Bead Stitch with Half Double Crochet Tutorial
In this crochet tutorial I will show you the step by step process for creating the Bead Stitch. This is a textured crochet stitch comprised of working the yarn around a Half Double Crochet Stitch. Since this tutorial is ideal for adventurous beginners — keep reading to find out how you can use this stitch in your crochet projects.
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Reasons to love this crochet stitch
If you’ve been around High Desert Yarn long enough, you know how much I adore T E X T U R E. This element is added to nearly every crochet pattern I design, and why I’m fully invested in this craft.
Although, if you’re new here — HI! Welcome to the place where crochet + yarn meet nature + learning. I’m Joanna, and I’m obsessed with all things texture in crochet.
Let me tell you a few reasons why you’ll love the Bead Stitch.
- Adds a round component to a very rectangular craft
- Makes any crochet project extra squishy
- Uses up your yarn stash, because it uses more yarn per stitch
- Provides a pop of dimension to flat fabric
Whoa, there!
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Materials
Before we begin, grab your favorite yarn and corresponding hook. For this tutorial, I am using Hue + Me by Lion Brand Yarn and a size 8.00mm crochet hook. This yarn is a Bulky (category 5) blend of acrylic and wool — ideal for easy care, warmth, and coziness. You can check out the whole natural palette here.
Also, Hue + Me is the yarn I chose to design the Juniper Berry Collection
—
a three piece set to add to your Autumn/Winter wardrobe this season.
These patterns are releasing throughout October 2021 — if you’re interested in being the first to know sign up for my email list here.
Abbreviations
- CH(s) – chain(s)
- HDC – half double crochet
- DC – double crochet
- YO – yarn over
- SK – skip
- ST(S) – stitch(es)
How to Crochet the Bead Stitch
In this tutorial, I am crocheting into the foundation chain of the Juniper Berry Scarf (pattern coming October 2021) to create a mirrored edging on each side of the infinity scarf.
However, if you want to practice with a swatch, crochet a chain of any ODD number, and follow Row 1 as… HDC in 2nd CH from hook. HDC in each CH. CH 2. Turn.
The photos below show that I am placing my hook into the last DC of Round 1 of the Juniper Berry Scarf. In this stitch, I pick up my yarn and CH 2. The CH 2 does not count as a stitch. The 1st DC of Round 1 will count as the 1st ST to skip in the Bead Stitch Tutorial.
Wherever you want to start the Bead Stitch in your project, start by skipping one ST, and placing a HDC into the next ST. (Remember : the ST with the CH2 is my skipped ST in this tutorial. Refer to the note above for more clarity.)
After the HDC is placed, we will work out yarn around this HDC. It’ll disappear like we swish and flicked our magical yarn wand over the project.
First, we’ll be placing our hook between the CH2 and HDC. YO and insert your hook through the fabric, to the right side of the HDC. YO and pull up loop. There are 3 loops on the hook. Now, we’ll repeat that process 2 more times.
Second, YO and insert hook through the fabric, to the right of the HDC. YO and pull up loop. There are 5 loops on the hook.
Third, let’s repeat that one more time.. YO and insert your hook through the fabric, to the right of the HDC. YO and pull up loop. There are 7 loops on the hook.
Last, YO and pull through all 7 loops on your hook. To create the Bead Stitch across the row, simply repeat these steps — SK ST, HDC in next ST, BEAD ST around HDC. Swish and flick! Our row of HDCs have turned into Bead Stitches!
Patterns that use the Bead Stitch
Be on the lookout for the Juniper Berry Collection releasing throughout October 2021. Spoiler Alert – two of these patterns will be featured in the Autumn Exclusives curated by Cosy Rosie UK.. and one of them isn’t the Juniper Berry Infinity Scarf. In the meantime, check out the patterns below featuring the Bead Stitch.
- Bead Stitch Wash Cloth by Crafting Happiness
- Garnet Bead Keychain by Violet Loops
- Bead Stitch Crochet Hat by 5 Little Monsters
