Swag Earrings A Bead Crochet Project by Lydia F Borin A Beadwrangler Workshop

Introduction These earrings are attractive in 11/0 beads.  You do not want bigger size beads than 11/0 or the earrings will be too heavy.  You can use smaller beads, thinner thread and a smaller hook to make the earrings.  The earrings are made by starting at the bottom and working to the top.  The 2nd group of bead loops you make hang loose like dangles.   A larger bead and seed beads are stitched on the earring bottom after it is crocheted. Work in a continuous spiral, do not join with sl st except where rounds instruct you to do so. Work in the back half of the stitch for the bead single crochet stitches  If you crochet very loose, take the hook under both stitch halves.  Use the size steel hook that is easiest for you to work the thread.   I used a size 9 steel crochet hook, however, I could have used two sizes smaller and made the earring tighter.  If you work loose, you may need to use a smaller hook, if you work tight, you may need to use a bigger hook.  Add the beads in the first yarnover of a single crochet stitch.  You can add the beads in the second yarnover instead, however, the beads will not set the same as the examples.  The number in parenthesis at the end of each round is the total number of stitches or bead loops in that round.

Supplies

• 549 size 11/0 seed beads in a single color or a bead mix for 2 earrings (approximately 4 strands or 12 grams)
• 2 size 8mm beads
• 2 earring findings
• YLI Jean Stitch thread
• size 9 steel hook
• 1 twisted wire needle
• sewing/embroidery needle to accommodate the thread
• scissors

Standard USA Terms and Abbreviations

Star* to Star*  Means repeat stitches or instructions from the first * to the second * and instructions that follow the last * usually indicates how many repeats or work in each stitch “around” in Rounds and “across” in Rows.

Bead Crochet Terms

Finishing Touches
When you fasten off, you are at the top of the earring.  Notice that the 2^nd group of bead loops hang loose over the 1^st group of bead loops made.  The fastened off thread will be at the bottom of the 7bsc.  Use a needle to stitch it across to the other side of the earring top.  Then take the needle through the end of the 8bsc sticking out and stitch it down to the earring so it forms a loop at the top.  Stitch back and forth in the crocheted fiber until the thread is taut.   Cut off excess thread.

Turn the earring upside down and thread on a medium twisted wire needle.  String 1 size 8mm bead and 1 size 11/0 beads  Take the needle back up through the size 8mm bead and leave the 11/0 bead as the stopper bead to keep the 8mm attached.  Remove the twisted wire needle and thread on a sewing needle.  Stitch back and forth through the crocheted fiber at the end until the thread is taut.   Cut off the excess thread.  You can also change the number of beads as a stopper.  One, 3, 5, 7 and 9 make good choice for the stopper beads.   For the earring loops, an even number is better so the ear wire can be placed in the center of the beads.

You can use hoop earrings and put one through the loop at the top of one earring or you can use ear wire findings.  Be very careful when you open the metal ring on the earring finding or it can break off.  Use a small pair of flat nose pliers to open the metal ring just a little and stick the bead loop in it and then close the metal ring again.  You can also slip the metal ring over the bead loop before you stitch it to the earring so you do not have to open the metal ring.  Make one more earring and you have your first pair of Swag Earrings!