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Nothing adds a little glitz to a knitting project like some beads or sequins; the only problem is how to fasten them on! Fortunately, it's not tough, as this article will show.

First off, you can go the ultra-easy route and just buy yarn that has its sequins already spun in. There are several choices out there, but they do tend to be on the pricey side; in addition to the extra work of getting beads in, they're usually luxury fibers. But if you can afford even one skein, an edging in pre-beaded yarn can propel an ordinary project into the realm of the fabulous.

On the other end of the process is sewing the sequins on when the item is complete. This works pretty much like sewing things to woven fabric, so we'll skip any detailed discussion; just be sure to leave enough slack that the knitted fabric can still stretch like it's supposed to.

If you want to knit sequins into your project, you have two choices: stringing all of your glitz onto the yarn before you start, or adding each sequin as you form the stitch it's supposed to sit on. In either case, you'll need sequins or beads with holes that are large enough that the yarn you're using can pass through without too much abrasion.

If you want to pre-string, it's probably easiest to practice on a project where all of the beads or sequins you're using are the same. It's possible to make patterns with different-colored beads, but remember that you have to string them in the order opposite that in which they'll be knitted. Once you have everything strung, start knitting as usual. When you come to the place where a sequin is needed, knit the stitch twisted, "popping" the sequin through to be sure it lies on the front of the work. Really large sequins might not want to lie flat; for them the other method may work better.

Adding the sequins as you knit is slightly easier, since one mis-strung item isn't going to mess up the entire rest of your pattern. For this you'll need a crochet hook that's small enough to go through the holes in your beads or sequins. When you come to a stitch that needs a bead on it, knit it. Put the crochet hook through the hole and grab the just-completed stitch, pulling it through the bead. Put the loop on the right needle, and continue to the next stitch that needs embellishment. It's really as simple as that. Sequins may need a bit of encouragement to lie flat, but they shouldn't give too much trouble.

And that's all there is to it; embellishing your knitting with sequins and beads can be your next project.

Learn more about this author, Carrie Schutrick.
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