Adding beads to your knitting

I sometimes get asked how to add beads to one of my designs. Though I've always loved the look of beads on knitting, I've always abhorred the thought of stringing all those beads onto the yarn before starting. Once I discovered the crochet hook method, I started adding beads to all sorts of things. The most important thing is to match the bead size to the crochet hook and yarn. When adding beads to lace projects I use a size 13 steel crochet hook and number 8 seed beads. Here's how it's done.

Beads are attached one at a time to the knitting with a crochet hook as you reach each place the beads will go. Knit up to the stitch before the one where a bead is indicated. Put a bead on the small crochet hook. Use the hook to slip the left stitch off the needle. Slide bead over end of hook and onto yarn. Replace yarn on left needle without twisting the stitch. Now you’re ready to knit the beaded stitch.