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Tips: Crocheted Wire Multistrand Necklace

This tutorial assume you know some basic chain stitch crochet stitches already. I would suggest trying the stitches with yarn, first, before you try it in wire.

Materials Needed:
* 24g or 26g wire
* Clasp
* Selection of Accent Beads & Swarovski
* Crochet Hook
* Wire Cutter
* Good Lighting (an Ott Light)
* Your Reading Glasses

From Beadwrangler.com:
The word crochet originates from the French word "croche" or "croc" meaning to hook. It is believed crochet as we know it could have existed as early as 1500A.D. and may have been part of nun's work. It is theorized that some lace from Egyptian tombs were crocheted by twisting pieces of cotton between the fingers and making the loops by hand. Thread work from Egyptian tombs and depiction's on vases from antiquity are suspect as crochet. Some ancient fishing nets are much like crochet. At one time crochet was considered for the wealthy only, for lavish decor in the home and dress. The poor were expected to stick with knitting basic needs and not dally around with "experimental" crochet. Angry words were published in magazines from the wealthy stating the lower class should stick to making necessities. The poor to middle class lashed back as to their rights to use crochet as they pleased. In the 1800's, bead crocheted bags, clothing and decor were a hit. Bead crochet bag popularity continued through the 1950's. The 1980's through the 1990's began a renaissance for bead and thread crochet.

First things first… Learning the chain stitch

The Hook Hand: Most crocheters choose to hook using the same hand they write with. This hand is in charge of holding the hook and controlling the hook into and out of the stitches as you work. You may try holding the hook like a pencil or like a knife. Do what comes naturally as long as it allows control of the hook. It's important not to hold the hook with a death grip; that'll only strain your hand.

The Yarn/Wire Hand: This hand is just as important as the Hook Hand. In fact, the Yarn/Wire Hand does double duty, holding the body of your work and controlling the yarn/wire. The yarn/wire is attached to the hook. Your middle finger and thumb will hold the tail of yarn/wire that dangles from the work. Your index finger will hold and guide the yarn/wire. As long as you are making the stitches, what you're doing is just fine. Just like holding the hook, don't allow yourself any death grips with your Yarn/Wire Hand either.

Chain Stitch is often referred to as: CH or ch

Used to make a foundation row for most crochet work as well as to create space between other stitches. You might want to try this first with a large hook and yarn before you try it with the small hook & wire. Its all the same. Create a slip knot by making a loop and drawing through it with your fingers. Place the loop you've made over the crochet needle. Wire over the crochet hook LOOSELY. Pull the wire through the first loop on your hook (the slip knot). One chain stitch made! Wire over. Pull the wire over through the loop created by the last pull through. Repeat. Adjust your hold on the chain as it grows so that you're always holding it near the hook. After each stitch, do not tighten the stitch you've just made. Resist the urge to control your stitches by pulling them tighter. This will just cause problems. Take a close look at what you've just made. The side facing you will look like a braid and the back of the chain has a ridge to it. To finish the chain off so it doesn't unravel, cut the wire off the spool and feed the cut end through the loop.

Next… Adding beads to the chain stitch

Okay, this is just totally easy. String a bunch of beads onto your wire. The amount of beads you add depends on how large your beads are and whether you want one bead per stitch, two beads per stitch, or if you want some stitches to be bead-free (Be Free)! Generally, I do the bracelet or necklace strand by strand, deciding what I want on each strand after I've finished the strand beforehand.

Make your slip knot. Chain a few stitches without beads. Now, slide a bead up to the needle and IGNORE IT. Chain stitch as usual. The bead should be caught in place. THAT'S ALL!!! Have fun.

Finally… Finishing off your necklace/bracelet. Bundle all of your strands of beads together and twist them into a single plied strand. Using round nosed pliers, make a loop. Slip part of your clasp onto that loop and then wire wrap the clasp in place. Either leave them parallel, or braid them. Finish off the other side. Admire your finished piece and start planning your next one!

 

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