Jewelry is a good summer crochet project because it is light but interesting. There are so many different types of jewelry to be made, and several types of materials from which to crochet it.
Choosing Materials for Crocheting Jewelry
Crochet thread is a popular material for crocheting jewelry. It is thin and light, so it can be used to make smaller objects, which is perfect for jewelry. It also comes in several different materials including nylon and bamboo, though cotton is the most common fiber used. It also comes in many different colors, including solid and varigated color combinations, which allows the crocheter to full customize the jewelry.
Thread has its drawbacks, however. Because it is a fiber product, it has give and drape, which does not allow it to hold shapes without being stiffened using some kind of starch product. This means it is not easily used to make things like pendants, but is good for things like bracelet bands.
Wire is another popular material for crocheting jewelry. It is more difficult to use than thread, because it is stiffer and therefore does not have any give to it the way yarn and thread do.
This stiffness and lack of give can be used to the crocheter's advantage, though. Wire can hold more intricate shapes and create different types of designs than thread, and the stitches do not sit directly againt one another, leaving gaps between and through stitches. These properties give wire crocheted jewelry a light, lacy look.
Beads are sometimes used to accentuate or personalize a piece. They can be crocheted directly into the piece, or added on afterward. Crocheting them directly into the design creates seamless accentuations without using any extra thread or wire, avoiding loose ends. Adding them on afterward can produce hanging charms to catch the eye.
Benefits of Crocheting Jewelry in the Summer
Crocheting jewelry is a good summer project because it is a small project, so it can be easily tossed into a purse or beach bag and worked on anywhere. Its small size allows a crocheter to work on it without the worry of overheating like there would be if he or she were working on something large like an afghan.
Where to Find Crochet Jewelry Patterns
There are many different types of crocheted jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings and pins. Patterns can be found both online and in pattern books. Many free jewelry patterns are available at Crochet Pattern Central, and there are several pattern books specifically geared toward jewelry, such as Crochet Jewelry by Sophie Britten and Crocheted Wire Jewelry by Arline Fisch. With patterns that range in diificulty from beginner to expert and a wide variety of material to choose from, there are jewelry patterns for crocheters of all experience levels and personal tastes.
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