Thread Challenge
Irish Lace, Battenberg Lace, Tatting, Needle Lace, Bobbin Lace, Filet Lace
"Why don't you try crocheting thread sometime?" Mom asked softly
"Don't you just love when Mom's do that? The challenge sometimes comes as a whisper." Read more about how I took that simple suggestion into my heart. Find out what I did with it, where I went with it and where I am now. You know, this crochet journey never ends, when your hooked your hooked!
Pamela Veller
Copyright©2010 – 2024
pamelavellercrochet.com
KINGS & QUEENS and CROCHET LACE
I adore vintage heirloom thread designs in all their forms. By collecting thread patterns, researching museums sites and images like what I have provided above has continued to inspire me to euphoric levels to try every crochet thread technique, in all its forms. Like Lace! Irish Lace, Battenberg Lace, Bobbin Lace, Needle Lace, Tatting and Filet Lace.
EVERYTHING at one time could have had a piece of lace added to it. It was a whole cottage industry. Queens were known to sit with their attendants and do it too,
CASTLES/HOMES/STORES
Wall hangings, Window dressings like curtains, Lamp shades
BATHS/KITCHENS
Bath and Kitchen towels trims
BEDROOMS/LIVING ROOMS/SITTING ROOMS
Bedding covers, Pillow shams and cases, Furniture
UNDER GARMENTS
Corset covers and Bloomers
DRESSING GOWNS/WEDDING GOWNS/BAPTISM GOWNS/ACCESSORIES
Sleeves, hems, hankies, purses, collars for men, women and children
CHILDRENS CLOTHING/TOYS
HOLIDAY EVENT ITEMS/ORNAMENTS
I think you get the picture!
Lace can be added to anything or hung anywhere!
What are you waiting for … do like I did, embrace my Mom’s Thread Challenge. You can see it has happily propelled me into the world of thread.
Begin your research. Look through your pattern library for patterns. Take stock of your “stash of yarn/thread/hooks”.
Read next: I GAVE UP MY FAV CROCHET HOOK
I GAVE UP MY FAVORITE CROCHET HOOK
I gave up my H/5.00mm much loved and used crochet hook! Not, my passion to crochet.
Dreaming like I always do about “crochet designs” – my thoughts turned to “designing in thread.”
Could I achieve that? I asked myself. Did I want to?
In researching thread “sizes” I gravitated to a No. 3, it didn’t seem so difficult a leap from No. 4 yarn.
In a craft store, perusing the yarn department. Looking at primarily baby soft yarns. I came across Patons Grace line of thread-like yarn. I took a hard look at the No. 3. Loving the colors and the texture, so soft. My designs floating around in my brain. Mind you this time my hubby is outside waiting for me in the car, LOL!
BUT, could I crochet this thread into something I would like? I bought a skein to find out. I put it to my test and practice, practice, practice!
The answer was YES, my hand easily accepted crocheting this No. 3 thread – I am pleased to report!
I fell in love with this thread for awhile. Using an D/3.25mm crochet hook, a little bit smaller hook than my H/5.00mm, but not so much as to cause concern.
My dreaming took me on a designing journey of Baptism Gowns, primarily to complement the Baptism Cross Blanket collection.
I design patterns in standard crochet stitches that we all know how to do. I didn’t stray too far away from my knowledge of stitches and technique, and put that No. 3 thread to work.
Three lovely crochet designs emerged. Two Baptism Gowns and a matching blanket. They are gorgeous and I am honored and so pleased with them.
Giving up my weight 4 yarn and H/5.00mm crochet hook has dramatically turned my crochet career in a different direction – designing and crocheting with thread!
I am loving it.
So, do your homework, check your stock first, go to the store(s) and start dreaming about your THREAD CHALLENGE.
Read next: DESIGNING CROCHET IN NO. 3 THREAD
DESIGNING CROCHET IN NO. 3 THREAD
Giving up my weight 4 yarn and H/5.00mm crochet hook dramatically turned my crochet career in a different direction – designing and crocheting with thread!
Dreaming in “crochet designs” – my thoughts turned to “designing in thread.” To do that I had to put away my yarns and larger hooks.
This dream took me on a designing journey resulting in the development of Baptism Gowns, primarily to complement my Baptism Cross Blanket collection.
Designing patterns in standard crochet stitches (that we all know how to do), I didn’t stray too far away from my knowledge of stitches and technique, and put that No. 3 thread to work.
I was still at my Mom’s home as caregiver and my Mom, Sister and I were watching (and crocheting) a favorite series on every Sunday. I layed out my latest “design idea” before her and said “what do you think?”
You don’t ask my mother anything without having your big-girl-panties on.
She says “I don’t get it.” Still crocheting away, no longer looking at my idea.
I’m bummed. Thinking to myself – “what does she mean, what’s not to get?”
So, I immediately go into overdrive and pick up the cloth I had laid everything out on. Arranging the pieces (slip stitching like crazy, one piece to the next piece to the next piece), and the gown started to take shape.
I pick up the cloth, sort of hold everything like an elegant gown for an infant getting baptized and turn back to her, a question on my face. “Do you get it now?”
Well, history shows, that was a YES, she saw my vision and a new Baptism Gown Collection was born.
I am very pleased to present the start of my Baptism Gown Collection to you, the designing process of these gowns delighted me and continue to push me with thread.
My crochet passion hasn’t dimmed a bit, I love learning crochet in all its forms and keeps me well entertained!
A Baptism Gown that I wanted to represent a mermaid style bottom, gathered together with a flower and leaves. The “corsage” can also go at the waist or not at all. The bottom of PRISCILLA BAPTISM GOWN is beautiful with or without it.
Designed using standard crochet stitches and pattern instruction, pictures and charts provided. Stitches include; ch, dc, FPsc, hdc, sc and treble stitches, also Picots, Popcorns and Shell stitches. All defined in the pattern.
My crochet patterns are professionally edited.
AURORA BAPTISM GOWN set is sure to become a worthy heirloom for whomever you crochet it for. The Bodice of Aurora’s Baptism Gown is a vintage inspired lacy “continuous” granny square. Continuous means you will be attaching each granny square as you complete them. The bottom of the gown has my personally designed lace edging.
AURORA’S MATCHING BLANKET compliments Aurora’s Baptism Gown in yarn and thread running through it. The combination brings a beautiful shimmer and lace effect to the finished blanket. Soft and luxerious. The border around this blanket is my own design.
My crochet patterns are professionally edited.
Read next: START WITH LACE
START WITH LACE
If you have a short attention span, get distracted by pressing matters ...
Crocheting Lace is the perfect project for you!
- MANY thousands of Crochet Lace patterns exist from easy to advanced skill level
- MANY Crochet Lace patterns are crocheted from the short-side, meaning they work up quick
- MANY Crochet Lace patterns can be done with any size thread and still show detail
- MANY Crochet Lace patterns are only a few rows
- MANY Crochet Lace pattern instructions are repeatitive, easily crocheted from memory
Maybe like me you love vintage heirloom designs or if maybe you want to just focus on trying out different thread sizes and hooks.
Whether you choose something simple in a block design or more advanced, remember to have fun, be inspired and remember frogging is our friend!
Start looking through your pattern books, stitch books (a stitch pattern could become lace), start collecting what inspires and excites you.
IF YOU HAVE READ TO THIS POINT ABOUT MY JOURNEY – “I THINK YOU ARE HOOKED AND ARE NOW ON YOUR OWN JOURNEY!”
THE THREAD CHALLENGE JOURNEY!
Read next: ABOUT THREAD and THEIR STEEL HOOKS
ABOUT THREAD and THEIR STEEL HOOKS
I have to give up yarn and my yarn crochet hooks?
- NO, of course not!
- Of course, YES!
WHAT? Do you really have to make such an adjustment to move to thread? Let me answer the “No” first, then I will address the “Yes”.
You can start with a thread that has a diameter that almost replicates yarn. I started with a No. 3 thread and a D/3.25mm yarn hook. Your hand will get used to the different texture of thread. Many projects like potholders, coasters or scrubbies may call for a No. 3 thread in the pattern. A great place to start.
BUT, is giving up your favorite crochet hook, like I gave up my H/5.00mm crochet hook so hard in order to make something delicate and gorgeous like vintage doilys and tablecloths?
By accepting the THREAD CHALLENGE we have to go all the way!
Take a little breather and continue your research; gathering materials, visiting local yarn shops or larger craft centers. Let drive and inspiration guide you.
MATERIAL NEEDED FOR SUCCESS
- THREAD WEIGHT SIZE of the material needed (most common 3, 5, 10, 20 and 30 going as high as 100)
- MATERIAL COMPOSITION (acrylic, nylon, cotton, silk or metallic)
- AMOUNT OF MATERIAL contained in the skein or ball (ounces and/or yards)
- CROCHET HOOK SIZE to be used (size and mm=millimeter)
- GAUGE to achieve using the material and recommended hook size
Well written patterns will include the above as it is specific to having the tools and enough material to complete the designers finished object.
You should also be familiar with what is on a Manufacturer’s fiber WRAPPER. Take Red Heart or Caron Simply Soft and wrapper information for example. If you are planning a project this information is critical in order to complete a design.
Be aware though that even the big guys are not including as much information on the wrapper as they used to. I guess there are many reasons for it.
FOR SUCCESS THREAD – CHOOSE HOOKS THAT ARE METAL/STEEL – RIGIDITY IS KEY AND IMPORTANT
STEEL HOOKS: Smaller the number of the hook is the LARGEST millimeter size. Hooks range from No. 1 to 14 and millimeters 2.35mm down to .50mm.
YARN “ALPHABET” HOOKS: The Alphabet Letters from B to P start smaller millimeter size to much larger. Hook B>P millimeter is 2.50mm to a whopping 12.00mm.
Generally, millimeters below 2.35mm will be in the STEEL hook range in sizes #1 (2.35mm) to #14 (.50mm).
I do not recommend that you choose wood, plastic or bamboo – they bend which will impact your thread progress. The rigidity of metal/steel hooks will work in your favor, I didn’t think this was true, but well IT IS!
Also, there are many “hook” making manufactures and there is likely to be slight size differences in actual millimeters.
STEPPING STONE PROJECTS and MATERIALS USED TO ACHIEVE THEM
A HEAVIER THREAD NO. 3
GRANNY SQUARES, POTHOLDERS, DISHCLOTHES, TABLEMATS, COASTERS, TOWELS, SCARVES, LACE TOPS, BABY DRESSES, CLOTHING ACCESSORIES, SHOPPING BAGS, BEDSPREADS try using a Thread Size No. 3 – The crochet thread thickness is similar to the size of a sport or fingering yarn. Size 3 is thicker than Size 5 adding more durability and as a first project makes it a good choice. The crochet hook size: D/3.25mm or E/3.50mm are not the smaller steel/metal hooks recommended on the finer threads but gives you an easier transition into the world of working with a more rigid material of thread over yarn is a good fit.
NOW GO SMALLER TO A NO. 5
SCARVES, LACE TOPS, BABY DRESSES, CLOTHING ACCESSORIES, GRANNY SQUARES try using a Thread Size No. 5 – The crochet thread thickness is smaller than a No. 3 moving you more in the direction of a lace-weight making material. The crochet steel hook size: 4/1.75mm or 0/1.75mm are recommended on this finer thread weight, still giving you the next transition into the world of working with an even finer thread. The choices out there for manufactures with great colors is great.
NOW GO EVEN SMALLER INTO THE WORLD OF LACE WITH A NO. 10
LACE EDGINGS, DOILIES, TABLECLOTHS, TABLE RUNNERS, HOLIDAY DECORATIONS, ORNAMENTS, WINDOW CURTAINS, WINDOW VALANCES, JEWELRY, FLOWER MOTIFS, BOOKMARKS try using a Thread Size No. 10 – A crochet thread of size 10 is thinner than most other threads. Size 10 crochet thread is an excellent choice with a size No. 7/1.65mm hook. When you have reached this level you have achieved my Mom’s Thread Challenge!
IF YOU HAVE PROGRESSED FROM YARN > NO. 3 THREAD > NO. 5 THREAD > NO. 10 THREAD AND THEIR RESPECTIVE HOOKS, YOU ARE HOOKED!
Your achievement to this level will open so many doors!
You will probably want to take a look at the favorite patterns you selected during the research phase for more complex designs; IRISH LACE and FILET LACE. What about Battenberg Lace, Tatting and Bobbin Lace. Trust me you will want to. The sky’s the limit!
SOME RESOURCES AND STANDARD GUIDELINES TO CHECK OUT FROM THE Craft Yarn Council:
https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards
https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/project-levels
https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/yarn-weight-system
https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/steel-crochet-hook-crochet-thread-sizes
https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/hooks-and-needles
Watch for the FILET CROCHET DESIGN JOURNEY - coming soon