What kind of yarn to use doing Filet??

[donnalynn2]

I really love this shawl and am thinking about making it. I'm wondering (since Lustersheen is all but impossible to find in town) what other yarns I can use with Filet. Could I use Simply Soft? I know my gauge would be off but would the end result still show the rose? Any ideas or suggestions on "normal easy to find yarn" that I could use for this Shawl would be appreciated.

 

THANKS!

[natalie058]

I might try it in a mercerized cotton - would make the stitches crisp and show the filet work nicely.

 

ETA: I think any kind/brand of mercerized cotton would be good, thread or yarn, etc. It's the fiber that gives it the look.

[badrhinogillett]

I did a filet afghan in wool Ease. It came out beautiful.

[natalie058]

I did a filet afghan in wool Ease. It came out beautiful.

 

May I ask which color? I made my bf's mom a 'ghan last Christmas out of Woll-Ease in the Grey Heather color, and it's pilled horribly. I love the way it feels and works up but the pills are nasty!

 

ETA: The reason I comment is not to downplay your suggestion; next time I'd just like to stitck to the colors that have less of a tendency to pill.

[badrhinogillett]

I dont' remember the exact name of the color... but it's the white one with the iridecent thread running through it. Here is the afghan:

 

 

[donnalynn2]

Hmmm, I actually started this with Aunt Lydia's Cotton Size 3 (since I cannot possibly work with size 10 or smaller for something that large) and it doesn't appear to be turning out too well. My gauge is a little big and I'm already using an F hook. Plus, I don't like the way it feels against my skin. Maybe I should just keep going? (This is my first time doing filet so I'm not sure how many rows to do before deciding to ditch and start over!)

[natalie058]

Well, if you don't like the way it's feeling now, I'd stop, swatch, wash, see if it;s better, and if not, find something else. You don't want to put all that work into something uncomfortable.

 

Maybe a looser spun yarn, something like Classic Elite Flash or Berrocco Cotton Twist? Those are two that my LYS carries that I'm pretty sure are less than $5/hank, plus they're gorgeous. Tons of colors. Waaay soft.

[Katchkan]

Donna, Just a hint, I know you crochet loose. For filet to look good it needs to be a tight or firm stitch. What ever Thread or yarn you decide to use, drop down a couple hook sizes till your stitches are tighter. That is what is going to make your piece look good. Good Luck

[donnalynn2]

Donna, Just a hint, I know you crochet loose. For filet to look good it needs to be a tight or firm stitch. What ever Thread or yarn you decide to use, drop down a couple hook sizes till your stitches are tighter. That is what is going to make your piece look good. Good Luck

 

Yep, I am a loose crocheter... Thanks... Maybe I'll try that and heck, maybe this will feel better if it's crocheted tighter... I may try with a size 0 hook for this one. THANKS!

[buggaboosmommy]

I'm trying to remember..but I think Elizabeth (threeolive) made that shawl last year. I don't remember the yarn, but I do remember it was stunning!!

Can't wait to see your photos!

Donna

[natalie058]

I'm trying to remember..but I think Elizabeth (threeolive) made that shawl last year. I don't remember the yarn, but I do remember it was stunning!!

 

Can't wait to see your photos!

Donna

 

Come to think of it, I think Julie did also... In red, if I'm not mistaken? At any rate, it was lovely...

[buggaboosmommy]

Maybe it was Julie that I'm thinking of..either way, someone in here has made that shawl and when she did..it was amazing!!

Donna

[mythunderbird]

that shawl is awesome, i think it would look good in a mango colored thread. or what about rose colored? i need to make myself one of those. thanks for reminding me:hug

[donnalynn2]

Ok, well I made the shawl. My gauge was correct and I did everything right except that you really have to struggle to actually see the "rose" filet part of it. I am wondering if it's because I used SS? (I will post a pic tonite). I really wanted to wear this next weekend (after several failed attempts at other shawls) and I want it in red.

 

The only place that carries Lustersheen is HL and they only carry a few colors (red isn't one of them) so I'd rather use something else. I'm stumped though. I want a rich red color and something that's not thread as I don't like the way it feels and I'm too slow with it...

 

Any ideas why the stitching is hard to see? I triple checked my gauge and it was right on...

[Hounddog]

Ok, well I made the shawl. My gauge was correct and I did everything right except that you really have to struggle to actually see the "rose" filet part of it. I am wondering if it's because I used SS? (I will post a pic tonite). I really wanted to wear this next weekend (after several failed attempts at other shawls) and I want it in red.

 

The only place that carries Lustersheen is HL and they only carry a few colors (red isn't one of them) so I'd rather use something else. I'm stumped though. I want a rich red color and something that's not thread as I don't like the way it feels and I'm too slow with it...

 

Any ideas why the stitching is hard to see? I triple checked my gauge and it was right on...

Donna there is a site yourartsandcrafts.com/redheartyarn-3.html they have a warm red lustersheen 4.99 for 335 yds. you can buy online. Just a thought since you wanted a pretty red.

[Carol]

Have you considered Paton's Grace? It's cotton, has a wonderful sheen, is easy to work with and would show off the pattern, I bet.

 

I used it for a summer shawl last year, and I really love it.