of trials came up with a way to increase the number of beads around the rope all the way up to 11 beads using the same tool. The written instructions are already included. The video will be added soon.
Personal Note - Please read my 2010 blog entry on the Bead Crochet Jig and Tutorial for more info. To find out about cord sizes, crochet hooks sizes...> More. As of 2021, 11 years later, I have just revisited beaded crochet ropes and added 14 short video demonstrations with more than 50 minutes of instructions to help you learn this technique, plus how to make an invisible joint to make an infinity bracelet. The kits now includes a 9 page PDF manual with all the links plus lots of info with all the measurements you will need to make beaded crochet ropes with Miyuki seed beads size 6, 8 and 11.
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| Bead Crochet Rope Starter Jig and Tutorial Kit + Video Demo |
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Blurred Page Sample |
Materials & Supplies |
Examples of Finished Project |
Close up of Bracelet |
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Includes the starter jig, a mini-clip, a cheat card (shown blurred) with the basic steps of crochet beaded rope, and the PDFs by StudioDax:
1. Read Me First - 2 page document with notes on best practice.
2. Jig Tutorial - The main step by step tutorial with 23 pages with over 65 pictures.
3. 6 Beads around Rope - Add an extra bead to the 5 bead rope shown in the main tutorial.
4. Breaking a Bead Already Strung on the Cord - Without damaging the cord.
5. Crochet Bead Rope Detail - An additional tutorial showing even more closeup photos if you need extra help.
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+ 1 Medium EZ-Bob with enough C-Lon Bead Cord + Beads Size 6 for to make two sample ropes as shown on videos.
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+ 15 Short Video Demonstrations
Created by Marion, showing all of the basic steps plus how to add a new cord, join 2 segments, and how to make an invisible joint to create infinity bracelets.
+ Extra 12 page PDF
Created by marion jewels in fiber with lots of additional information, plus all the measurements for switching from size 6 beads, to size 8, 11 and 15.
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| The tutorial is shown for right handed crochet, but the tool is non-directional. Just follow the steps left handed and it works fine.
The tutorial is written for beginners and it is best to start with size 6 seed beads, then move to size 8 seed beads.
Once the technique has been mastered, you can use the jig with any size and types of beads including size 15's.
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| Bead Crochet Rope Jig and Tutorial Kit + Tools + Video Demo |
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Includes everything in the standard kit plus:
- 2 Lacis steel crochet hook size 7 & 8
- 2 comfort cushions
for the hooks *
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1 big eye needle + 2 wire needles
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5 tapestry needles Size 20 to 28
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1 wood handle awl for breaking beads
- 1 bead mat
+ 1 clear vinyl bag to keep all your supplies and your project.
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| + Includes Video Demo Access |
+ 15 Short Video Demonstrations, created by Marion, showing all of the basic steps plus how to add a new cord, join 2 segments, and how to make an invisible joint to create infinity bracelets.
+ Extra 12 page PDF created by marion jewels in fiber with lots of additional information, plus all the measurements for switching from size 6 beads, to size 8, 11 and 15. Access to the videos is on this PDF.
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* It comes now with 2 DIY Cushion Rubber Mat System. See listing below.
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| + Get 2 sizes of C-Lon Bead Cord to play with... |
Get 2 spools of C-Lon Bead Cord, one 92 yd in the standard size and one 50 yd spool in the Fine Weight Tex 135 size. It is best to start with a color, in the light to medium range as to light to dark, or in any color that blends with your beads.
If your crochet is tight, the color of the cord will be barely noticeable, unless of course you work with lots of clear or transparent beads.
Darker colors such as Black are not recommended for beginners. Use the crochet hook size 7 with the standard C-Lon Bead Cord and size 6 & 8 seed beads, and crochet hook size 8 with the Fine Weight Bead Cord and size 8 & 11 seed beads.
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| MORE CROCHET TOOLS |
| CROCHET HOOKS |
Crochet Hooks - Perfect for making jewelry with the C-Lon Bead Cords and the other bonded nylon brands, such as Tuff, D&E or Vintage Mastex, are also available. We tested the crochet hooks so we have recommendations as to sizes. Hooks are not standardized as to sizes. Each brand has its own system. Hooks are also like shoes, you either find the best fit and stick to this brand, or you change along the way to give yourself a rest. These are the best crochet hooks for tubular bead crochet.
Note: For bead crochet ropes use finer (higher US Size #) hook. The Lacis crochet hooks with its small head versus throat is best for crochet in between beads as you can get into small areas. For single chain crochet the larger sizes are usually best and the Clover or Hamanita hooks are best.
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The Lacis Steel Crochet Hooks are inexpensive, but they have one of the best hook profile. They catch the nylon cord nicely without pinching it. Hooks Size 4 and up come with a metal cap to protect the point. The handle can be improved by adding a cushion or cover over the handle. See listings below.
Sizes? See notes regarding sizes
4 - C-Lon Bead Cord Tex 400
5 - 7* - 6 - C-Lon Bead Cord
Note: Size 7*/1.5mm is actually in between Size 5 and Size 6.
Yes, it's illogical.
9 - 10 - C-Lon Fine Weight Cord
10 - 11 - C-Lon Micro Cord/Nylon69
14 - For pulling thread through bead holes
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| Add a Cover |
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Comfort Cushion by Susan Bates
Perfect for Lacis Steel Crochet Hooks
Turn the Lacis crochet hooks handle into a comfortable handle.
I really like the Lacis crochet hooks because you can use a smaller hook than other brands for the same cord size. This profile, thin head but hook that can handle larger cords without snagging them makes this crochet brand my favorite for tubular bead crochet and bead crochet. But the handles are very thin and really need cushioning.
$3.50 for 2 Pieces
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DIY Cushion Rubber Mat System for Lacis Crochet Hooks
Roll a rubber mat onto the handle and hold it in place with rubber bands. Or glue it in place if you prefer. The rubber mat is approximately 10 cm long by 6 cm wide.
This system is a DIY fix. Why did I make it available? Because buying a large piece of rubber mat just for covering one or two hooks is annoying. So I bought one and cut it in pieces for your convenience. I got a blue color this time. I found that it is best to roll the mat over the hook handle just past the wider area with numbering system. Now the number is covered, so I add number at the end of the cushion with a Sharpie pen. Why go through all this trouble? Because the Lacis hook head profiles are still better than all the other brands available .
$1.00 for 1 Rubber Piece/2 Rubber Bands
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Hamanaka Double Pointed Steel Crochet Hooks are well worth their price. They are super comfortable to hold, very light, color coded and they have two hooks into one tool.
It used to be my favorite crochet hooks for Chain Stitch Bead Crochet and Turkish Flat Bead Crochet. Sorry, my distributor no longer carries this item.
Sizes? See notes regarding sizes
0-2 - Larger hook/C-Lon Bead Cord Tex 400 and smaller hook/C-Lon Bead Cord
4-6 - C-Lon Bead Cord/C-Lon Fine Weight Cord
8-10 - C-Lon Fine Weight Cord/C-Lon Micro Cord/Nylon69
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Clover Soft Touch Steel Crochet Hooks
Lightweight and ergonomic. Feel incredibly nice in the hand. Comes with a metal cap to protect the point. Handle great to rest the thumb.
Sizes? See notes regarding sizes
0, 2 - C-Lon Bead Cord Tex 400
0, 2, 4 - C-Lon Bead Cord/Nylon18
4, 6, 8 - C-Lon Fine Weight Cord
8-12 - C-Lon Micro Cord/Nylon69
14 - Finer cord and thread or could be for pulling cords through bead holes.
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| NEW ARRIVAL |
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Clover Amour Steel Crochet Hooks
Nice hook profile. Handle good for either resting thumb for scoop holding or pencil holding (side holding). Tapered shaft. Color coded handles make it easier to find the right size.
Sizes? See notes regarding sizes
0 - C-Lon Bead Cord Tex 400
0, 2, 4 - C-Lon Bead Cord/Nylon18
4, 6, 8 - C-Lon Fine Weight Cord
8, 10 - C-Lon Micro Cord/Nylon69
12 - Finer cord and thread or could be for pulling cords through bead holes.
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| OTHER TOOLS YOU MAY WANT... |
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Wooden Handle Awl - $3.95
7" long with a point profile that works well for breaking seed beads off the cord without damaging the cord. Made in Pakistan.
Personal note - Using a wood block, insert point right into the seed bead that needs to be broken. This tool is very useful when making tubular bead crochet ropes.
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| Plus check needles and thread burner for ending cords in the tool section >> Tools |
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Patent Pending - What does it means - StudioDax has a patent pending on the jig and the actual process taught in the tutorial, so if you are a teacher and you wish to teach this method, you will need to purchase a starter kit for each and everyone of your students or you may be in violation of the patent. Contact us for quantity discount on this item. Thank you for your understanding!
Cord Sizes for Beads Sizes Recommendations - Here are links to C-Lon Cord sizes I would recommend for bead crochet
Miyuki Size 6 & 8 : C-Lon Bead Cord (Tex 210)
Miyuki Size 8 & 11 : C-Lon Fine Weight Bead Cord (Tex 135)
Miyuki Size 11 & 15 : C-Lon Micro Bead Cord (Tex 70)
Tuff Bead Cord with its Size 1, 2, 3 & 5 is also a very popular cord for tubular bead crochet.
Steel Crochet Hooks Sizes and Recommendations - If you thought thread naming was confusing, try crochet hooks sizes. From one brand to another, different numbering systems are used and then to complicate thing further no standard exists on how to measure a hook, so even millimeter sizes are not a good indication to compare sizes between brands. Beware of sizes and numbers, you may have to try several sizes and brands until you find your favorites hooks for specific applications.
Single chain crochet with beads is much more forgiving as to size allowing one to use larger hooks.
Bead crochet ropes require more adjustments and trials as you want a thin hook to go between the beads, but still large enough so that it does not split or damage the cord.
Other factors in choosing a hook are the actual profile or tip of the hook and its handle. For the handle it depends on how you hold your hook. Do you hold it as a scooper or as a a pencil? If the handle is too thin you can add padding to make the handle more comfortable - taping shelf lining padding to the hook handle works well. Another option is to attach the padding with rubber bands, so it is temporary and can be removed easily.
Keep all these considerations in mind, when reading my recommendations. Your individual crochet style and technique will in the end be the final test!
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