The subject of ‘thread’ has frequently been asked. What thread should I use for what project? Thread is thread, right? Although, I’ve often encouraged my readers to utilize what they have and experiment, there are some ‘rules’ to go by when determining thread types with various tatted item.

1) What the item is and what final look you want to accomplish.
A) Doilies: You may want to use a thread size anywhere from #100 up to #3. Personally, I just have a rule that I use a size #10 for doilies.
B) Jewelry: You may want to follow the same guidelines as for doilies. I like to use a size #20 up to #10.
C) Edgings: Same as for doilies or jewelry. But, it helps to consider what you’re applying your trim to. For hankies, you can use a very small thread, but I wouldn’t go any larger than a size #10. For trimming a doll dress I wouldn’t go any larger than a size #20 thread; maybe even smaller-a #30.
D) Note Cards: For this, you’ll want to determine the size of the thread by the size of the note card. For an extraordinarily large card you can get away with something as large as a size #3 or even using cord or yarn. But, for an extremely small note card, you’d be best off to stick to something smaller than a size #10; most likely around a #80 to #30 thread. Of course, the size of thread you might choose should also be determined by what all you wish to put on your card; or, even, how full you want a flower to be.

2) How much space you have to work with.
A) For an item such as a bedspread or tablecloth, because the item is so large, you can use a larger size of thread or even a cord. Not to mention that the larger medium will also make tatting the project go a lot faster.
B) For an exquisitely small space, such as the small note card mentioned above, you must not only keep in mind the size of the finished project, but you must also consider what all you want to put in that space. If you want birds, butterflies, flowers, grass…well, it just can get to be too much. But, you can pull it off if you’re using a very small thread. Or, if you want to have a 3D flower, you can create that by using a larger thread for the flower and have lots of loops (petals) to give your flower life. Be sure to use a lot of colors to bring your cards to life.

By keeping these few guidelines in mind, before starting a project, you can create an outstanding piece of art that will show off your skills as an artistic tatter with a professional flair for giving your items dimension and making them stand out.