Supplies:

549 size 11/0 seed beads in a single color or a bead mix for 2 earrings (approximately 4 strands or 12 grams)

2 size 8mm beads

2 earring findings

YLI Jean Stitch thread

size 9 steel hook

1 twisted wire needle

sewing/embroidery needle to accommodate the thread

scissors

Per pattern:

Add the beads in the first yarnover of a single crochet stitch. You can add the beads in the second yarnover instead, however, the beads will not set the same as the examples.

These earrings are attractive in 11/0 beads. You do not want bigger size beads than 11/0 or the earrings will be too heavy. You can use smaller beads, thinner thread and a smaller hook to make the earrings. The earrings are made by starting at the bottom and working to the top. The 2nd group of bead loops you make hang loose like dangles. A larger bead and seed beads are stitched on the earring bottom after it is crocheted.

Bead crochet isn’t taught in this free pattern, but the technique is used here. Basically you string a yard or so of beads onto the thread (longer is too much trouble tangling) leaving the thread on the spool. Use a twisted wire needle or any bead needle that will accommodate the thread and also fit through the beads easily (like a big eye, where the eye extends to both ends). Thread used is size 30 thread, a bit heavier than sewing thread and that’s important for holding up to the weight of the beads. Push the beads several inches back from the free end of your thread so you have room to crochet. There will be a lot of unrolling and pushing back of beads because the length of thread used in each crochet stitch is far greater than the width of each bead. Begin with slipknot to start crocheting and bring beads up to your hook to include in crochet stitches as directed. (This pattern specifies to add bead in first yarn over to achieve the look in pattern sample photos.)