Introduction to jewel knitting

``Jewel knitting'' is knitting that draws the cut of a jewel.


Kiwa crystalsA beautiful beaded line that hugs the shape of the . It's like drawing the cut of a gemstoneKiwa crystalsWe named this beaded line "Jewel Knitting". Skillfully combining seed beads and bamboo beads from TOHO Beads, a specialist bead manufacturer,Kiwa crystalsThis is a weaving method devised to maximize the brilliance of.

Until jewelry knitting was born

Did you see the special feature on jewel knitting? I'm glad that some people have already turned it into wonderful accessories.
Jewelry weaving uses materials that have been around for a long time, including crystal shapes, seed beads, and bamboo beads.
The technique of crocheting is also not new.
Is it possible to create an ideal handmade accessory using existing parts and techniques that combines the brilliance of the crystal with the beauty of the structure? Jewelry weaving was born as an extension of this inquisitive spirit.

This time, I would like to introduce you to the behind-the-scenes details of the trial and error process that led to the creation of such jewel knitting, the small details that we put into it, and the stories that were spilled during production. Please stay with us until the end.


The trigger was a "big crystal"



Because large crystals are made to be less thick to reduce weight, they tend to have less shine than other #4000 series. Furthermore, colors like the lacquer series that do not reflect light from the foil will have a stronger "surface" color than shine.
Therefore, I feel that it is a little unsatisfactory to wear it as an ear accessory or ring. That feeling of discomfort was always in the back of my mind.
``I'm sure if you put some thought into it, you can make it into a wonderful accessory.''
That feeling of confusion became the first starting line.

Inspiration from two recipes

The idea for jewel knitting actually came from an inspiration I had while designing two recipes.


First recipe: #4487 brooch


This happened when I was in charge of designing a beaded brooch using #4487, which was announced as a new model for spring/summer 2026.
It's been a while since a large crystal was released, and as I was thinking about what kind of design I wanted to create, I started to formulate a plan centered around these two keywords: "tegus knitting" and "seed beads."



When we think of beading techniques, the first thing that comes to mind is framing, where delicate beads are woven around the edge of a crystal. Although it is a standard technique, many people find it difficult and difficult to try.
So, I tried to create a design that was simpler, but still looked great, and I ended up finding a method of weaving bamboo beads in a linear manner.



It was at that moment that the lines drawn by the bamboo beads brought out a new expression of the crystal. This recipe later became the prototype for "Jewel Knitting".


Second recipe: #4327 big drop ear accessories


A new color of the Electric Ignite series that appeared in the same season. This time, while thinking about ear accessories using #4327 (drop), I thought, ``If I make a 2D-like design, the electric color will look great!'' We started with that idea.



I thought about how to express a 2D-like look by drawing cut lines on the surface of the crystal using seed beads and bamboo beads, and while we were actually knitting it, #4327 Big Drop Ear Accessory was born.
This recipe led to the idea of ​​using beads to create gemstone cuts, and the style of showing the crystals peeking out between the stitches was established.
Next, I decided to start designing #4127 (oval) and #4627 (rectangle) in earnest.

Trial and error for each shape


#4127(oval)


Ovals are relatively easy to balance, and I started making them by imagining the cut of a gemstone with trapezoids lined up along its outline so that it would form a dome shape that would fit the bulge of the table.
It was a fun process to arrange the beads while adjusting the balance so that the distance between the inner and outer rings was constant, so as not to hide too much of the surface of the crystal and not to make it too shallow.




#4627(Rectangle)


On the other hand, the rectangle was an unexpectedly tough battle.
It was really difficult to line up the 8 corners exactly with the crystal, and at first it ended up looking like a fluffy futon, and when I tightened it, the crystal inside would shift... over and over again.



The pavilion (pointed part on the back) is shallower than the other two shapes, so I didn't know if it would be perfect until I knitted the back and tightened it at the end, so I spent a lot of time adjusting it.
After changing the order and combination of threading the beads and re-weaving them many times, I was finally able to create the sharp shape typical of a rectangle.

Attention to finish and expandability


Structure that can be used as any accessory


After deciding on the shape, we start thinking about finishing, processing, and knitting patterns to expand the range of accessories.
We have included the following structure so that it can be expanded to any type of accessory.

・Attach a ring to allow the metal fittings to pass through
・Enable motifs to be connected vertically and horizontally
- Make it possible to attach a ring arm or hair tie to the back side




Another thing that cannot be avoided in bead knitting is the individual differences in beads and the tightness of the strings. The finish changes slightly depending on the balance between the two, so we made many fine adjustments during the design stage to ensure that it would fit snugly when the strings were tied at the end.
Furthermore, when drawing up the knitting pattern, I thought that the knitting method would not change depending on the shape, so that all shapes could be knitted using the same steps. In addition, the structure has been designed with attention to detail, such as a structure that distributes the force throughout the body so that the force applied to the handle is not concentrated.




To finish beautifully


I mentioned earlier that there are individual differences in beads, but seed beads in particular may contain a mixture of crushed and round beads.
Avoid such beads and try to make beads with the same shape as possible. If you leave out any bamboo beads with missing corners or uneven lengths, you'll get a neat, neat finish.
Since you're going to make it, don't be afraid to make it beautiful with carefully selected beads.

staff arrangement

Prior to the release of jewel knitting, we would like to introduce jewel knitting created by our staff with their own combinations. Please use this as a reference for color matching and as a source of ideas!

Wrap crystals without foil in clear beads to create an all-clear ring!


#4127 Crystal Moonlight/V
TOHO beads No.161

#4627 Crystal Diamond Touch Light 2×/unf
TOHO beads No.161

wishlistElectric color x black coloring. It can also be used for pushing!


#4627 Crystal Electric Pink Ignite
TOHO beads No.49

A pendant with a classic maroon feel.


#4127 Crystal Maroon Ignite
TOHO beads No.221

I made a ring in the same color as the bracelet.


#4627 Crystal Pine Ignite
TOHO beads No.221

Lt.Colorado topaz combined with dark silver color for a calming atmosphere.


#4627 Lt. Colorado Topaz/F
TOHO beads No.29

lastly


Whenever a new or rare crystal comes out, I can't help but pick it up. In fact, I myself also said,BezelIt's a waste to just keep it that way.''BezelWhat if I accidentally damage it when I put it in place? I thought to myself, ``I'll make something nice someday.'' The collection I've collected is sitting in a drawer.
I'm sure there are also people who are quietly putting away their precious crystals in the same way.
Also, I think there are some people who have learned about jewelry weaving through SNS and want to try making it.

Jewelry stitching can be made using basic cross stitching techniques. I don't even use tools.
Kiwa crystalsWhether you like knitting or bead knitting, this recipe will be exciting for both people.
Large crystals are available in a wide variety of colors, and new colors will be added in the future. The combination with TOHO beads opens up endless possibilities. Please pick it up and try knitting it.
And definitely “#Jewel Knitting” and “#KiwaseisakujoWe would be very happy if you could tag us and show us your work!