At the moment I’m knitting two shawls using beads. One is Magia the latest MKAL by Laura Nelkin, the other is Promise Me a very romantic wrap by Booknits.
These two patterns are knit with beads placed on a stitch. Up until now, I’ve been using the very nice and very small crochet hook I received with the MKAL’s materials. It was great until I started to knit Promise me and had to place a huge quantity of beads on each rows.
Laura did a wonderful video on the tool that’s supposed to solve this problem: the Beadle Needle!
Basically, it’s a very long crochet hook, allowing you to load a lot more beads on it and preventing you from having to reload every couple of stitches. Just the thing I needed!
Of course, it’s not available in Switzerland and if I order it online, the shipping cost is insane. 🙁
So I channeled my inner DIY and decided to make one!
It was so fast and easy to do, I’m convinced everyone can make their own.
Read on for the full tutorial and make one (or two!) for your next beaded project!
So to make your very own Beadle Needle you’ll need pliers, a file, some sandpaper and jewellery wire (copper, brass or else).
To choose the correct wire size, try stringing beads on it. If they slide easily you’re good to go! If not, try a smaller dimension.
Be aware that while the jewellery wires you’ll find come in silver and gold colours, most of the time the metal beneath it isn’t the same colour. This won’t affect your needle in the least but it’s always good to know than being surprised by it!
Start by making a small spiral on the end of the wire using a pair of pointed pliers. This will prevent the beads from sliding off your needle once you string them on.
Next, cut your wire to the desired length. (I cut mine at about 13cm/5″.)
While it might not be very practical to have a very long needle, keep in mind when choosing the length that the longer the needle, the more beads you can put on it.
You’re now going to make the “crochet” part of the needle.
To do so, fold the end on itself on about 2mm/ 1/6″. Make sure it’s tightly folded by applying pressure on it with a flat pair of pliers.
Then with a file, make the end thinner until a bead can pass.
If you’re not sure you’re doing it right, use an real crochet hook you’ve used to place beads on your knitting and compare it with your work.
A really important thing to do is to make sure this new hook is very smooth. You don’t want your yarn to get caught on it, trust me on this one!
To give it a nice finish, you can use sandpaper or a polishing rubber.
Now you can be proud of yourself and have a chocolat! You’ve just made your first, and certainly not last, Beadle Needle. Tadammm! 🙂
So next time you want to add beads to your shawls, get your beadle needle out, load it with beads and knit away!
Still not convince you’re up to making your own? No problem, I recently open my Etsy shop and carry some handmade ones. Have a look here! 🙂
