Obsession: Knitting with Beads

Have you tried knitting with beads? It’s awfully addictive. It takes simple stocking stitch and makes it into a jewelled wonder. There are lots of fabulous beaded shawls and other projects out there.

Me, I’m slightly obsessed with Laura Nelkin’s fabulous bead knitting kits. They’re small projects, easy and quick to knit – practically instant gratification! – and the end results are those rare wear-everywhere go-with-everything pieces.

They’re also an excellent and affordable way to add something new to your wardrobe, if you’re feeling the winter blahs.

So very chic – and so very quick to knit!

Because we want to share the obsession, we’re giving away a Soutache bead knitting kit.

Even more beautiful close up.

Soutache is a great introduction to bead knitting, as no special skills at all are required – it’s just 4 strands of i-cord. The kit contains everything you need – yarn, beads, a dental floss threader (yes, really, the bead knitter’s best friend) and the clasps for both the necklace and the bracelet.

You can see more of Laura’s kits in her Etsy shop.

You know the drill: leave a comment below to win; deadline is Sunday February 17th, Midnight EST. We will randomly pull a name, and the winner will answer a skill-testing question. Winner chooses the kit colour!

(524 Posts)

263 thoughts on “Obsession: Knitting with Beads”

  14. Pat

    I love beads and Laura Nelkin patterns. I’m working now on a special beaded project. Thank you for this lovely giveaway.

  15. Anita

    I’ve knit a few things with beads – it is fun. I use a piece of tigertail (coated jewelry wire) bent into a V shape to put beads on my stitches as I knit.

    Laura Nelkin has found a cool niche in the knitting world – very nice designs!

    Thanks for this giveaway.

  19. Liz A.

    I did my first beaded knitting last year on a shawl, and it was amazing! It really adds a little something extra to a finished piece.

  23. Moira

    Knitting with beads would be a new skill for me. I love how there is always something new do try in knitting!

  33. Emma

    This looks amazing. I’ve not been brave enough to try knitting with beads yet, but this definitely looks like to good project to start with.

  37. LindaR.

    A timely giveaway indeed! I’ve started a project that will incorporate beads,for the first time ever! Would love a kit to practice on! Thanks for the opportunity.

  44. Jamie

    I love Laura Nelkin’s jewelry pieces; in fact, I just signed up for her Beaded Jewelry club. I’ve knit several of her necklace and bracelet designs, but not this one (yet).

  46. Steph N

    I’d love a chance to win this! A little sparkly something to wear when the weather gets a bit warmer would be perfect.

  47. Renee Cook

    I love beaded knits and I’ve actually recently been stalking Laura Nelkin’s patterns on Ravelry. Would love to win a kit!

  54. Whitney

    Well, I couldn’t wait to find out if I won, so I went to her Etsy shop and bought one of the other necklace kits and some conductive thread (which I’ve been meaning to add to my hand-knit gloves for two winters now). But if I were to win an extra kit, I wouldn’t complain!

  59. Alessandra Parsons

    On what beautiful jewllery. Thanks for another brilliant giveaway. I headed straight over to etsy to have a look and the url has gone on my wish list for birthday presents.

  60. Niki

    I’d love to try one of these kits. I’ve made only 1 small bracelet with beads and would like to try more. Thanks for the chance to win.

    Niki

  63. Kristy

    So pretty! I’ve never knit with beads before, but this looks like a great way to start. Thanks for the chance, Knitty!

  64. Dari

    I once started a beaded lace scarf, but was waylayed by the black yarn & clear beads. (So difficult to see!!) This could be a so much better introduction to the technique.

  65. Ina

    Awww, pick me, pick me! I’ve been wanting to learn how to do beaded knitting – this looks like the perfect intro.

  72. Eileen

    I love knitting with beads and would love to win Laura’s kit. I’ve been wanting to try one of her designs. Thanks for the opportunity!

  76. Jodie G

    I knit an Ice Queen with beads once. I have also crocheted with beads. I’d love to win this kit though!

  78. Lisa in TX

    What an interesting little project! I’ve never used beads, though I’ve wanted to. This would be a great way to get started.

  83. Tammy

    I’ve knitted with beads, but this is totally awesome. If I don’t win, I think I’ll still buy a kit or two.

  84. Maureen

    Laura Nelkin is a precious gift. Her designs are easy and the finished products are gorgeous. Her kits are a great way to start with bead knitting – everything is there, you make it and if you feel you don’t want to do another (Oh, I dare you!) then you don’t have alot of beads to worry about storing or leftovers. Great designs. And the only one I have not made yet is the Soutache. Yummm.

  88. Samina

    I’ve not knitted with beads before & the idea of a kit is really appealing. I’m off to check out her Etsy site…

  92. Kathy

    I have wanted to try beaded knitting but haven’t been able to find any beads! Our local shop doesn’t carry them. This looks like a great intro!

  93. Marion

    I’ve never had the courage to knit with beads before, but always wanted to try – perhaps this could be my chance ?

  102. Beverly

    Beading would be new for me and this looks like a great way to learn. And the result would be perfect for my jewelry-obsessed 4-year old granddaughter!

  105. susan

    Knitting with beads is too much fun and this kit looks great. I really hope I win! Thanks for the chance!

  112. Lisa Stewart

    I love Laura’s kits. I have knitted several, but not Soutache (yet). I like the fact that everything is included, pattern, yarn, beads, clasp and beading needle. They are so quick to knit – love the immediate gratification and breather from bigger projects.

  119. Maija

    I’ve never tried knitting with beads, but always wanted to. Just didn’t know where to start. Now I know, I hope I win!

  145. Beth Rudo

    I’d love to knit my own necklace and bracelet set. Threading beads can be a pain, but the results are so worth it!

  161. Nancy

    What a great way to try knitting with beads, something small. I’ve thought about trying but have never found anything small that appealed to me.

  169. Sandy

    Looks like fun to make. I have never knit with beads but find this necklace beautiful and an inspiration to learn the technique. Thanks for the opportunity to win this generous give a way.

  183. Ana

    I’ve been eyeing some of her designs for awhile – I think the hardest part of this kit would be choosing which color to get!

  190. Patricia

    I just started my first beaded project – an Aeolian! I love it, and would love to try these little beaded bits, too.

  193. Nathalie

    I would love to win this as I have yet to knit with beads and this would make a very good introduction project.

  197. Jessie

    That looks fun! I really enjoyed the one beaded project I’ve ever done, maybe I should start doing dome more!

  199. Sage Goode

    Love Laura’s designs and these ones are no exception. I particularly love the way the beads seem to float on top of the texture of the i-cords as they intertwine and seem to dance with each other!

  202. Lee Wells

    that kit looks like fun to knit. I have never tried to knit with beads and a braided bracelet looks like a good way to start. (the only question would be red or blue. two daughters, one likes red, the other likes blue.)Lee

  216. jenn.e.o.

    I’ve yet to do any beaded knitting, these beads are so pretty I could imagine getting a little obsessed with them.

  228. DakotaAJ

    Very interesting – I’ve considered trying beading, but never jumped in – this would be the perfect start, please count me in!

  238. Redhedhels

    I’ve never tried knitting with beads, but since I like to make jewellery and like all things fibre, what could be more natural? And the colours in these kits are stunning.

  242. Rebecca

    Another gorgeous design from Laura Nelkin! I loved knitting her Butin kit and would be proud to wear this one too.

  245. Kim

    I LOVE Laura Nelkin’s designs! She designed a necklace for one of my favorite yarn clubs this past december and I can’t wait for it to be released as a kit next year so I can make it.

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