All my previous bead crochet kits included Jean Stitch or Elite Thread.  Both these threads are polyester, have very little stretch with the bead weight, are very strong and feel silky.  When I started experimenting with transparent beads and variegated thread, I knew I needed additional thread choices for all my bead sizes.

The New Metallics is a strong thread, very shiny, looks stunning through the beads and there is very little stretch to the thread.  Fine Metallics used in combination with Elite thread is perfect for size 15/0 beads.

I also added Pearl Cotton Variegated Thread in four sizes: 5, 8, 12 & 16 which is featured in the Retro Rope Mirage series.  I also added Colours thread, a variegated, long staple cotton.  These threads are variegated and do have more stretch than polyester.  These ropes are designed with lengths and number of beads per round to keep stretching to a minimum.

Argh! thread, a 3-ply rayon/cotton thread, is a thicker fiber that works beautifully with size 6/0 beads.  Argh! thread is thick enough that little stretch will occur with bead crochet.

There are gobs of bead color choices, bead sizes and thread to make luscious ropes in the future.

Using the Retro stitch with 3 beads around creates a pattern reminiscent of a delicate little climbing vine even when using size 6/0 beads.

Using the Retro stitch with 5 beads around creates an offset pattern, much like layered bricks.  The thread is matched to reflect a harmonious effect with the beads.  You flaunt the thread color in these ropes.

If you are making a Retro rope with size 15/0 or size 11/0 seed beads, you can bead crochet with 7 beads around for a smooth finish.

Fine Metallic thread makes beautiful ropes with 15/0 beads and the ropes look like they are spun of gold or silver; however, they are very difficult to work because the metallic thread does not show up as easily to the eyes as other thread.  For that reason I offer kits using Fine Metallic thread in combination with Elite thread making your bead crochet much easier.  Fine Metallic ropes should only be crocheted by those who are already familiar with using size 15/0 beads to crochet ropes.  You should also have previously created a Retro rope using one of the larger seed bead sizes.  Fine Metallic thread can also be used in combination with Jean Stitch thread and size 11/0 clear crystal seed beads for a unique effect.  I will be happy to help you with bead and thread colors if you decide to create a Retro rope using Fine Metallic thread.

Rope History

Where did bead crochet ropes come from?  When was the first one created?  No one knows for sure; it is a mystery.  Many books specializing in antique purses and jewelry of the past include ropes.  Many purses of the late 1880’s had bead crocheted straps and perhaps this is where the rope idea originated.  Ropes were extremely popular in the 1920-1940’s, late 1950’s and mid-1970’s.  Today ropes are again the rage and designers are creating both the look of vintage and contemporary patterns.  Most of the vintage ropes were made of size 11/0 and 10/0 beads.  Later, ropes were made with small pearl coated beads and other seed beads equivalent to sizes 8/0 and 6/0 beads.  How-to bead crochet leaflets and kits date back to the mid-1860’s.  Instructions for ropes showed up in publications from the late 1890’s through early 1900’s.  Bead slip stitch and standard bead single crochet stitches were used for most ropes.  Now and then there were a few ropes that did not fall into either category; bss or standard bsc.  When I began to experiment with new bead crochet stitches for my next book, I remembered those ropes, which gave me inspiration to create new stitches.  I have not seen these stitches in any publication.  I named one of them the Retro Stitch, since I created the stitch, however, this stitch was probably used in the past, hence the name Retro.  The combination of luxurious, silky thread adds a wonderful finish.  The two textures - beads and fibers - form exotic ropes.  A mystic surrounds bead crochet ropes; let’s add to the mystic with our Retro Ropes!

Q & A 

What is the Retro Stitch? The Retro stitch is one of my creations.  I had been experimenting with an assortment of bead placements for ropes and one stitch reminded me of peyote stitch.  I worked out a bead single crochet stitch that reflects an appearance much like that beading stitch.  I had cataloged ropes and bags in the past and I remembered two ropes that had this type of appearance.  I realized it was very possible that someone in the past had already thought of this stitch and for that reason I named it the Retro stitch

 Why is the Retro stitch different?  The beads set in a very snug position, resulting in a unique texture finish.  I have designed Retro ropes worked in 3, 5 and 7 beads around.  Depending on the number of beads around, the ropes will change in appearance, all exquisite and unique.

 Is the Retro stitch hard to learn?  The Retro stitch is not difficult to learn if you have already made a few bead crochet ropes with standard bead crochet stitches.  It does include a step that is more difficult for those who have never bead crocheted a rope before.  If you do not know how to crochet, I would suggest you begin with my Learn Bead Crochet from Scratch Workshop.  You will learn to crochet, then bead crochet and make a rope using one of the standard stitches.  Once you are comfortable crocheting with beads, you can easily make bead crochet ropes using the Retro stitch.

 What can I do with the Retro stitch that I couldn’t before?  You will learn a new bead crochet stitch to add to your rope repertoire and make rope finishes that will delight you.  The Retro stitch does not replace any other bead crochet stitch; it just offers an alternative way to bead crochet ropes.  By using a combination of clear crystal beads with variegated thread with the Retro stitch, you will be amazed at the unique textures and colors you are able to create.

 How do I learn the Retro stitch?  Complete instructions for the Retro stitch are included in your Retro Ropes Kit.  Detailed step-by-step instructions include both left-handed and right-handed illustrations.

 What are the optional ways of learning the Retro stitch in a Beadwrangler kit?  You will have a huge selection to choose from:  seed beads in sizes 15/0, 11/0, 8/0 or 6/0 using matching thread with your choice of bead color or variegated thread and crystal clear seed beads to create a color changing rope.  Retro Rope kits are also available in Beadwrangler Seed Bead Mixes and using clear crystal beads with the beautiful New Metallics thread.  You will also have a choice of textures for your Retro rope.  You can make a rope with 3 beads around that looks like little flower petals or 5 around for sensuous little bumpy formations.  With 11/0 and 15/0 beads, you can work 7 around for a smooth finish.

 How do I select a kit?  What are the bead sizes and threads used in each kit?  For a complete description of the entire Retro Rope Series including all 20 models click to Compare & Contrast.  Then click to one of the 15 order pages to see the colors available in the model you have selected.  There are over 1,100 different Retro Rope kits to choose from.

 How many kits do I have to buy to learn all the Retro options?  One!

 Be sure to visit the Retro Rope Gallery and the Retro Rope Compare and Contrast Page.  Then click to one of the order pages to select your Retro Rope Kit.

 Remember, I am always here to help you with your Retro Rope project.  My email address is lydfibers@earthlink.net   I also love to receive photos of your completed Retro Rope.  And you just might see it appear in the Retro Rope Gallery.