Crochet Thread
From LoveToKnow Crafts
Crochet thread is responsible for some of the most beautiful, intricate lacework ever made. It is said to have begun in convents and it had its strongest upsurge in the Great Irish Famine of 1846, where its sales helped alleviate poverty woes.
Traditional Uses of Crochet Thread
Thread crochet has traditionally been used for doilies, tablecloths, curtains, bedspreads, chair sets, hats, bags, edgings, lacy frilly babywear and womenswear. Those who prefer thread to yarn crocheting are affectionately called "Threadies." Thread crochet is special because it's all handmade and cannot be reproduced by any machine.
Pineapples are still a common design for thread crochet today; they are said to suit both Colonial and modern decor.
Irish Crochet
Irish crochet dates back to 1743, when the Dublin Society gave prizes for the best crochet. It is very feminine, mixing chain trellisses with three-dimensional flowers crocheted in-the-round as a common theme.
Filet Crochet
Filet crochet has a high-class elegant look to it but is fairly easy to create. A mesh is created with double crochets and chains for the spaces. A chart much like a cross-stitch chart is used rather than a pattern. If the pattern is not symmetrical, make sure you remember if you are going left or right on the chart when you turn your work over.
It is time consuming, but you get a real sense of accomplishement when you have crocheted a tablecloth or even a doily using crochet thread. Steel hooks are most commonly used with cotton thread. Make sure you use the correct hook and thread size when following a pattern. If you are used to yarn, you may have developed a long stroke with your hook, which will have to be shortened as the sized shaft of steel thread hooks is much shorter. If you use the "knife" method of holding your hook, it may be worth trying the "pencil" method for thread crochet.
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Comments
Lynn- thread can take some getting used to, that's for sure! My advice would be simply to work the doily with a low number thread (the lower the #, the thicker it is) and a low number steel crochet hook (once again, the lower the #, the bigger the needle) Your fingers will find it easier to get used to the thread that way and you can work your way into the thread and hook called for in the pattern.
-- Contributed by: JenI have a question my Mother-Law would like for me to make this 1914 Oval Doily. The only thing is I've never used thread before only made things with yarn. And I'm not sure I know what I'm doing when it comes right down to it. Can anyone help me out. Please Help. Lynn
-- Contributed by: Lynn Parker
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