Cotton Handbag

Cotton

Spinning knotting cords from lint is a real challenge. The best cords are made from fine tightly twisted singles plied into cables to achieve the desired diameter cord. This is very time consuming. Unless there is a specail reason why the cord must be handspun, I recomment using commerical cotton cords.
The best compromise between handspun from lint and commercial cords is to bulk up fine singles (sample C1). I use natural colored octton frm Vresis Ltd. Green, camel,a dn coyote colored cotton is availabe in 10/2 with a finsih twist of Z. First I Navajo ply a strand with a Z twist. Then either balance with a fold in a S twist or Navajo ply again in a S twist to achieve a slightly heavier rounded cord. For larger cords use a few strans together in the begining. Use different combinations of colors for effect.	Cotton Handbag C5
If you decide to spin knotting cords from lint, use well carded fiber, either sliver or handcarded rolags. Work for a consistent a thread as possible with very tight twist. The thread needs to be as compact as possible. choose between lying cables or cords. Bulking up using cables offers more control but gives a stronger cord. Making a smooth multiply in one step appears quicker but takes much more control with the tightly twisted singles. This will also give a cord with a rounded smoother surface, preferable for knotting. These methods give durable yarns for use in most knotting projects.
	For a unique knotting project of cotton, spin a tight, very even and consistent single from an open cotton sliver. To achieve optimum results, this yarn must be boiled or steam set to set the twist. Tie your knots then couch stitch with fine cotton sewing thread these bulky knots onto handwoven fabric. I used a scrap of leftover fabric woven with Vresis natural colored warp of 10/2 and 4/2 cotton and handspun weft as my canvas. Ultrasuede was used for durability and to give the purse body. The purse was sewn into a simple bag before the knotting was sewn on but the tussah silk linig was sewn later. I wanted to use the knotting for the closure but after sampling the knots realized that it would not wear well (sample C2).
In order to tie the knots without the cotton falling apart, I tried soaking the yarn in hair spray. The hair spray leaves the yarn crisp but pliable. Does not discolor the fiber and can be left in as a sizing (sample C4). But after another attempt I kntted the accord knot without sizing. I do expect this purse to fuzz and fluff, it should od so evenly and not detract from the design (sample C5).

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