I plan on doing some projects where I will need to pre-string beads on to my yarn; a perfect time to share a video on several different ways you can accomplish this. NO fancy equipment required, you can use a needle and thread, a steel crochet hook, even dental floss. I have a beaded cast on video coming up, which requires beads to be pre-strung, so if you have never done either, keep these ideas in mind for that video!
If you want to add a little glitz to your tassels, why not use beads? It is really simple to do - the process is basically the same as making regular tassels, but you don't cut the bottom of the tassel. Just pick some beads appropriate for your yarn. If you aren't able to find beads that will fit your yarn, try using a complimentary, light weight yarn that the beads will fit on and wrap it along with the yarn used for the project. Or you can just use the different yarn by itself.
Like regular tassels, you will need something to wrap your yarn around that is the length you want the tassel to be. You also need beads of course, and scissors. You will also need a needle that will fit through the hole in your bead with the yarn, or you can use a crochet hook to put the beads onto your yarn like I do in the video.
You can use as many beads as you like. For the tassel above, I just kept one bead per strand as I wrapped. Once you are done wrapping, cut the yarn. You will need to cut another length of yarn to tie the tassel at the top so it doesn't fall apart. Then, just slid the tassel off the cardboard or whatever you wrapped it around. Do not cut the bottom of the tassel or your beads will come off. You can then tie another piece of yarn around the top of the tassel if you like. Attach the tassel to your project and trim any ends that may be sticking out.
Here is a video showing how I made the tassel above.
If you are looking for a way to add some pizzazz to your I-Cord, beads might be the answer you are looking for. Here are two ways to add beads to your I-Cord.
I suggest pre-stringing the beads, since I-Cord is fiddly enough as it is. Having the beads on your yarn from the start is more convenient. Also, if you are following a pattern you will place the beads as directed by the pattern. Otherwise, put them where you like, as many or as few as you like.
Method One:
When you reach the point where you would like to have your bead, slide the bead up the yarn and to the needle. Bring the yarn to the front of the work, and slip the next stitch on the left needle purlwise. Take the yarn back to the back of the work, and continue knitting. (I find it helpful if I hold the bead in place with my thumbnail at this point)
Repeat this where ever you would like to place a bead on your I-Cord.
Method Two:
When you reach the stitch where you would like to have a bead, insert the right needle into it, but don't knit it just yet. Next, slide your bead up the yarn to the needle. Now, make the knit stitch, pulling the bead through the stitch along with the yarn. Continue knitting. On the next row when you get to the stitch with the bead on it, slide the bead up over the needle and to the back of the stitch. When you make the new stitch, the bead should pop out to the front of the I-Cord.
Here is a video demonstrating both of these methods.
