Thread Beginner Tips?

[xantha]

In December I picked up some #10 thread, steel hooks (1,3,7,10) and a <a href="http://www.leisurearts.com/crafts_needlework/item_detail.asp?item_num=3647" target="_new">Leisure Arts snowflake pamphlet</a> and tried to work on a very simple snowflake, but I had an awful time keeping tension and even making stitches at all ! I couldn't pull loops off of the hook! <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/eyes.gif" />

I really want to try again, but I was curious if any of you had any suggestions for what helped you out when you started. [maybe I am just a freak and can't handle the teeny tiny itty bitty hooks. <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/frown.gif" /> ]

Thanks! <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif" />

-j

[xantha]

following up to myself...

I figured that since I really like Donna's <a href="http://www.crochetme.com/Feb_Mar_2005/patt_book_thong.html" target="_new">book thong on crochetme</a>, that I would try it out and see if I could make it go.

I started out with a 3 hook because I always crochet so tightly in general. After a while of strugging with the initial chain (I hate long chains as it is!) I decided I would see if the 7 hook actually helped.

For someone who is a notorious tight crocheter, this is unheard of, going down a hook size!

But it worked! My chain was not pretty, it was horribly inconsistent and I can only imagine that with practice it gets better (like everything else). I changed the pattern a little because I wanted to use heavier beads (hope Donna doesn't mind <img border=0 src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/lildevil.gif" />) and I hdc'd down the length of it.

It is nowhere near perfect, but I am so happy to finally have finished a thread project that I don't care!! <img border=0 src="http://img28.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/veryhappy.gif" />

Still interested in tips! You guys all motivate me with your wonderful FOs!

Here's the book thong (thanks for the pattern, Donna! <img border=0 src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/heartpump.gif" />):
<img border=0 height="375" src="http://www.xantha.org/gallery/albums/craft/DSC_1029.sized.jpg" />

-j

[Julie]

That looks very good!! :clap

The only thing I can think of to suggest is to practice making squares. If you're not used to using thread, getting used to those teeny hooks is a big help. I made small squares, 2x2 inches or so, of a few different stitches... sc, hdc, dc. Boring as could be, but by the time I was done I was comfortable with the smaller hooks and thread.

[xantha]

Julie, I thanked you for your wonderful idea, but ezboard lost it or something when it went down. <img border=0 src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/grrr.gif" />

Anyway, I am working on little tiny thread squares and it really is helping me work on my gauge (except now I'm back to the crocheting too tightly problem, doh)! So thank you so much! <img border=0 src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/not.gif" />

-j

[Julie]

Keep plugging away, they'll even up I'll bet. :)) I have the same problem with crocheting too tightly, and though I'm really comfortable with the size 7 hook, I went up to a 5 for most of my stuff to keep the gauge correct. I don't worry so much for snowflakes if they are a little too small, but it was too depressing to work on a 9 inch doily and have it come out to be 7 inches. :cry

[viviskins]

:grrrr can't see the pic But I congratulate you! Keep on hooking girl!:cheer2

[xantha]

my web server is down for the next hour or so; we're having hardware issues. Should be back shortly. Thanks! <img border=0 src="http://img28.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/veryhappy.gif" />

[Tampa Doll]

Here's an idea that might help with the tension.

fish the thread through a ring you do not wear, then put then ring on you left hand. (If you hold your thread in the left, if not put on other hand)

This can help with your tension somewhat. If you crochet tight, wear a lose ring. If you are finding you crochet lose, put on a tighter ring. This helps until you get use to working with thread .

:sun :sun :sun

[Donna]

Jess, your book thong looks great! :clap No, I don't mind at all that you changed the pattern! Thank you for the compliment! :heart

As far as tension, I'll agree with Julie that the best thing to do is practice. It takes a while to get used to. As a general rule, thread crochet requires a tighter tension than yarn crochet to control your stitches. Mary Jo's ring idea sounds great!