Famous Jewelry Collections: THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

Thursday, December 8, 2011

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

Bead and Wire Knitted Jewelry Earring Tutorials

Posted: 08 Dec 2011 04:00 AM PST

Knitting with wire isn't the same as knitting with yarn because the wire is nowhere near as flexible as yarn. Yet the results can be pleasing.

Shown here are 3 pearl and wire knitted earring tutorials designed by Romi (Rosemary Hill) of Designs by Romi. If you know how to knit already, you'll find these easy and quick.

The beads are all prestrung and the technique is pretty much the same as for bead and yarn knitting.

Romi gives great tips worth heeding - the most important being the use bamboo double pointed needles! I must buy some as I only have the stainless steel versions in the small sizes. Believe me, you don't want to grit your teeth like I do when the wire scraps on metal needles.

The use of wire guardians or cable thimbles as she calls them do give a professional finishing touch to the earrings. Alternatively, you could use crimp beads and hide them with a crimp cover.

Romi is not only an accomplished jewelry designer but is also a knitter - she makes her living teaching and creating gorgeous shawls. She is also the author of Elements of Style: Knit and Crochet Jewelry with Wire, Fiber, Felt and Beads