Notes to Self

Before I go back to tatting, I want to write down what I've learnt about crocheting beaded ropes, so that I don't have to relearn all this when I do it again some time.
Choosing a patterns
1. A circumference of 6 beads works well for a beginner. More than that and tension is harder to maintain.
2. A single colour is not the easiest pattern to work with. 2-2-2 is easier because working each colour on top of the same colour helps to keep track. The tutorial uses 6 colours, but that needs more attention to string and isn't necessary.
3. Once you've grasped that, choose a pattern that doesn't have a very long repeat. There are patterns out there that look simple but have a long sequence. With a shorter sequence, it's easier to get in a threading rhythm.

Threading
1. Use jam jar lids to hold beads:

2. Put each colour in a separate lid. Putting them all into one lid is fine for the threading, but a pain in the neck when you come to put the left over beads back in their respective packets.
3. Keeping the colours in the same place in relation to each other helps keep the rhythm of threading.
What else? Here's what the inside of the rope looks like:

The crochet chain goes round and round. It's really very easy, but choosing a 15 bead circumference when you're a beginner (as I accidentally did)  is not a good idea.