Knitting with Beads: 30 Beautiful Sweaters, Scarves, Hats & Gloves [Hardcover]

Jane Davis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 28, 2003

Knit one and bead too: these patterns combine two favorite crafts for breathtaking results. Thirty gorgeous projects, shown in color photos and accompanied by charts, offer a variety of styles, colors, and materials. Every design simply begs knitters to try out new techniques. Picture a lacelike scarf knit from angora yarn, accented with delicate crystals. Enjoy an evening out dressed in a black knit camisole, embellished with small metallic beads and shimmery beaded fringe. See how a simple, classic cable hat becomes something special with sparkly beaded details. A beautiful autumn shawl drips with bead fringing, and it's super quick to make. Or jazz up a denim-colored tank top and bag, transform a beret into something oh-so-chic, and dress up a pair of woolen gloves. A basics section details several techniques for incorporating beads into knitting, including embroidery, fringe, and appliqué.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A fine purchase for intermediate to advanced knitters looking to try their hand at beading, this collection presents 30 nature-inspired knitting projects, all of which incorporate beads. Each project is presented with a glossy, full-color photograph of the finished product, which could prompt enthusiastic knitters to dash to their nearest craft store for beads, needles and a stash of yarn. However, beading is tricky, and Davis presents a thorough section of tips on achieving success in the craft. She breaks the projects into two main groups: beading as an addition to a finished piece, or beading knitted directly into the project. The former, while attractive, tends to look added-on; most knitters will want to try the latter technique, which creates beaded fabric that can be stunning, as in Davis' Denim Tank Top and her Shawl Collared Tunic. There are faults with the book: photographing the sweaters on models instead of against picturesque chairs would have given a better idea of fit and drape, and a few beginner-level projects would have been welcome for knitters who might want to start the challenging beading on a mindless scarf. Overall, however, Davis' helpful tone and the inspiring photos should help this work find a warm welcome among readers looking to craft holiday gifts or to make something pretty for themselves to brighten up the dark winter months ahead.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Lark Books (October 28, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579902502
• ISBN-13: 978-1579902506
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #569,186 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jane Davis is an avid crafter with experience in a variety of crafts. She has written eight books with Krause for beading, knitting, crocheting and bead embroidery. She is an expert designer who knows how to make a great presentation with her well-written instructions, great illustrations and beautiful photography.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

70 of 70 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous marriage of knitting and beadwork!, October 6, 2003

By 

Anne M. Helmenstine "azareal" (Myrtle Beach, SC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Knitting with Beads: 30 Beautiful Sweaters, Scarves, Hats & Gloves (Hardcover)

Jane Davis discusses the techniques of bead embroidery, beaded fringe, beadwork applique, beading over slipstitch, beaded knitting, and bead knitting (different from beaded knitting), then presents 30 patterns for sweaters, hats, scarves, gloves, and bags. These aren't cutesy/trendy projects, either. You'll be making heirloom-quality beauties! A difficulty rating is assigned to each project (easy, intermediate, challenging). Most of the projects fall into the 'intermediate' category. You don't need to be an expert at either knitting or beading, but you should have some knitting experience before attempting the projects. Instructions for multiple sizes are available for the sweaters, but not for the other patterns. There's a glossary of potentially unfamiliar terms and a list of abbreviations, but otherwise the author assumes the reader has a knowledge of basic techniques. The photography and diagrams are flawless. The instructions are crystal clear. The author even tells you what yarns she used so you can duplicate the knitting. She's less specific about beads and doesn't list sources. I absolutely love this book! I highly recommend it to anyone with a combined passion for knitting and beading.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Even Beginning Knitters Can Do It, July 8, 2004

By 

teklah (the Desert Southwest) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Knitting with Beads: 30 Beautiful Sweaters, Scarves, Hats & Gloves (Hardcover)

This is an absolutely marvelous book, and not only for intermediate to advanced knitters as advertised. I learned to knit last Christmas and have already completed the sweater pictured in the upper left corner of the cover and, while it was a bit of a challenge, it came out beautifully. The individual sections in this book cover different techniques for applying beadwork to knitting - each with very clear, easy to read, detailed instructions. Also, those of you who already sew or embroider will find some patterns with basic knitting techniques with the beadwork sewn or embroidered onto the finished project. The projects range from simple to very challenging, from scarves to hats to sweaters, from minimal beading to complex bead designs. What fun!

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Georgous book!, May 10, 2004

By 

CKB "ckb5" (Branford, CT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Knitting with Beads: 30 Beautiful Sweaters, Scarves, Hats & Gloves (Hardcover)

A must have! I'm a relatively new knitter (but daring and will try even an advanced pattern!) and this book is absolutely beautiful. I am considering putting down a current project just so I can try one of these patterns!

I prefer unique items and I love the idea of knitting with beads to add even more glitz! This book is one for you if you want to be different!