Spinning Yarn for Beaded Knitting

Q & A for Knitters and Spinners
by Jackie E-S

A spinner/knitter asked –

I want to make a beaded scarf from one of your lace patterns. I saw a merino/tencel roving but I'm not sure it's strong enough for beads.

This fiber blend is fine if spun with beaded knitting in mind.

• You want the yarn to be smooth and of a final diameter so that yarn goes through the beads of the holes without undue friction and wear.
• The twist of the singles used in the yarn should be firmly spun, then plied, to result in a strong yarn.

You can use the same test that some weavers use to check a yarn for suitability as warp – run a bobby pin or paper clip back and forth along the yarn. If it wears and abrades easily, it isn't a good warp yarn – and I wouldn't recommend it for beaded knitting either.

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