Table of Contents

5 construction-technique-based sections featuring over 30 projects
• Each section begins with easy Tech Trial pieces so knitters can learn the techniques with stash yarn and beads first
• Jewelry often has no wrong side and Betsy's Tech Tips reveals how to keep beaded knitting 360° visible

About the Author

Elaine Rowley is the editor of XRX Books. Alexis Xenakis is the publisher of Knitter's Magazine and XRX Books. His photography is featured in all of XRX books. They both live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Reviews

Winter 2012 This lovely book is aimed at knitters with varying degrees of skill who want to add beads or sequins to their fibre work. If you don't know how to knit this is not the book to teach you. The 33 projects are mostly jewellery in the form of necklaces and bracelets but there are also instructions for other items such as belts, earrings, scarves, suspenders, Christmas ornaments, evening bag and yarmulke. The information is arranged into specific sections. Beading Basics covers what yarns are good for bead knitting, types and sizes of beads, clasps and findings, tools such as beading needles or pliers, and eventhe bead mat. This section also explains how to read the charts, string beads and use specific methods to knit beads into your fabric. There is even a 2-page illustrated explanation of how to decipher each pattern page. Patterns are divided into sections by techniques: I-cord, Tubes and straps, Stitch pattern embellishment, Knit beads, and Welts and hems. Each pattern division includes Tech Trails which explain the techniques involved and may expand on variations of the techniques. Thankfully for those who don't like working on double-pointed needles, most projects are knitted flat and sewn together, or take advantage of the natural inclination of knit fabric to roll up. The needle size, yarn and beads in most projects are quite small, but a project might only call for 60 rows of knitting so it won't take forever. The yarns are mostly specialty fibres like tencel tape, metallic yarn, soutache cord, cashmere and hand-painted sock yarn. Overall this is a beautiful book that will prompt you to explore bead knitting if you like the look of fibre pieces with bead accents. The photos are beautiful, the knitting techniques are explained in detail, the projects take advantage of interesting yarns and there is a lot of useful technical information. It is clear that the author has spent much time on experimentation in order to offer knitters projects and techniques that should inspire them to get out their needles.
*Bead Society For Great Britain*