Choosing thread / yarn for a lace edging

In this week’s Bit-size Tutorial, I will touch on some things to think about when choosing thread / yarn for a lace edging.

For simplicity, I am going to just use the term Thread throughout this discussion, but feel free to substitute the term Yarn if you prefer.

General characteristics

• a smooth thread is usually preferred to show crisp definition of the lace fabric texture
• a firmly twisted thread holds up better to the wear and tear of handling that edges are apt to get

Thread weight

• the thread is usually relatively fine to give the lace a dainty look and feel (but don’t limit yourself in trying thicker threads, too)
• match the relative weight of the lace edging fabric to the weight of the article to which it will be attached
• does it look balanced?
• does it feel balanced?

Type of fiber

• use a thread that is made of fiber that is similar to the article which is to be edged or embellished; e.g. cellulosic (plant) vs. protein (animal)
• similar elasticity
• consider use of the item; e.g. if it will need to be washed/cleaned, then thread chosen should have same care instructions as article to which it will be attached

It’s likely that none of these points so far are a surprise to you, but rather it can just be a reminder and convenient checklist. Here is one that might be less obvious …

In fine lace, thread size is less a determinant of gauge than needle size is.

In the above picture, the exact same thread was used (a vintage size 30 Clarks 3-cord mercerized cotton crochet thread from my Grandmother’s stash), same pattern stitch, same number of row repeats, and same knitter (me). The same brand of needles was used and the needles were made of the same type material. The only variable was the size of the needles. The edging sample that resulted smaller was done on size 2 mm needles (US 0); the larger on size 3 mm needles (which are between US size 2 and 3).

Both lace edging samples are attractive, but if I were to have tried only one needle size, I might have dismissed using the thread for one of my projects. Thus, the choice of a thread can go hand in hand with what knitting needles are to be used. This leads into next week’s Bit-Size Tutorial on Knitting Needles.

p.s. The lace edging pattern pictured above is different than the one you have done for the baby socks. Please don’t be confused by that. We’ll get back to this and other more involved lace edgings over the next months.