Tips on Working with Crochet Thread

Thread has been the most classic of the materials for use with crocheting techniques. You can do much more than doilies, but stunning bedspreads, vintage clothing, classy lace gloves, and even doll clothing. But one thing these projects all have in common is working with a very thin 'yarn' to achieve your purpose. Crochet thread can be a challenge at any age, but here are some things you can do to make the experience more successful.

One of the major problems in dealing with such a small scale is that your hook is tiny, and you are pulling at minute fibers. But don't forego making that perfect project just because your tension is off; there are a few things you can do to work consistently.

Firstly, don't pull on the thread when you are going through a loop. You should exert just enough pressure to carry it through, but don't pull up the stitches below or you will find that they are stretched out somewhat permanently when you are done. Secondly, you need to observe your work after each row or round to be sure of consistency. Are your stitches too big? If so, try working closely to the hook. If you run your loops too high on the hook, you will get stitches that are too big; remember that the size of the barrel of your hook is meant to help you keep your stitches accurately the same size so use this as a guide. Are your stitches too tight? This can mean you are attempting to make your stitch too close to the end of the hook, or your finger tension is too strong. Try correcting each of these in turn to discover the problem. And what if your stitches are different heights? This is also a tension problem. You need to really pay attention to how much tension your finger should allow and how much pressure to exert for each yarn over.

Unlike yarn, crochet thread is hard to pull out and work with again after making mistakes. We've all frogged a project due to poorly written directions, but you need to be more precise when you work with crochet thread. It is so easy to drop a stitch anywhere in the row and never know until you see that small gap in your finished piece. When you are working in the round this can be more forgiving, however. The biggest problem with pulling apart your stitches is unraveling the thread into 'crimped' pieces. This makes it very difficult to again create stitches, as the crimped portion will not hang around your small hook very well. If you have to take a project out, be sure to wet the thread a little with just some water and pull on it gently; this will make it straighter when it dries.

Because crochet thread can produce heirloom quality projects, you need to take your time on them to assure this advantage. If you are used to working very quickly with larger hooks you will find crochet thread a nightmare. But if you approach it, well-knowing that it will take more time than usual, you will be better prepared for the process. Careful attention to detail is needed to prevent from dropping stitches and keep your work consistent-so give it.