If pre-stringing beads for crochet is unappealing, then maybe adding loose beads as you work is better?
Once again, there are advantages and disadvantages. On the upside, there are
greater options for improvisation and creative freedom. You can change your
mind, rip back, fix mistakes. And you aren't dragging yarn through lots of
beads, so less likely to damage yarn. On the downside, you have loose beads.
Have you ever tipped over a container of beads? It is amazing how far they go! Another positive is since you are pulling a loop through, two strands of yarn pass through the center of the bead. It feels more secure.
In my series, technique video 3 shows adding an unstrung bead in between stitches.
The result in double crochet is similar to a pre-strung bead between stitches — horizontal orientation that is reversible. There is a little piece of yarn that goes underneath the bead but the bead has two strands going through the center. Single crochet is also reversible, but the beads are angled. Improve efficiency by employing a small hook that fits through the beads, then load up beads on the neck of the hook. There is an unusual downside. The bead sits on the chain. When you work the next row, the beads can interfere with where to insert your hook. It is especially problematic in patterns with chains and chain spaces between stitches. However, this technique would be excellent for adding beads on the top edge as you finish a project.
In technique video 4, I've added beads in the middle of making stitches.
My results were a variety of stitch orientations. In double crochet, option 1 produces a horizontal bead that is reversible. Option 2 is vertical, but not quite reversible. Option 3 resembles the sole option in single crochet. Both are a little angled and not quite reversible. If you add two beads on one double crochet stitch, they don't line up. You can improve efficiency by using a smaller hook and preloading beads on the neck of the hook. In this case, you'll need to push the bead to the left of the loop before starting the next stitch. You can also dunk your hook into a bowl of beads and scoop one up when needed. That's not a great option if you are on the go, but works well with multiple colors of beads if you are sitting at a table at home.
Tomorrow: hybrid method.
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