I use a floss threader to string beads when the crochet hook method doesn't work. They can be found at the drugstore with the dental supplies. Floss threaders have a stiffened end at the tip, and the loop part is very flexible and fits through small beads. I've just discovered that there is a way it can be used to add beads to a picot as well.
Then your beads are on the picot, and a paper clip or safety pin can hold them on until you are ready to join to that picot.
38 comments:
That was a great pictorial. I feel confident I could repeat that after looking at it. Very well done. I'm wondering...couldn't the helper thread just stay there to keep the beads on, also. I think I saw Sheron or someon on HBT say something about threads as a sub for safety pins and paperclips...just wondering.
Thanks, Tattingchic, and you're right, the thread could stay there. I'd tie a knot in it, then carefully cut it when I wanted to remove it...on second thought, maybe I'd just stick with the paper clip, LOL! Everyone has their own favorite "tricks".
You can even add the beads to the picot before you make the picot which makes life (IMHO) a heck of a lot easier!! Just add them to the thread before making the first half of the following ds. I've got some instructions somewhere on my pattern site for that!! Sorry if I'm teaching an 'old dog new tricks'!!!
Lazy Jane!!!
I actually split open the stuck together end of one of the dental floss thingies and set is aside to use as the "helper" thread.
Ahhhhh Marilee, Another fine use for my floss theader - besides hiding ends. And if the helper thread is a different color, it could work as a place marker with an easy to open knot. I find that the paper clip leave a nice size loop in the picot. And, quite without realizing it - I've been loading the thread and making that as the picot - as Jane described. LOL
Sometimes we do have "happy accidents"
X BJ
Jane, you have so many great tricks! I really need to spend more time studying your site.
Donna, that is another great idea. Thanks for sharing.
BJ, you are way ahead with your clever innovations!
Nicely Done Marilee. This is how I add beads to picots too, especially when there are too many to add on the crochet hook. Happy Tatting!
Thank you for the great pictorial. I have been using a helper thread when loading beads on the thread before starting a project. Never occurred to do tat for picots. Now that I seen the light, :-) I can start on Jane's TIAS.
Thanks for the pictorial Marilee it makes it very easy to understand and takes away the fear of tatting with beads.
What a great tip! And so nicely illustrated - even an old dog like me could learn this trick!
I knew I should have bought those floss threaders when I saw them today... Thanks for the pictorial!
Thank you all! It was just one of those "Hey! It works!" moments, and I was excited to share it.
Carol, you are way ahead, as usual.
Jon, I'm glad you found it helpful. BTW I tatted a snowflake from your new book. It is such a beautiful book, and has got me inspired to work on my own book.
Clyde and Sandra, glad you found the pictures helpful. Beads can be really fun.
I've never used the floss threader trick before, but I will now. Especially with the helper thread you have added. This is wonderfully explained and will be very helpful.
Very nicely done! I've saved the whole post into my "Techniques" file -- because I've got a memory like a sieve.
Thank you Diane, Tattycat, and Marty. I'll probably keep using the crochet hook most of the time, but it's good to have options for when one way doesn't work.
Having a "techniques file" sounds like a great idea!
I just recently discovered these handy dandy things myself. They are dead useful!
This is really interesting - a whole art form I hadn't really thought about before. But very cool in it's own right. I do a lot of surfing for inspiration for my photography - thanks for posting!
Yes, floss threaders are indeed "dead useful":-) I totally agree, LadyShuttleMaker.
Paul, thank you for visiting my blog. All tatters will appreciate your reference to tatting as an "art form"! Yes, it is! I checked out your nature photos - they are awesome!
Brilliant post,so well illustrated, great idea.
Would you believe that we don't have those floss threaders in Ireland. Thank goodness both my Secret Santas sent me some, so they are great things to send overseas.
Thank you, Pamela. That's good you mentioned that floss threaders are a nice item to send to tatting friends, since they can be hard to find.
Floss threaders are available in different colors and sizes on the DS9designs.com site...check it out.
Debbie has a 'rule of thumb' for which size floss threaders to use with different sized beads. Very helpful...Her's are made from diff. test weights of fishing line (the same way Shuttlebrothers do it)
Great pictorial..I'll tell my daughter to look at it; in addition to Jane's site...she's just beginning the beading with her tatting.
Ridgetatter, thanks for the info - that's a great site. I have one of her tatting bags and just love it!
I use metal string used for beading. Just cut few inches then fold in half and no floss thing or helping thread is necessary. I bought a roll of this metal string for $2 at walmart and for my tatting needs it's gonna last me lifetime.
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