That question comes up a lot. With just about every pattern I do, I try to estimate how much thread I’ll need to wind on the shuttle, if I should use a ball or wind thread on a second shuttle. And if I’m using a needle or the hooks, there’s more questions: what size to use and how much thread to reserve for chains and such.
So, as I tat up these samples for Starfish Fiber, I’m getting
answers to the questions. Short answers: Use 2 shuttles and for size 10, I need
7 yards wound on each shuttle. If you look carefully, you can see where I had
to add thread…..to both shuttles! (awkward!!)
I’ll be tatting the pattern using size 80 next. I doubt I’ll
need 7 yards on either shuttle. Care to guess how much I will end up needing on
either shuttle?
And for those that are sitting on the edge of their chair, I
estimate by wrapping around my hand the number of times I’ll be tatting rings,
then adding a bit more for chains and then 18” or so for comfortable movement
of shuttle etc. Not scientific and when I’m doing a pattern repeatedly or for a
class, I make more exact notes. The devil is in the details.
How much thread to wind and how much time does it take to finish a project are questions I do not entertain 😁 To me, the exact thread length is tricky - besides individual tension, the brand, the number of picots, number of lock joins, and any unfortunate mistake can all consume thread in varying degrees and upset the apple cart. Love the star!
ReplyDeleteIt occurred to me that for someone who wants to sell their lace, both the amount of thread and the time involved would play a major part in arriving at the price.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that's what sparks many of the questions I receive on this. Cottage industries are alive and well in my area.
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