Crochet Bead Stitch Tutorial

Meet the Crochet Bead Stitch. It looks complicated, but it’s easy to do. Just follow this crochet bead stitch tutorial to learn everything you need to know!

Can we just pause for a moment and appreciate the amazing texture of this great stitch? I think it’s my new love..this bumpy goodness!

This stitch is unique in that each “bead” actually takes the place of TWO stitches and is worked in two parts. First you double crochet. Then you work AROUND the double crochet you just made. It might sound confusing, but it’s really easy once you learn how!

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If it’s your first time making swatches, or it’s been awhile, here are a few tips. When making swatches, be sure to attach hang tags to the swatches so you can remember the stitch you made later. I like these larger hang tags so I can write out the pattern on the back for even easier reference. It’s a great way to remember the stitch as your collection of swatches grows. You can read everything you need to know about stitch swatching here.

Materials Needed:

Any size hook. I used US H8/5 mm crochet hook (Did you know you can purchase my go-to hooks on Amazon?)
A yarn weight that works with your hook size. I used worsted weight yarn.
tapestry needle and scissors

Remember, you can make your swatch with any size hook and yarn weight. Read all about How to Swatch Here.

Stitches and Abbreviations:

ch – Chain
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet

Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this pattern: Crochet Abbreviations, US to UK Crochet Conversion Chart. Find links to stitches on the “Tutorial” menu: Getting Started will show basic stitches used in many patterns and Crochet Stitch Dictionary shows our growing collection of crochet stitch tutorials.

How to Crochet the Bead Stitch

The bead stitch is worked over 2 stitches. So chain an even number of stitches. When working back and forth, I like to start and end with a dc. I also like working a row of hdc in between the bead stitch rows.

Here is how to crochet a bead stitch:

STEP 1: dc in the next st.

STEP 2: Then work AROUND the post of the dc just worked as follows: yarn over(yo), pull up a loop

After this part, it looks like this:

Then, yarn over, insert hook around the post again, pull up another loop.

Yarn over again (3rd time) and pull up a loop. There are now 7 loops on the hook:

Yarn over and pull through ALL 7 loops on the hook.

Skip the next stitch (because the bead stitch takes up 2 stitches).

Swatch Foundation:

For this stitch, chain an even number of stitches. For information please be sure to read read How to Swatch

Pattern:

Ch 20

R1: work a hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook. Work a hdc in each ch across.

R2: ch 3 and turn. (The chain counts as a dc.) Work a bead stitch, starting with a double crochet in the next stitch. Work bead stitches across the row. End with a dc in the last stitch. (Row has a dc on either end and 9 bead stitches)

R3: ch 2, hdc across.

Repeat rows 2 & 3 for the pattern.

Did you enjoy this crochet bead stitch tutorial? I love to see your creations! Please share your crochet bead stitch projects with me on Facebook or tag me on Instagram. To learn more stitch patterns, please visit our Crochet Stitch Dictionary.