Thread Tips for the Christmas in July project

The Christmas in July project for Bits of Lace 2012 takes approximately 12 yards of fine thread in your choice of color. Here are 2 quick tips I hope will inspire you to experiment with  threads and colors you might not have tried before.

"Antique" Satin and Lace Ornament

The thread I used in the photo is a 35/2 unbleached linen thread. (I’ll be talking about what the numbers like 35/2 mean in a later bit-sized tutorials.) Although size 20 crochet thread and size 8 pearl cotton as I mentioned in the Christmas in July – Shopping List post are a bit thicker than 35/2 linen thread, they are commonly available and will provide good results.

Thread Tip 1: In fine lace, thread size is less a determinant of gauge than needle size is.

You already encountered this adage in the “Choosing thread” bit-size tutorial a few months ago if you’ve been following along, but now is a perfect project on which to see it in action.

Just be sure that a single strand of your thread can pass through the holes in your beads.

For example, I am currently working this project with DMC size 8 perle cotton in color Ecru and size 11/0 Miyuki beads in color Pearl Ceylon. It is looking great, don’t you think?

Thread Tip 2: Use tea dyeing for an “antique” look.

For an “antique” look, you can use an unbleached linen or cotton. Never fear, though, if your local shop or stash-diving doesn’t come up with any. You can fake it by dyeing a white thread in strong tea beforehand.