Anjie's Knitted Bead Necklace

I think I am finally happy with my pattern, I hope I have explained it clearly enough for anyone to try! 

This is what I used for my necklace but you could use any oddments of yarn and size of needle, it would be nice in a cotton yarn too

Needles: one set of four double pointed needles (DPNs) size 2.0mm (14 UK / 0 US)

Yarn: Double knitting wool oddments

Necklace cord

Using two of the DPNs and your chosen colour for the necklace 'cord' cast on 3 sts. Knit these 3 sts using the i-cord method until work measures 15cm (6"). Join yarn colour for the bead

Shape the bead

rnd 1 Working on the 3 i-cord sts, using 4 DPNs *K1, M1* Repeat from *to* (6 sts)

The 6 sts should be arranged on three needles to knit in the round

Place a marker at the beginning of the round (I do this by attaching a piece of contrasting yarn to the first stitch)

rnd 2 K all 6 sts

rnd 3 *K1, M1* Repeat from *to* (12 sts)

rnd 4 K all 12 sts

rnd 5 *K2, M1* Repeat from *to* (18 sts)

rnd 6  K all 18 sts

rnd 7 *K3, M1* Repeat from *to* (24 sts) 

rnd 8 - rnd 12 K all 24 sts

rnd 13 *K 2, k2tog* Repeat from *to* (18 sts)

rnd 14 K all 18 sts

rnd 15 *K1, k2tog* Repeat from *to* (12 sts)

fill the 'bead' with stuffing (I used polyester stuffing)

rnd 16 *K2tog* (6 sts)

rnd 17 join yarn for 'cord' and with this *K2tog* Repeat from *to* (3 sts)

Knit i-cord on these 3 sts to form the 'cord' between the beads, I knitted 7 rows before I started my next bead

From this basic pattern you can knit four more beads.

Necklace cord and loop fastening

Change yarn and on the 3 sts K i-cord to the same length as the cord at the beginning of the necklace.

With a tail measuring about 65cm (25") cut the yarn and thread it through a crewel needle. Pass the needle through the 3 stitches left on the needle and pull tight. With the tail of yarn, your finger being at the end nearest to the cord, wind the yarn 5 times around your left hand's forefinger. With the needle and yarn work around the loop using a buttonhole stitch.

Secure loop to 'cord'. (take a look at the relevant photograph in it might make sense!)

Add a button to the other end for the fastening.

Abbreviations

DPNs   double pointed needle(s). A short needle with points at both ends, used in sets or 4 or 5, for knitting in the round.

K  knit

K2tog  knit 2 stitches together

M1    Make 1 stitch - From the front, lift loop between stitches with left needle, knit into back of loop

rnd   Round

Sts   stitches