Thread crochet patterns are beautiful. Even the simplest of patterns look ethereal. Thread crochet uses the exact same skills as crocheting with yarn. The yarn is thinner, and the hooks are a little smaller, but, it’s the same process. You can easily learn and practice thread crochet with any of the basic patterns available online or design one yourself. All types of crochet work use the same basic crochet stitches, so make sure you have plenty of practice with the common stitches on normal yarn before starting with the delicate thread.
Thread Crochet Tips
Before you begin, let’s look at some helpful tips that make it easy to work with thread.
#1 Keep in mind, smaller is bigger when it comes to crochet thread.
Forget the Thread yarn is labeled with a number, which refers to the thickness of the thread. The rule of thumb is smaller the number, the thicker the thread; and bigger the number, thinner is the thread. For example, a 3 is bigger than a 20. Start with a size 3 or 5 and save the size 20 and 30 thread for when your skills have improved and you’ve had some practice.
Likewise the thread; smaller is bigger with steel crochet hooks too. It can be confusing at first but then thread crochet is specialty crocheting with even special hooks. Many manufacturers mention the metric size for more clarity. Thread crochet hook sizes range from 0.50mm to 1.75 mm. In general, you should start with the hook that is mentioned in the crochet pattern that you're following. Thread crochet can also be done on 2mm & 3mm size hooks but you need to adjust, based on your gauge and comfort level.
#2 Work with Smooth Crochet hooks
It is always recommended to work with what is called "steel crochet hooks" for thread yarn. They are designed specifically for the unique nature of working with thread. You may find that the head of the crochet hook differs from what you're used to so this may take some adjusting. If you're having a hard time, play around with this hook head type using bigger hooks and yarn to get used to it.
#3 Choose the right crochet hook handle.
One of the biggest reasons that people find thread crochet more difficult than yarn crochet is because they're working with much thinner hooks. That's an easy problem to solve. Simply choose a hook that's got a bigger handle.
#4 Buy crochet thread, not sewing or embroidery thread.
Technically you can crochet with anything that even remotely resembles thread or yarn but make life easy on yourself by purchasing the kind of thread that is specifically intended for crochet.
#5 Work your yarn overs close to the crochet hook head.
Make sure to work on the hook above the part of the hook that starts to get wider. If not, then your loops will be too loose in your work.
Wind the thread around your non-working hand to better control your tension. Whether or not you already do this when crocheting with yarn, you'll find that it's really helpful when crocheting with thread. In general, you will crochet tighter with thread than you do with yarn. Be sure to not crochet so tightly that you hurt your hands or that you can't easily work into the loop - just crochet a little more tightly than usual.
You want to work in good light so that your eyes don't have to strain. Work with lighter coloured thread, at first, for the same reason. Try this work when you're refreshed, energized and ready to learn something new - not when you're tired!
#6 Block all your projects.
Thread crochet patterns require blocking. The stitches bloom after a proper spray blocking or steam blocking. You must block thread crochet projects. If you don’t like to block, you can still do thread crochet projects, if you choose wisely. Crochet jewelry is one example of an item that you may not need to block.
#7 Find the fun in it.
Crochet has its challenging moments, but it is fun. Be patient and gentle with yourself and notice the things that are pleasurable about this new work.
Choose a beginner's crochet pattern to start. There are some suggestions at the end of this post. Better yet, work a really simple crochet swatch using basic stitches just to get the hang of the work without the pressure of following a pattern.
You can make almost any item that you want using thread crochet, but there are some projects that are especially popular when working with thread. Examples include: Wedding/Bridal Crochet, classic crochet doily, jewelry, vintage collar added to any dress are the best uses of thread crochet.
One of the most important things to remember when working on thread crochet is to have patience. Each crocheter is different, as is every project. The idea is to enjoy your craft and have fun with crochet.
