is finca perle 5 similar to lizbeth 10 ? alternatives needed ! confused lol

[Deb13b]

I can't find a UK supplier of lizbeth 10 thread, so I've looked at comparison charts and I THINK finca perle 5 is about the same size, is that right ? Or could you recommend an alternative? I've only used lizbeth before, I don't know what other threads tat up like.

[PattyD]

Well, perle is an embroidery thread, mostly. It is 2 ply versus the cordonnet (Lizbeth, DMC, Coats etc. ), which are 6 ply and perle is much less twisted than cordonnet. The plies are soft and can sort of get rough after being worked for a while, BUT it comes in wonderful colors and when you get the hang of it makes beautiful stuff. Lot of tatters use perle. The biggest makers of perle are DMC, Valdani and Finca. Have a good time experimenting. shoul

Also DMC and Coats cordonnet should be readily available in the UK. Not as many luscious colors as the Lizbeth, but good thread. You could look on Etsy for hand dyed cordonnet threads.

[Anke]

I guess Anchor Mercer Crochet will be similar. I never tried Lizbeth but I like tatting with Mercer Crochet in sz 10. Perhaps you could find that in UK.

[soyloquesoy]

I agree with the previous posters. Perlé has a very different feel than Lizbeth. Nice, but different. Softer. I prefer Lizbeth.

I use Anchor Mercer Crochet for dyeing, and I find it does feel stiffer than perlé. I have use Lizbeth, and while not exactly the same, it is much more similar to Mercer crochet than to perlé.

[JaneEb]

They are probably the same size but not in the same league as Lizbeth. Lizbeth is like DMC and Coats - a six core mercerised cotton thread. In MY opinion the best sort of thread to tat with. Size 10 is a little thicker than usually used for tatting so I'd tentatively suggest you try using a size 20. Not a lot of difference except you get more thread per 'mile' with a size 20!!! In the UK I know of two suppliers - Roseground Supplies (http://www.roseground.com/) and this link too http://www.craftyideasbykaz.co.uk/ Perle just doesn't have the 'crispness' of a six core thread in my opinion.
Jane

http://www.e.n.e.btinternet.co.uk/ - Tatting patterns
http://janeeborall.blogspot.com/ - Blog
http://www.etsy.com/shop/janeeborall - Etsy shop

[Deb13b]

I've been using lizbeth 20 but I fancied trying the 10, I thought it might look neater while I'm still learning. I can't make my mind up lol ! I got some thick crochet cotton yesterday ( it was all I could buy locally ) just to try it out, it's very soft but I think it might get scruffy quickly. All these different threads are very confusing ! I suppose it's trial and error.

[soyloquesoy]

yes, you will find your preferences as you try - good excuse to try different threads!