The Bead Stitch

Learning the Bead Stitch is a fun way to add beautiful texture and dimension to your crochet projects. This eye catching stitch creates small raised "beads" that stand out from the fabric, giving blankets, scarves, hats, and accessories a unique look without being difficult to master. Although it may look advanced, the Bead Stitch is simply a variation of the double crochet that wraps around the post of the stitch, creating its signature raised effect. Once you learn the rhythm, you'll love watching the little beads appear across your work.

Materials Needed

Your current project yarn: Any weight yarn can be used, but a smooth worsted weight yarn makes it easiest to see the stitch definition while learning.

A matching hook: Use the hook size recommended on your yarn label.

Tapestry needle and scissors: For weaving in your ends when your project is complete.

The Stitch Breakdown

Before beginning the Bead Stitch, you'll need to know a few basic stitches.

Chain (ch): Yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook.

Double Crochet (dc): Yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over, pull through two loops, then yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops.

Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc): Yarn over, insert your hook from front to back to front around the post of the stitch below, yarn over and pull up a loop. Complete the stitch like a regular double crochet.

Bead Stitch: A modified front post stitch worked around the post of the next stitch that creates a small raised bead on the front of the fabric.

Step by Step Pattern : VIDEO

Foundation Row

Chain any even number of stitches.

Work one double crochet into the fourth chain from your hook.

Continue working one double crochet into every chain across.

Turn your work.

Row 1: Creating the First Beads

Chain 2.

Work one double crochet into the first stitch.

*Work one Bead Stitch around the next stitch.

Work one regular double crochet into the following stitch.*

Repeat from to across the row.

Finish with one double crochet in the final stitch.

Turn.

Row 2: Building the Pattern

Chain 2.

Work one double crochet into each stitch across.

Turn.

Continue the Pattern

Alternate Row 1 and Row 2 until your project reaches the desired length.

The plain double crochet rows allow the raised beads to stand out beautifully while keeping the fabric soft and flexible.

Finding Your Rhythm

The key to the Bead Stitch is maintaining even tension as you work around the post of the stitch. If your tension is too tight, the beads may become difficult to form. If it's too loose, they won't stand out as clearly.

Take your time on the first few rows and focus on where your hook is inserted. Once you become comfortable working around the stitch posts instead of through the top loops, the Bead Stitch quickly becomes repetitive and enjoyable.

This stitch adds wonderful texture without creating an overly heavy fabric, making it a great choice for accent panels, borders, hats, scarves, blankets, and even garments. It also pairs beautifully with simpler stitches, allowing the raised beads to become the focal point of your design.

Happy crocheting!