I dared to try size 80!

[Susan B T]

I use a lot of 80 thread.. I just love it. It works great for so many things.

[soyloquesoy]

I think dainty is quite right, Rachel - that is how I think about these little things I made and the lovely, lovely things in my granny's tatting box.

I would not have thought of using such this thread for earrings - I can picture it in bookmarks for paperbacks, and I am almost convinced to make an edging for a special napkin to cover the wine cooler - I guess this will grow on me as I start actually doing things and seeing the results!

[Maureen L]

I love tatting with size 80! I was given a sample of the new Lizbeth 80 to try, and I LOVED it! Just think, all those colours, in 80.....Life isn't long enough. And your stash takes up less space, so you have more room! Once you feel comfortable with that size, you can go even finer, with the lovely Quilting threads such as Perfect Quilter and King Tut.

[Judith Connors]

I love the dainty edges which can be made with #80 thread. I find that I need to use a sightly looser tension so that my rings will close nicely.
#80 used to be referred to as 'tatting cotton' by people who weren't aware that tatters use all sorts of beautiful threads.

[stashtamer]

I'm pleased to see you trying the finer threads. The majority of my tatting thread stash is size 60 through 80 (mostly 80). I save most everything I tat that gets beyond just a few rings and chains. Even if it didn't work for the intended project, it still works as an embellishment on a crazy quilt or other similar project. I have sent off envelopes stuffed with bits and scraps to friends who don't tat but do craft/quilt/whatever. Because most of what I tat and finish is jewelry, I really like the finer threads.

[lalou]

I'm a BIG collector of threads, but the smallest i've tatted with is 60 (that old eye sight thing LOL) but i have 70's and 80's on hand! Just love the look of them:)

[Tara R]

Oooohhh -- it looks really petite. I am motivated to keep working with smaller and smaller threads as I learn this art.

[stashtamer]

I'm a BIG collector of threads, but the smallest i've tatted with is 60 (that old eye sight thing LOL) but i have 70's and 80's on hand! Just love the look of them:)

As for tatting with finer threads, I really don't find it much harder than tatting with thicker threads. I shuttle tat, there might be a difference in what you have to see when tatting with a needle. I tat by feel mostly. I've had people say that I must have great eyesight to work with such fine threads. It's really the same hand shape, hand motions with size 10 thread as with size 80 or even smaller threads. It can be a tad harder to do the joins, but once you get used to the work, it really isn't too hard on the eyesight. I have not worked entirely without watching what I tat, but I know of people who tatted blind (either entirely by feel by choice or by feel because of blindness).

[j.stacy]

you SHOULD feel accomplished for successfully tatting with size 80 thread! it is quite an intimidating thing to even think until you have actually done it! and the only way i will hide ends in such small thread *besides just tying a knot, cutting the threads and putting a dab of clear nail polish or glue* is to sew the ends under the caps of the stitches. i HAVE tatted with size 80 before, but only to see what it was like!! i still use mostly bigger threads, unless i have something specific i need to use small thread for.

i know many people who tat with size 80 and use the finished pieces in doll houses/miniature work. and also, people who don't tat, but make or collect doll houses and miniatures will buy those tiny pieces for doilies in the houses, table covers, etc. a very tiny rectangle in size 80 can make a great doll house table cloth!!!

[BahmaTerri]

What a great accomplishment! You should be thrilled with the results. I have tatted some small motifs with quilting thread and there are some gorgeous colors available. I think you have to audition the thread with the pattern to decide what the perfect combination is. Whatever is chosen, and whichever method is used, I know the tatted item will be beautiful.