Working with Thread
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve shown another crocheter something I’ve made and they told me that they couldn’t possibly do anything like that. Are you one of those crocheters who lack the confidence to try something new? Are you afraid you’ll fail at making some of those beautiful pieces of crochet jewelry that you’ve seen online or in pattern books? What if I told you that it’s a lot easier than you probably think and I’m going to share some of my secrets with you.
Quite often it’s the fear of failure that keeps people from trying something new. I’ve met some of those crocheters; who lack the confidence that allows them to even start something that they feel is way above their skill level. In fact, I’ve shown a friend that it was only her fear that had kept her from giving thread crochet a try.
Whether you want to learn something new or are a teacher with a student who lacks the confidence to try something new, here’s some of my secrets to help students take that step into the so-called unknown.
1. Don’t make it difficult just because you think it looks difficult. If you understand pattern reading and know the stitches the pattern calls for, there’s no reason you can’t make the jewelry that you want. By telling yourself that it’s difficult, you are setting yourself up to fail.
2. If thread really scares you, work the pattern in a worsted weight yarn with an appropriate sized hook; such as a G, H, or I.
3. With having already recreating the pattern in yarn (which you are familiar with), the only thing that’s new to you is that you’re working with something smaller. Give it a try.
4a. Another choice is to use a pattern that you’re familiar with…something that you’ve crocheted two or more times; like a favorite doily. Work it in thread. You’re already comfortable with the pattern, so the only thing new is that you’re using thread instead of yarn and a steel hook instead of aluminum.
4b. Still not sure? Ok, try wearing reading glasses. This will make your hook and thread look larger so you’re back in your comfort zone. By the time you finish your doily, coaster, runner or whatever you’ve chosen to crochet, you should be ready to remove the specs and continue on your own. Then, go back to step 4a. By the time you’re through with that you’re well on your way to being a ‘threadie’. Either that, or you’ll have decided that thread is just not your genre.
Whichever way it turns out; I wish you happy crocheting.
Quite often it’s the fear of failure that keeps people from trying something new. I’ve met some of those crocheters; who lack the confidence that allows them to even start something that they feel is way above their skill level. In fact, I’ve shown a friend that it was only her fear that had kept her from giving thread crochet a try.
Whether you want to learn something new or are a teacher with a student who lacks the confidence to try something new, here’s some of my secrets to help students take that step into the so-called unknown.
1. Don’t make it difficult just because you think it looks difficult. If you understand pattern reading and know the stitches the pattern calls for, there’s no reason you can’t make the jewelry that you want. By telling yourself that it’s difficult, you are setting yourself up to fail.
2. If thread really scares you, work the pattern in a worsted weight yarn with an appropriate sized hook; such as a G, H, or I.
3. With having already recreating the pattern in yarn (which you are familiar with), the only thing that’s new to you is that you’re working with something smaller. Give it a try.
4a. Another choice is to use a pattern that you’re familiar with…something that you’ve crocheted two or more times; like a favorite doily. Work it in thread. You’re already comfortable with the pattern, so the only thing new is that you’re using thread instead of yarn and a steel hook instead of aluminum.
4b. Still not sure? Ok, try wearing reading glasses. This will make your hook and thread look larger so you’re back in your comfort zone. By the time you finish your doily, coaster, runner or whatever you’ve chosen to crochet, you should be ready to remove the specs and continue on your own. Then, go back to step 4a. By the time you’re through with that you’re well on your way to being a ‘threadie’. Either that, or you’ll have decided that thread is just not your genre.
Whichever way it turns out; I wish you happy crocheting.
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