What Is DMC Cordonnet Special?

DMC Cordonnet Special is a very strong and smooth lace thread of 100% mercerised cotton made by tightly twisting six cords; it comes in 20 g balls from No 20 to No 100 (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100) in white (Blanc), snow white (B5200) and ecru. Thanks to its tight twist it holds the knot, does not pill and keeps its shape, which makes it the classic thread of needle lace, tatting, crochet lace, Bruges lace and knotted edgings. This page gathers every Cordonnet size at Hobianna; the Cordonnet categories in the cross stitch and embroidery branches link here.

Size and Technique Choice

The higher the number, the finer the thread. No 20–30: heavy needle lace, crochet lace and tablecloth edges; 1.25–1.5 mm hook. No 40–50: classic Turkish needle lace and scarf edges, tatting; 1–1.1 mm hook or a size 9–10 lace needle. No 60–80: fine lace, flower lace and Bruges lace; 0.75–0.9 mm hook. No 100: the finest needle lace and miniature lace; 0.6 mm steel hook or a fine lace needle. For coloured lace use the Special Dentelles No 80 mini ball, for heavy and coloured lace DMC Babylo.

Working and Care

In needle lace cut the thread short (50–60 cm) and tie the knots at even tension; Cordonnet's hard twist keeps the knots crisp and upright. In tatting wind the thread tightly on the shuttle; in crochet lace work tightly. Starch the finished lace with sugar water or spray starch and pin out to dry. Washes up to 60°C, iron from the back. One 20 g ball is about 180 m in No 40 and 360 m in No 80; a single ball is enough for a scarf edge.