**Transfer 4-8 strands of beads to the pearl cotton. 8 strands of beads will complete the entire bag but if you feel more comfortable with less beads feel free to transfer 4 strands. When you run out of beads, cut thread at the end of a row, transfer the final amount of beads tie a square knot at the edge of work and continue knitting. Should you develop a knot in your thread during knitting use the same procedure, cut the thread at edge of work and then tie a square knot, continue knitting.

Cast on 24 stitches over 2 #0000 needles. Carefully remove one needle, this method allows easier knitting for the first row.

Rows: 1-2 Knit 24.

Rows: 3-4 Knit 3 (slip 1 bead, knit 1; 18 times) slip 1 bead, knit 3.

Rows: 5-10 (Knit 3, slip 1 bead; 7 times) knit 3.

Rows: 11-20 (Knit 3, slip 2 beads, knit 3, slip 1 bead; 3 times) knit 3, slip 2 beads, knit 3.

Rows: 21-30 (Knit 3, slip 3 beads, knit 3, slip 2 beads; 3 times) knit 3, slip 3 beads, knit 3.

Rows: 31-40 (Knit 3, slip 4 beads, knit 3, slip 3 beads, 3 times) knit 3, slip 4 beads, knit 3.

Rows: 41-48 (Knit 3, slip 5 beads, knit 3, slip 4 beads, 3 times) knit 3, slip 5 beads, knit 3.

Rows: 49-50 (Knit 3, slip 5 beads; 7 times) knit 3.

The next set of rows, called short rows, form the shell look at the bottom of the bag. These six rows will be repeated 4 times total. It is best to keep a scratch sheet on each row as it is finished, to keep yourself from getting confused.
Row: 51 (Knit 3, slip 5 beads; 6 times), * Knit 1, "slip" next stitch purlwise to right needle, bring yarn between the needles to the front of the work. "Slip" the same stitch back to the left needle.TURN YOUR WORK, YOU ARE NOW ON THE NEXT ROW, CONTINUE KNITTING.*

Row: 52 Knit 1, slip 5 beads,(knit 3, slip 5 beads; 4 times) repeat * from Row 51

Row: 53 Knit 1, slip 5 beads, (knit 3, slip 5 beads; 3 times) repeat * from Row 51.

Row: 54 Knit 1, slip 5 beads, (knit 3, slip 5 beads; 2 times) repeat * from Row 51.

Row: 55 Knit 1, slip 5 beads, (knit 3, slip 5 beads; 4 times) knit 3.

Row: 56 (Knit 3, slip 5 beads; 7 times) knit 3.

Rows: 57-74 Repeat rows 51-56 three more times.

This completes the front and bottom of the bag. You will now knit to the top of the bag reversing the order of rows beginning with 49-50.

Rows: 75-76 (Knit 3, slip 5 beads; 7 times) knit 3.

Rows: 77-86 (Knit 3, slip 5 beads, knit 3, slip 4 beads, 3 times) knit 3, slip 5 beads, knit 3.

Rows: 87-96 (Knit 3, slip 4 beads, knit 3, slip 3 beads, 3 times) knit 3, slip 4 beads, knit 3.

Rows: 97-106 (Knit 3, slip 3 beads, knit 3, slip 2 beads; 3 times) knit 3, slip 3 beads, knit 3.

Rows: 107-114 (Knit 3, slip 2 beads, knit 3, slip 1 bead; 3 times) knit 3, slip 2 beads, knit 3.

Rows: 115-120 (Knit 3, slip 1 bead; 7 times) knit 3.

Rows: 121-122 Knit 3 (slip 1 bead, knit 1; 18 times) slip 1 bead, knit 3.

Rows: 123-124 Knit 24.

You may now bind off or continue to add an optional flap.

Rows: 125-126 Knit 24.

Row: 127 Knit 2 Together (TOG) (for decrease) knit 20, knit 2 TOG.

Row: 128 (Knit 1, slip 1 bead; 21 times) knit 1.

Row: 129 Knit 22.

Row: 130 (Knit 1, slip 1 bead; 21 times) knit 1.

Row: 131 Knit 22.

Row: 132 (Knit 1, slip 1 bead; 21 times) knit 1.

Row: 133 Knit 22

Row: 134 (Knit 1, slip 1 bead; 21 times) knit 1.

Row: 135 Knit 2 TOG, knit 18, knit 2 TOG.

Row: 136 (Knit 1, slip 1 bead; 19 times) knit 1.

Row: 137 Knit 2 TOG, knit 16, knit 2 TOG.

Row: 138 (Knit 1, slip 1 bead; 17 times) knit 1.

Row: 139 Knit 2 TOG, knit 14, knit 2 TOG.

Row: 140 (Knit 1, slip 1 bead; 15 times) knit 1.

Row: 141 Knit 2 TOG, knit 12, knit 2 TOG.

Row: 142 (Knit 1, slip 1 bead; 13 times) knit 1.

Row: 143 Knit 2 TOG, knit 10, knit 2 TOG.

Row: 144 (Knit 1, slip 1 bead; 11 times) knit 1.

Row: 145 Knit 2 TOG, knit 8, knit 2 TOG.

Row: 146 (Knit 1, slip 1 bead; 9 times) knit 1.

Row: 147 Knit 2 TOG, knit 6, knit 2 TOG.

Row: 148 (Knit 1, slip 1 bead; 7 times) knit 1.

Row: 149 Knit 2 TOG, knit 4, knit 2 TOG.

Row: 150 (Knit 1, slip 1 bead; 5 times) knit 1.

Row: 151 Knit 2 TOG, knit 2, knit 2 TOG.

Row: 152 (Knit 1, slip 1 bead; 3 times) knit 1.

Row: 153 Knit 2 TOG twice, knit 1, knit 2 TOG.

Row: 154 Knit 2.

Bind Off.

You may finish your amulet bag in many ways. I use a mattress stitch to assemble it. However, slip stitching or any other method of blind sewing is appropriate. Necklaces may be attached or not. It is all personal preference, just as embellishments may be added to the flaps such as charms, ornamental ornaments, beads or crystals. The most important part is to have fun and enjoy making your bag.

**Transferring Beads Carefully remove one full strand of beads from the hank. Tape down one end to a smooth surface, with scotch tape. Take the other end of the thread and tie a slip knot forming a loop and then thread the pearl cotton through the loop. (see illustration) Fold the pearl cotton over and carefully slide the beads from the temporary thread onto the pearl cotton. Should you have a bead that will not slide over the loop take a pair of needle nose pliers and crush the bead, being careful not to cut the thread. When you have finished transferring the first thread; carefully remove the next string of beads from the hank, taping it down to surface. Cut the previous thread leaving a 6" tail, tie the second thread to the first and continue transferring. If possible continue to keep the original thread/loop until all desired beads have been transferred, cutting off the knot and retying the new thread each time.

This is an original pattern created as a teaching tool. I would be quite happy if it was passed along to others who wish to learn the technique. All I ask is that this pattern may not be sold or reproduced in any publication without my expressed consent. Please feel free to copy the directions to share and teach others.S. Debra Santaniello

From Irma: "I want to tell you, I really enjoyed my first experience with bead knitting. Your directions were clear and easy to follow. I'm completely hooked on these little bags. I had almost completely given up knitting when I discovered beads but now I can combine my two favorite things and enjoy them both at the same time. The small needles didn't take time to get used to but knitting with the thread was what took some getting used to. I was amazed at how quickly it worked up (after I got the beads strung) The beads I used were from a tube so the stringing took some time and patience. I am so grateful to you for posting this pattern. I have since bought several pattern books now that I know I love doing this."