- Don't be afraid! I know the hook and thread seem impossibly small, but give it a chance.
- All projects look messy and are hard to hold/work during the first few rows or rounds. Keep going and it will come together.
- Always work in good light and when you're not tired.
- Many patterns for yarn can be adapted to thread, and doilies are always in fashion.
- Take the time to use an invisible join instead of a slip stitch to join rounds.
- Use standing stitches to start rows/rounds instead of starting chains.
- Learn the join-as-you-go technique for motifs and grannies.
- Weave in ends as you go.
- If your hook is too thin to hold comfortably try wrapping the end with scrap yarn for an easy custom handle.
- Blocking and stiffening your finished project are worth the time.
I hope that you find my tips useful. I think the most important one is to not be intimidated or afraid of working with thread. I was quite new to crochet when I first gave it a try. My early attempts felt awkward and looked a wreck, but something about the delicate fabric captivated me and I was determined. Once I relaxed and allowed the beginning rounds to look a mess my doily started to take shape and I was hooked. One of my favorite parts of making doilies is the variety of stitches. Every round offers different combinations of stitches creating amazing patterns right before your eyes!
This week I've been working hard making bookmarks. I'm having a great time with all the different colors. In fact it's almost hard to choose! I've been trying different granny square patterns and combining then with the beautiful borders from Around the Corner to make some very lovely designs (if I do say so myself!)
If you've been hesitant to try it, or think that you could never manage it I really encourage you to give thread crochet a try. I know it's not for everyone, but you'll never know if don't give it shot! And anyway, what's the worst that can happen?? Another project in the WIP pile? No problem we all have plenty of those!
I'm not sure how it happens, but the holidays are here (again) and I find myself behind on projects (again!). Instead of getting down on myself, I'm just going to focus my energies a bit more on crocheting and a bit less on blogging. I like to get three posts out per week. However for the next 6 weeks or so I need to make sure that I'm not stretching myself too thin creating unnecessary pressure. So I'll me paring back to only one or two posts each week. After all, I do this for fun and the last thing that I want is for it to become a chore!! I want the posts that I share with you to be exciting and interesting - not just dribble for the sake of publishing something. I know you understand, and just think of the great projects I'll have to share with you!!
Even though I'm a day late I'll still be linking up with these amazing blogs to share my thread tips. I hope that you'll pop in for a visit and share what you've been working on!
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!











