Adding beads and sequins to knitting: easy techniques, project ideas & tips from Lenny & Louise

Do you dream of adding a little “wow ✨” touch to your knitting projects? Delicate beads, sparkling sequins, that little detail that transforms a simple project into a unique piece… We totally understand.
We both had that magical moment in front of a ball of yarn and a handful of beads, a bit like when our grandmother would bring out her treasure box, a mix of buttons, ribbons, and beads from another era. She's the one who taught us to play with textures, and today we're taking you with us on this sparkling adventure.

Why add beads and sequins to your knitting?

Adding beads or sequins to knitting is:

✨ Make a simple design look more dressed up

🌸 create delicate details (like a beaded floral pattern)

🪩 give it a festive or retro feel

🧵 Customize a pattern without changing its structure

🎁 Give an even more precious knitted gift

It's not just for experts, I promise! There are several methods, some extremely accessible even for beginners.

How to add beads and sequins to knitting? (short answer)

To add beads or sequins to knitting, you have two techniques:

1️⃣ Thread the beads/sequins before knitting : slide them onto the thread and then advance them as you go.

2️⃣ Add them to the crochet during knitting : place the bead on the stitch just before knitting it, without preparing all the yarn in advance.

Method 1: Thread the beads or sequins before knitting

This is the most intuitive method if you want a regular result, perfect for beaded rows or a repeating pattern.

How to do it?

▪️ Pass a thin thread through the hole in the bead

▪️ Attach your main wire

▪️ Slide the bead onto your knitting yarn

▪️ Repeat until you obtain the required quantity

▪️ Start knitting normally

▪️ Slide a bead when you reach the intended stitch

Benefits

▪️ Ideal for beginners

▪️ Perfect for a regular pattern

▪️ No additional accessories needed

Boundaries

▪️ Not very practical for large projects

▪️ The thread can break if you pull too hard

Key takeaway : simple, fluid method, perfect for repeating patterns or beaded borders.

Method 2: Add the bead or sequin to the crochet hook while knitting

This is Louise's favorite method (she's been using it since she was 16 😇).
Extremely flexible, it saves you from having to thread 150 beads in advance!

How to do it?

▪️ Place a bead on a very thin hook

▪️ Crochet + stitch = slip the stitch off the needle

▪️ Pass it through the pearl

▪️ Put the stitch back on the needle

▪️ Continue knitting normally

Benefits

▪️ Total freedom: you add the beads wherever you want

▪️ Perfect for one-off projects

▪️ Less thread handling

Boundaries

▪️ Ask for a little help at the beginning

▪️ The choice of crochet hook must be very fine

Key takeaway : ideal for projects requiring precision or scattered patterns.

What type of beads or sequins should I choose?

To avoid a mishap (like that sweater Lenny knitted at 17… whose beads turned blue/green because of a bad coating 😅), here are our tips:

Recommended pearls

▪️ 6/0 or 8/0 seed beads : easy to string

▪️ Glass beads : more stable and luminous

▪️ Lightweight beads if your thread is thin

Sequins recommended

▪️ Flat sequins : more stable

▪️ Diameter between 4 and 6 mm

▪️ Friction-resistant colors

Knit-sis tip

Always make a mini swatch (10 stitches over 6 rows), especially if your yarn is delicate.

Key takeaway : prioritize lightness and resistance, and test before you start!

Threads that work best with beads & sequins

You can use almost any type of thread, but some really make the job easier:

▪️ Combed wool

▪️ Mohair silk (for a “floating pearls” effect)

▪️ Smooth cotton

▪️ Thick Merino

Avoid:

▪️ very hairy threads (the beads get caught)

▪️ ribbon threads (not very practical)

Key takeaway : mohair + small pearls = an ultra-poetic combo 💛

Project ideas for adding beads or sequins to knitting

If you want to add texture, shine or a creative twist, here are some ideas designed with Knit-sis patterns.

Beaded edges on a soft vest

The Cardichou is perfect for this. Its ribbed edges stand out particularly well with ivory or gold beads.
👉 See the Cardichou vest pattern

Sequins scattered like confetti on a striped sweater

With Strippie , you can add some sequins to stripes for a very seventies/fun look.
👉 See the Strippie pattern

A beaded floral pattern on a romantic vest

The Daisy loves pearls. Imitate the heart of the flower with a gold or mother-of-pearl pearl.
👉 See the Marguerite pattern

Key takeaway : a single beaded detail can transform a project without overloading it.

Mistakes to avoid when adding beads and sequins to knitting

▪️ Using beads that are too heavy → distorts the knitting

▪️ Placing too many beads in a stretchy area

▪️ Choose beads with sharp edges

▪️ Do not test a sample

▪️ Using a crochet hook that is too thick

Remember : the key is always lightness and delicacy ✨

Care instructions: how to wash a knit garment with beads or sequins?

▪️ Hand wash only

▪️ Cold water

▪️ Mild soap

▪️ Dry flat

▪️ No friction

▪️ Fold (do not hang)

For very meticulous readers, we recommend this comprehensive article from the Textile Institute on the care of beaded fabrics (reliable external source).
👉 Source : Textile Institute – Care of Embellished Fabrics

Conclusion: Ready to make your next project shine? ✨

Adding beads or sequins to knitting is not a complicated technique: it's a way to bring your ideas to life, to personalize your project, to create a piece that reflects you.
With the two methods we've shown you, you can already embellish any model, whether you're a beginner or an experienced seamstress.

And if you want a perfect project to test these techniques, our selection of templates is waiting for you right here ⤵️
👉 Discover all the accessible Knit-sis patterns : https://knit-sis.com/collections/patrons

See you soon for new creative projects ❤️
— Lenny & Louise