DIY- Beaded Stitch Markers

When I first started knitting, I bought a package of the blue and red Susan Bates circle stitch markers and have been using them ever since. I started seeing these gorgeous jeweled stitch markers and wondered, instead of purchasing them, how difficult they would be to make. I bought some beading wire and beads, and discovered it was really easy to make my own! Here's the method that I used; I tried to include as many pictures as possible to make it a little bit easier! I hope that this is a fun tutorial and let me know down in the comments if you need help or more clarification!

First off, the tools you'll need:

-Silver Beading Wire

-Jewelry Pliers: Any needle nose pliers will do, and you'll also need a pair that are able to cut through the beading wire without a problem. This pair happens to do both!

-Crimping Beads

-Regular Beads: I used seed beads, larger round beads, and acrylic crystal beads

-Beading Tray: This isn't strictly necessary, but I happened to have it, and it made things much easier!

First off, cut a length of beading wire. It doesn't matter what the exact length is, since you'll be cutting it into smaller, more manageable pieces in the next step!

Then, make a loop with your wire. It shouldn't be too big, just big enough to go through whatever size needles you happen to be using. Just keep in mind that you can always cut away the excess, so don't worry if the loop seems really large. When you're comfortable with the size of the loop, go ahead and cut away the rest of the excess wire. You can use this for your other stitch markers after you finish the first one!

Now it's time to put the first crimping bead on. Put it through both ends of your wire and adjust until you like the size of the loop it creates. The loop that you create will be placed on your needle to hold your place, so remember that in reference to the size that you might want to make it. After doing that, take the flat part of your pliers and crimp the bead, setting your wires in place.

After that, it's time to string your beads! Before doing that, I like to plan ahead, which is what the beading tray is good for. That way I can see how my stitch marker might look, and I can add and subtract beads as necessary! Let your imagination run wild! You're really only limited by the beads that you have on hand. I try not to make my markers too long, but you can really follow whatever preferences you might have!

After stringing your beads, you'll have to add the second crimping bead. Push it up against the last bead on your marker and squish it with the flat sides of your pliers. Your beads should be secured and not in danger of falling off.

Now it's time to cut the excess wires off of the bottom of your marker! Try to get as close as you can to the bottom of your crimping bead without cutting it off. Throw your cut ends away and admire your gorgeous new stitch marker!

I'm including several pictures of the other stitch markers that I've made, just to help get your ideas flowing! This is a super easy project, and I hope you enjoyed the tutorial! Happy crafting!