what type of string/yarn to use in bead-rope-crocheting?

[Former_Member]

I've just started this technique (where you string a ton of beads on yarn and crochet it into a kind of cord that only shows the beads), and I was wondering if the yarn I'm using will hold as long as the beads.

I used #8 and #6 beads with embroidery yarn - the type that comes in small balls, from KDM.

what do you use?

[Former_Member]

I actually use colored nylon coated steel wire when crocheting jewelry (which I do rarely) but I also use heavier glass & stone beads generally 6, 8 and 10mm sizes and tighter stiches than most instructions state. When I was first learning the technique I used prewaxed cotton cord, nylon, or silk that was specific for jewelry making. I've found from other projects that the embriodery threads tend to deteriorate or fray easily when used on jewelry other than tighly knotted "friendship" or "sailor" style pieces even when using seed beads. Also most books and online instructions suggest using 26gauge or thinner wire that I found too easy to kink coming off the spool if not watched carefully.

[Former_Member]

Inina, your embroidery thread should work quite well. The main thing is to gauge the thread to the size of the beads.

You could also use the fine wire but you really have to watch how it comes off the spool. And mistakes are virtually impossible to correct with the wire.

Another option would be to use a #10 crochet thread.

[Former_Member]

thanks crochetGal - that was the answer I was looking for.

I have used wire to crochet quite often and that is another design altogether :-)