Twisted Thread

[honestgraft.livejournal.com]

Hey all,

I am teaching myself how to shuttle tat using online guides & books. I bought the Big Book of Tatting yesterday & can't wait to get going on some of the patterns. Yet, in the form of a true newbie, I need your help! After I do a row of 3-5 double stitches, my thread begins to twist! Is this normal? Am I stitching too tightly? I've checked to make sure all of the stitches slide & I've been extremely attentive to 'flipping' the shuttle thread to the hand thread. Help!

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/_diane/]

I get twisted thread sometimes, too. Just let your shuttle dangle and the thread will untwist itself.

As to the actual reason for the twisting thread, it could be that you're using low-quality thread that doesn't hold its twist well, or you could be turning the shuttle every time you make a stitch. I used to do that, and had to get used to keeping the shuttle facing the same way the whole time.

[honestgraft.livejournal.com]

Turning the shuttle! I think you nailed it! Man, it's so easy to flip the thread when you're not paying attention. Of course, I am admittedly using low-quality (as in $1.77) thread. :x

Thanks for your help!

[jcortese.livejournal.com]

There's also a possibility that you twist the thread once per wind when you load the shuttle. It's to be expected. Just let it dangle periodically and untwist itself, and you'll be fine.

[honestgraft.livejournal.com]

I hadn't even thought of that! Thanks for your help!