One of my latest purchases it is a gold metallic thread that friends suggested as a good quality and feasible for tatting.
It is Finca light gold (Hilo Metalizado, 1000mts, Presencia Hilaturas), double strand, 35% Polyester and 65% Viscose, about the same composition of a dmc gold metallic 282 that it is a 3 strands twisted together - on my spool it's reported 65% Rayon, 35% Polyester. As far as I understood, rayon and viscose are both synthetic fibres, quite the same fibre then, the difference it is in the processing technique.Of course the size is different: while dmc 282 is like a size 70, this Finca is like a size 80 or even less. Moreover, it looks "less gold" than the dmc and it breaks easily.
So I screened out the possibility of tatting with one strand only.
I started some tests:
(1) one strand and the cotton Special Dentelles yellow colour n.744 size 80 (that together are like a single size 50),
(2) one strand and a 100% Polyester white sewing thread,
(3) two strands,
(4) two strands and a 100% Rayon gold thread Miyuki used for beading
#####################
··: = three beads 'up' (on the picot) one bead 'down' (on the shuttle thread)
Start with a ring of 8 ds, I use this ring to attach the lobster clasp hook.
SR (string 4 beads in the loop): 6 ··: 6 / 6 ··: 6 close
Make as many split rings as required for your wrist.
Finish with a normal ring, 12 ds, in which I usually hide both ends, as I learned this method by Miranda: http://tattingfool.blogspot.it/2011/07/finishing-with-sssr.html
#####################
Only my opinion, but I like how the (1) turned out, the cotton adds strength and the metallic broke only once in the bracelet length. In a second bracelet, it never broke that means that also the tatter needed exercise!
Conclusion: pretty good for tatting to add a sparkle, far cheaper than dmc, not as gold though... but I've bought 1000 meters, I better use it!
Ciao,
Ninetta
Thank you for sharing the bracelet pattern. Since hurting my hand earlier this year, I have not been able to tat. Soon I will be trying to get back and this project sounds and looks really nice.
ReplyDeleteYou're so welcome Gracie, hope you and your dh feel well soon!
DeleteGlad you found the right way to use the thread. Nice to add some sparkle!
ReplyDelete:-) just in time for xmas!
DeleteInteresting post, I enjoyed reading about the threads, will have to see if I can buy some, it is nice to add sparkle where possible.
ReplyDeleteMargaret
Thank you Margaret.
DeleteVery pretty!!! I like the "soft" gold look!! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Sue, I like how you called it soft gold! :-)
DeleteAll of your metallic thread 'experiments' are lovely. Each one looks a little different, but they all are pretty and have such a nice sparkle.
ReplyDeleteTy Stephanie, I'm glad you like them. Photos aren't good enough but they give an idea of differences.
DeleteGood way to test and document your results but that's a lot of thread. Will be watching for your sparkly tatting.
ReplyDelete:-) you're right Bernice! I solved in part, dividing the spool with friends, but I've still got 400 meters!
Delete