After a lot of frog stitch [xx(] I finally finished my cab for the challenge & started doing tubular herringbone to hang it from. After about 3 inches I'm finding it very stiff & it won't have the drape I'm looking for. It's the first time I've tried herringbone (I think I'm doing it right) & I'm using delica's with fireline. Is tubular herringbone suppose to be really stiff? Would flat herringbone work any better?
Thanks
ps
frog stitch doesn't always work with wire crochet. [censored]

I'm working on tubular herringbone right now. I'm using 11's and nymo D--it isn't stiff--very pliable. I haven't tried it with delicas-is fireline like fishing line? If so, maybe it is the fireline that is making it stiff. Let us know the outcome. Good luck.
margaret

The delicas are the culprit here Diane.

Edited to suggest that maybe you can do alternating sections using the delicas and czech 11/0's.

Hi Endearah, I was wondering is delicas would work--wonderful color choices.
Margaret

Thank-you both for your very helpful replies. [:)]

Margaret, fireline is a type of fishing line. I use it a lot instead of nymo because it doesn't cut as easy or fray.

Endearah, I'll have to try the 11's on another project. I don't have the right colours for this one. I never thought of it being the delicas.

Back to the drawing board again for this project.
Thanks again

You probably could loosen up the tension slightly without it looking sleazy (that's a valid weaving term, not an insult!!) Another thing to try is to add a size 15 seed or a size 13 charlotte in the middle of each stitch (so add 1 delica, 1 charlotte, 1 delica and then ignore the charlottes). If you are like me, and bead tightly by default, this will result in a looser and drapier rope.

Charlene in St Louis
http://www.buythekit.com/24/charlenea.html

I would also agree it is the delicas. Since they are cut straight across and cylindrical instead of rounded like czech beads they are probably stiffer.

Clarissa

Sorry to disagree but I think it's the fireline rather than the Delicas. Or maybe the combination of the two. I use Delicas all the time in herringbone but I use C-lon. My herringbone ropes are soft and supple.

I must agree with Beadsnfiber. I've just done about 8 HB sets in the last two months for a special order, and I use Nymo thread (single, not double), and I use delicas all the time. I use everything from round ones, to cylinder to hex beads. My first necklaces were very stiff, and I realised that my tension was really tight. So I loosened my tesion right down, just so the beads weren't floppy, and held together nicely. They're flexible and very wearable. I use them for bracelets and even bangles. Personally, I'd not use fireline - thin single nymo for me is the best.

Hope that helps.

Thanks beadsnfiber & Carmen. I was hoping I could still use delicas.
I think I'll try everyone's suggestions & find the one that works for me.
I'm going to try a sampler bracelet using seeds & delicas. If it works I'll post a picture.

You probably could loosen up the tension slightly without it looking sleazy (that's a valid weaving term, not an insult!!) [(-D]

Thanks everyone for the great tips [:D]

I agree that it is the fireline rather than the delicas giving you the stiffness. I use fireline more than Nyamo, but when I am looking for a certain draping effect, I go with the nymo.

[:D] THANK-YOU everyone for all your tips. I think I finally got the hang of herringbone & had to show you the finished piece. I used nymo & 11 seed beads for this. I'm going to have to practice more to get the stitches more uniform as the tubular part is a bit irregular in spots. I did around the cab in flat herringbone & joined it at the top end.

cool, love the photo.

- I've been using fireline & a combo of Delica's/Czech's & am having no problems with stiffness. Of course I'm also using a "spiral" design, so maybe that helped.

I noticed that your stitch doesn't seem to twist at all... It is really nice. I also like how you framed the cab.

I agree w/ alexdycus about spiral herringbone. I use fireline with it and it is VERY flexible. Haven't used delicas, but can't imagine it being stiff because of the way it is stitched.

Diane, lovely necklace!

Kassie

I like the irregular look of the herringbone on your piece. It has a nice organic feeling.
Two questions...what are the beads you used? It looks silvery with a blue over top? They are so pretty.
Also, what is frog stitch? I've never heard of it.