Kersti
07-05-2009, 06:55 PM
From the archives
Posted by Virginia Tyler on 12 February 2008
I'm a new member and fairly new to tatting. I would love some information on thread. I've been crocheting for years and have a lot of fine crochet cotton, but I recently found some tatting thread at a local art store and the texture is entirely different. I've also seen a lot on the web about hand dyed thread. I've found that the crochet thread is sort of "fluffy" when used for tatting and I really love the very fine thread as it it so delicate. Could anyone give be an overview of the types of thread commonly used for tatting?
Replies to This Discussion
Dr TLT Reply by Dr TLT on 12 February 2008 at 10:26pm
Here is a site with reviews on various types of thread in regard to tatting, etc. I found it quite informative.
http://crochet.tangleweeds.com/thread.html
Here is some thread info from Handy Hands Tatting:
http://www.hhtatting.com/tellmemore.htm
I think thread choice is as unique as the individual tatter. I prefer to work with sizes 10 and 20 (sometimes size 30). Yes, some crochet cottons are VERY fuzzy, but others less so. Although I love the colors available in the perle cotton (size 8, etc) and the "finish" of the thread, I don't like 2 cord threads nearly so much as I like 3 and 6 cord. They just don't seem particularly sturdy and since I am putting time into the project, I want it to last. That being said, I still use it at times. I began a tablecloth project a few months ago and chose a 6 cord thread because I wanted it to be as resilient as possible. Although the colors are somewhat limited and there are no variegates, I quite like DMC Cebelia thread and use it fairly frequently. I think the other issue with thread is how much one handles it. If you frequently have to retro-tat, it "wears/fuzzes" the thread far more than if you don't. These are just my own opinions and experiences with threads as I've matured as a tatter. I'm sure there are others who will be able to provide good info for you as well.
tatmom Reply by tatmom on 12 February 2008 at 11:28pm
I love, love, love DMC Cebelia. They aren't allowed to ever discontinue it ;)
Virginia Tyler Reply by Virginia Tyler on 12 February 2008 at 11:35pm
This is great information. Thank you very much. I hadn't thought about the cord issue before so that's something for me to check out. I did buy some DMC tatting thread size 8 and loved the delicacy of it. It tatted up beautifully for some bookmarks. I will check out the Cebelia.
Severn swan Reply by Severn swan on 12 February 2008 at 11:35pm
Hello Virginia,
I usually work with coats mercer-crochet cotton or DMC mercerised. I still have lots of Coats ecru colour that I used to use when crocheting, its great for tatting dollies. I work with 20, 40, and occasionally 60 size threads. I have never tried any hand dyed thread, maybe because I like working with the fine threads.take care and enjoy your tatting.
PattyD Reply by PattyD on 12 February 2008 at 11:47pm
Having seen the Tatting Brothers demonstrate tatting with rope about 2 inches in diameter, the only rule for tatting material is that it is long enough to bend enough to make a stitch. Tatting is made of long, thin stuff.
So it's Tatter's Choice. I have tatted with all kinds of stuff. Famously, with the long, skinny bag for foam cups. I really did, it's true.
I have used embroidery floss, single ply and multiple plies. I have used sewing thread and neon colored poly twine. I have used yarn ( yeah, the fuzzy stuff).\
One of the gals at work told me that her morther had tatted sweaters by making a flat shuttle out of a piece of wood.
I have knit exactly three sweaters and I am not about to try tatting one!
The weight of the thread is an artistic choice. I love color, so I don't much care what it is made of. I have tatted with Sulky rayon and found it to be very aptly named; that is SULKY, because it stretches. But it's got knockout colors.
I bought some velour thread, sort of miniature chenille, about the color of the eTatters background. I made a snowflake that is wonderful, but you can't even see the stitches because the fuzz blends them together.
As far as construction goes, the knots with the best definition are made with 6 ply thread, which is 3 pairs each together and then the 3 resulting threads twisted together in the opposite direction. Which is why crochet and tatting cotton only give when they break.
3 ply threads are a little softer and 2 ply perl cotton and embroidery floss are twisted much less than either 6 or 3 ply thread.
You don't hear much about tatting with linen, but it was very popular in the 1800s. Since linen can have slubs which don't do well in closing rings, it is best to use tightly twisted 3 ply linen, such as Goldschild (Europe) or Rainbow Linen (U.S.)because it is much more even. I have a lot of linen because I use it in bobbin lace, so, of course, I had to try it.
I like to ply threads, especially for flashy snowflakes. I made a pink one with 2 strands of sulky, a strand of metallic and a varieagated something or other. The hardest part is winding the shuttle.
Patrice G Reply by Patrice G on 13 February 2008 at 2:39am
Hi,my name is Patrice,I usually tat with smaller threads,size60-100.There are many color choices,if you like a size 60 or 70.Although DMC has discontinued quite a few colors in 70-many choices remain,and this is a great choice for tatting.Definite distinguishable stitches.
If you like non fuzzy threads,I would recommend the Turkish-Oren Bayen thread.Although they are harder to find-they are so fun to work with.Smooth,non-twisting,great colors...
I have also found that Fincrochet is one of the fuzzy ones-sometimes thats good,sometimes not.The Anchor thread is more crisp-and stitch defining.So much depends on the size and twist,Do you know what sizes you feel comfortable with,when you crochet?I would start with that size(or bigger)and get smaller. Feel free to ask again if you need help,there is always someone here who knows just what you mean. Patrice
Virginia Tyler Reply by Virginia Tyler on 13 February 2008 at 3:00am
Hi Patrice. I think I lean toward the smaller threads like you. My crochet just got finer and finer over the years and part of the fun was the challenge to work something delicate. I did find a DMC size 80 tatting thread that I used to make some bookmarks and was just thrilled with the definition and delicacy of it. Thanks for the all the info.
Susan B. T. Reply by Susan B. T. on 13 February 2008 at 3:09am
You have been given lots of good information... alot of it is individual choice for project.
I have tatted with size 8 to 100 depending on the project. Some of the machine embroidery threads come is wonderful colors and shades. They tat up very nice.
One thing I can add about hand dyed threads is make sure they are color fast if you are going make something that needs to be washed. Even wetting the item can make the colors bleed into each other and you will not want all your hard work ruined.
"Tatting thread" is usually a tighter twist than crochet thead. Just makes the closing of rings easier and makes the items hold their shape better.
One of our fellow tatters Mark M aks Tatman has even tatted with hair. He is very talented.
Many of the crochet threads are great for snowflakes.. work up fast and hold up nicely with washing and starching.
Do not shy away from a thread just because it does not say tatting on it.
If you are not sure of a thread... just try it out.
If you ever see a thread exchange on any of the tatting groups join in. This is a great way to try different threads. You get about 10 yards from your partners. This is enough to make a small motif and let you know if you like a thread.
LadyShuttleMaker Reply by LadyShuttleMaker on 13 February 2008 at 4:38pm
When I started tatting I used any old thread that I could find. But as I became more serious about tatting, I became more choosy about the threads I used. This past year, I have gotten stuck on 6 cord threads...it's like tatting with tiny sturdy little ropes, rings close so nicely and most of my work doesn't even need blocking. But as someone else stated...the threads you use are very individual as are the tatters.
Also, I hand dye threads and I just wanted to state that mine and Yarnplayers ARE colorfast. We use very expensive threads and dyes to begin with and they are thoroughly washed and dried before shipping.
Have fun looking for your perfect thread!
Posted by Virginia Tyler on 12 February 2008
I'm a new member and fairly new to tatting. I would love some information on thread. I've been crocheting for years and have a lot of fine crochet cotton, but I recently found some tatting thread at a local art store and the texture is entirely different. I've also seen a lot on the web about hand dyed thread. I've found that the crochet thread is sort of "fluffy" when used for tatting and I really love the very fine thread as it it so delicate. Could anyone give be an overview of the types of thread commonly used for tatting?
Replies to This Discussion
Dr TLT Reply by Dr TLT on 12 February 2008 at 10:26pm
Here is a site with reviews on various types of thread in regard to tatting, etc. I found it quite informative.
http://crochet.tangleweeds.com/thread.html
Here is some thread info from Handy Hands Tatting:
http://www.hhtatting.com/tellmemore.htm
I think thread choice is as unique as the individual tatter. I prefer to work with sizes 10 and 20 (sometimes size 30). Yes, some crochet cottons are VERY fuzzy, but others less so. Although I love the colors available in the perle cotton (size 8, etc) and the "finish" of the thread, I don't like 2 cord threads nearly so much as I like 3 and 6 cord. They just don't seem particularly sturdy and since I am putting time into the project, I want it to last. That being said, I still use it at times. I began a tablecloth project a few months ago and chose a 6 cord thread because I wanted it to be as resilient as possible. Although the colors are somewhat limited and there are no variegates, I quite like DMC Cebelia thread and use it fairly frequently. I think the other issue with thread is how much one handles it. If you frequently have to retro-tat, it "wears/fuzzes" the thread far more than if you don't. These are just my own opinions and experiences with threads as I've matured as a tatter. I'm sure there are others who will be able to provide good info for you as well.
tatmom Reply by tatmom on 12 February 2008 at 11:28pm
I love, love, love DMC Cebelia. They aren't allowed to ever discontinue it ;)
Virginia Tyler Reply by Virginia Tyler on 12 February 2008 at 11:35pm
This is great information. Thank you very much. I hadn't thought about the cord issue before so that's something for me to check out. I did buy some DMC tatting thread size 8 and loved the delicacy of it. It tatted up beautifully for some bookmarks. I will check out the Cebelia.
Severn swan Reply by Severn swan on 12 February 2008 at 11:35pm
Hello Virginia,
I usually work with coats mercer-crochet cotton or DMC mercerised. I still have lots of Coats ecru colour that I used to use when crocheting, its great for tatting dollies. I work with 20, 40, and occasionally 60 size threads. I have never tried any hand dyed thread, maybe because I like working with the fine threads.take care and enjoy your tatting.
PattyD Reply by PattyD on 12 February 2008 at 11:47pm
Having seen the Tatting Brothers demonstrate tatting with rope about 2 inches in diameter, the only rule for tatting material is that it is long enough to bend enough to make a stitch. Tatting is made of long, thin stuff.
So it's Tatter's Choice. I have tatted with all kinds of stuff. Famously, with the long, skinny bag for foam cups. I really did, it's true.
I have used embroidery floss, single ply and multiple plies. I have used sewing thread and neon colored poly twine. I have used yarn ( yeah, the fuzzy stuff).\
One of the gals at work told me that her morther had tatted sweaters by making a flat shuttle out of a piece of wood.
I have knit exactly three sweaters and I am not about to try tatting one!
The weight of the thread is an artistic choice. I love color, so I don't much care what it is made of. I have tatted with Sulky rayon and found it to be very aptly named; that is SULKY, because it stretches. But it's got knockout colors.
I bought some velour thread, sort of miniature chenille, about the color of the eTatters background. I made a snowflake that is wonderful, but you can't even see the stitches because the fuzz blends them together.
As far as construction goes, the knots with the best definition are made with 6 ply thread, which is 3 pairs each together and then the 3 resulting threads twisted together in the opposite direction. Which is why crochet and tatting cotton only give when they break.
3 ply threads are a little softer and 2 ply perl cotton and embroidery floss are twisted much less than either 6 or 3 ply thread.
You don't hear much about tatting with linen, but it was very popular in the 1800s. Since linen can have slubs which don't do well in closing rings, it is best to use tightly twisted 3 ply linen, such as Goldschild (Europe) or Rainbow Linen (U.S.)because it is much more even. I have a lot of linen because I use it in bobbin lace, so, of course, I had to try it.
I like to ply threads, especially for flashy snowflakes. I made a pink one with 2 strands of sulky, a strand of metallic and a varieagated something or other. The hardest part is winding the shuttle.
Patrice G Reply by Patrice G on 13 February 2008 at 2:39am
Hi,my name is Patrice,I usually tat with smaller threads,size60-100.There are many color choices,if you like a size 60 or 70.Although DMC has discontinued quite a few colors in 70-many choices remain,and this is a great choice for tatting.Definite distinguishable stitches.
If you like non fuzzy threads,I would recommend the Turkish-Oren Bayen thread.Although they are harder to find-they are so fun to work with.Smooth,non-twisting,great colors...
I have also found that Fincrochet is one of the fuzzy ones-sometimes thats good,sometimes not.The Anchor thread is more crisp-and stitch defining.So much depends on the size and twist,Do you know what sizes you feel comfortable with,when you crochet?I would start with that size(or bigger)and get smaller. Feel free to ask again if you need help,there is always someone here who knows just what you mean. Patrice
Virginia Tyler Reply by Virginia Tyler on 13 February 2008 at 3:00am
Hi Patrice. I think I lean toward the smaller threads like you. My crochet just got finer and finer over the years and part of the fun was the challenge to work something delicate. I did find a DMC size 80 tatting thread that I used to make some bookmarks and was just thrilled with the definition and delicacy of it. Thanks for the all the info.
Susan B. T. Reply by Susan B. T. on 13 February 2008 at 3:09am
You have been given lots of good information... alot of it is individual choice for project.
I have tatted with size 8 to 100 depending on the project. Some of the machine embroidery threads come is wonderful colors and shades. They tat up very nice.
One thing I can add about hand dyed threads is make sure they are color fast if you are going make something that needs to be washed. Even wetting the item can make the colors bleed into each other and you will not want all your hard work ruined.
"Tatting thread" is usually a tighter twist than crochet thead. Just makes the closing of rings easier and makes the items hold their shape better.
One of our fellow tatters Mark M aks Tatman has even tatted with hair. He is very talented.
Many of the crochet threads are great for snowflakes.. work up fast and hold up nicely with washing and starching.
Do not shy away from a thread just because it does not say tatting on it.
If you are not sure of a thread... just try it out.
If you ever see a thread exchange on any of the tatting groups join in. This is a great way to try different threads. You get about 10 yards from your partners. This is enough to make a small motif and let you know if you like a thread.
LadyShuttleMaker Reply by LadyShuttleMaker on 13 February 2008 at 4:38pm
When I started tatting I used any old thread that I could find. But as I became more serious about tatting, I became more choosy about the threads I used. This past year, I have gotten stuck on 6 cord threads...it's like tatting with tiny sturdy little ropes, rings close so nicely and most of my work doesn't even need blocking. But as someone else stated...the threads you use are very individual as are the tatters.
Also, I hand dye threads and I just wanted to state that mine and Yarnplayers ARE colorfast. We use very expensive threads and dyes to begin with and they are thoroughly washed and dried before shipping.
Have fun looking for your perfect thread!