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Masoor Bracelet

Posted by Da Beads, Inc on 5/10/2013 to Designs & Patterns

A great new design for your Lentils!

Masoor is the Indian name for lentils. Both the legumes and our lentil-shaped beads come in lots of colors, so you just might need to make a few of these bracelets in all of your favorite combinations.



Designed by Jennifer Schwartzenberger ~ Pattern by Susan Schwartzenberger ©2013


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Introduction to Bead Crochet

Posted by Da Beads, Inc on 3/20/2013 to Designs & Patterns
Bead Crochet Jewelry
Design & Photo Courtesy of Barbara Zaner, To Bead or Knot to Bead (Tucson, AZ)

Bead Crochet Basics

1) I suggest that beginners practice bead crochet before starting a serious project. For this, use a 12” strand of 8/0 beads seed beads in alternating colors (black, white, black, etc.). I prefer Jean Stitch or Guttermann’s top stitch 100% polyester thread. I tried Fire Line 4 lb. crystal. It was tedious to work with as I was constantly dropping stitches, but the final result was acceptable. As for crochet hooks, size 10, 11 or 12 steel hooks work well as does .75 mm metric version. Please note: the size of the hook does NOT change with the size of the beads being used. The thread determines which hook is best.

2) For pinch beads or 3mm pearls or 3 mm fire polished beads, I suggest that you use a round of 5 beads instead of the six as shown in the directions. You will need to string about 40 inches of beads for a bracelet. Crochet all the beads until you get 7” of clean crochet. Usually the first few rows have to be pulled out due to the irregular nature of the start-up. Gently pull beads out one at a time until you have 3” of thread at the front. Bind off the end and leave 3” of thread. Knot both ends. Add a bead cap, rondelle and another bead cap. Sew together snugly by passing the thread back and forth 2 or 3 times. Lastly, hide the ends of thread back and forth through the bracelet several times. Roll over your wrist and wear.

3) For lentils or daggers, you will be using 6 beads around. Alternately string 48” of a lentil, seed bead, lentil, etc. Use the same procedure for daggers. For seed beads, I suggest either Delicas or any 11/0. For best results, remove any irregular seed beads as they will cut the thread and detract from the uniform look of the bracelet. Finishing is the same as above (#3). Remove enough beads from the beginning to free up 3” of thread needed to sew the ends together. Since these beads add a lot of thickness to the bracelet, you will need 7.5” of completed crochet before binging off and knotting the ends. String a bead cap, rondelle and another bead cap and sewing then sew ends together running the thread back and forth 2 or 3 times. Hide the ends of the thread by going back and forth through the bracelet several times before cutting it flush. Roll on and wear.

Instructions Courtesy of Barbara Zaner, To Bead or Knot to Bead (Tucson, AZ)
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