Extremity Embellishments A Bead Crochet Workshop designed by Lydia F Borin The Beadwrangler

Extremity Embellishment - Beaded Foot Decorations

One of my customers, Melissa, recently emailed me asking if the 1mm Rainbow Elastic would keep its shape when making sandals.  I emailed her back and ask for more information regarding the sandals and quickly found she was talking about what is called "snow boots" in Hawaii, sandal tops in the 1950's, Ankloes, and an assortment of other names over the years.  She said the pattern was free on the internet but the website, Crochet Musings, was currently closed down.  She gave me what she had written down of the pattern, which was very skimpy, but who can complain when it is free?  Since this pattern has been around for over 60 years, there is no copyright infringement and I will give you step-by-step instructions.

I did not like the way the piece was stitched together at the back of the ankle.   When you stitched it together, it would bulk up and show, so I made a variety of adaptations for a nice finish.  I enjoyed making this project so much, I plan to add additional types of mid-sections where the piece joins and will include them when time permits.  The 1mm Rainbow Elastic is too thin and will not hold up unless you use three strands together which easily twist on themselves and take more time to work.   Use the 3mm Rainbow Elastic first; it is super easy and fast.  Then once you have worked the pattern with the 3mm, you can experiment with multiple strands of the 1mm.    Do check Crochet Musings when they are up and running again.  If you can't find Rainbow Elastic locally, check www.7echoes.com at Rainbow Elastic 3mm and Rainbow Elastic 1mm.

Pre-stringing Beads (size 6/0 seed beads) and Gauge

• Rainbow Elastic, string 22 beads per Extremity Foot Embellishment

• Gauge, 8 chains to the inch with size 3/2.10mm steel hook.  Two 2 beads are included in 2 of the 8 chains

General Instructions
You will start with chains, then add a bead chain intermittently, working from one end of the strap, down to the toe section, then joining the toe section to the strap and building a mid-section of sc, hdc, dc and tr stitches, then joining to the beginning chain and stitching the piece together.  The whole piece is worked in a long row that is joined in two places before it is completed.  Since everyone's foot is not the same size, the pattern I am listing is for about size 7 to 8 1/2 foot.  If you have a shorter foot size, you only need delete a few of the repeats in Step 2; if you have a longer foot size, you only need add a few repeats in Step 2.  Make one sample first and then add or delete in the repeats in Step 2 for a perfect fit.  In crochet terms we say pull up a bead, knitters say slide a bead, so I have included both for easier understanding.  I have worked the piece in steps to make it easier for beginners.

Finishing Touches      Use a tapestry or sewing needle that will fit over the fastened off elastic and stitch into the top tr stitch.  Then stitch across through 1 or 2 tr sts or along the mid-section edge until the thread is taut and cut off the excess elastic.  Now put the piece over your foot and up to your ankle.  Make sure it is laying straight with beads up, then pull the smaller loop over your toe right next to your big toe.  Check it for size and comfort.  Make notes as to how tight it is or loose.  Then make a secondary piece with deletions or additions of chains.   Once you have the perfect fit, keep a record so you always know your own formula.   If you are making Extremities for sale, the 7-8 1/2 average size will work for most.  Make a larger number of pairs of the average size and a few longer and shorter ones for those customers with smaller or larger fee.  For family or friends, keep your sample for them to try on and then you can make the adjustment for their size.

Extremity Hand Embellishments    Now that you have made Extremities for your feet, how about your wrist and finger?  Use the same steps above, but make less ch3 and 1bch repeats in Step 2 to fit your wrist.   The 17 chains plus the 1bch works works better for your finger.  I found 13 of the ch3 plus bch fit around my wrist and was comfortable.  I have a 6" wrist and the chains pull up to the finger area; this will give you some idea for planning to make one for your wrist and finger.  You put the strap over your hand and down on your wrist, then place the small loop over your forefinger that is next to your thumb.  Make and wear 2 or only 1.  Now you have Extremity Embellishments from top to bottom!

Conclusion    This is a fun project and works up fast.  I do not have pretty feet, however, I found myself loving wearing a pair of Extremity Foot Embellishments around the house.  It just made me feel good.   I think guys can wear them too.  These days some men wear an earring or two, so why not some Extremities on their feet.  Use the right color Rainbow Elastic and beads and they work for anyone.  You can also try other types of beads.  For the 3mm, you can also use 4mm glass or plastic beads as long as the holes are big enough for the elastic to go through.  You can add light weight beaded beads to the top of the mid-section for some spectacular results.  One 8mm glass bead will easily set on the mid-section.  The 1mm Rainbow Elastic can become variegated when combining 3 strands, more care is needed so they do not twist the beads where you do not want them to go.  You can string a size 6/0 over all three strands or string 11/0 or 8/0 on individual strands and then chain them together.  You can also add embellishment to the mid-section using Fine Metallic thread for surface crocheting and making clusters of stitches on top.  The fun is in the experimentation.  The photo shown here is three strands of 1mm Rainbow Elastic thread.