When you cross stitch, have you noticed that occasionally your thread (floss) gets tangled, split, frayed or weak? This can be very noticeable when you use metallic or other rough threads.
If this is a problem, it's time to try a floss (thread) conditioner. Originally, some ingenious stitchers coated their threads with beeswax to soften threads. However, using this can sometimes result in lumpiness or a sticky feel to the project.
'Thread Heaven' is one such conditioner that can be the answer to your stitching prayers. It provides a coating that allows your thread soft and pliable, allowing it to glide through the fabric easily, making stitching easier.
To use 'Thread Heaven':
You first separate the strands of thread, coating them individually by drawing the strands across the surface of the conditioner.
Then you will need to draw the thread between your forefinger and thumb. This will create a minute static charge that reduces tangling.
After many uses, 'Thread Heaven' will become soiled from tiny filaments from your thread. Simply turn the product out of its box with the tip of your scissors. Hey presto - a clean side will be exposed for further use. Most stitchers claim that they didn't know how they managed before they bought it.
Some people recommend having two boxes of 'Thread Heaven' - one for light colours, and another for dark. This extends the life of the product.
An additional way to deal with thread that splits or tangles is to use shorter lengths for stitching. The thread therefore creates less friction with the fabric as you stitch.
Tumble dryer sheets...
Some clever stitchers keep tumble dyer sheets in their workboxes.
This is because these sheets prevent static build-up in clothes when you dry them in the tumble dryer. So - not surprisingly, they work like magic on your threads too. Just draw a length of thread between a folded tumble dryer sheet, and you will notice the difference.
source: patternspatch.com
Showing posts with label floss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label floss. Show all posts
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
How to Deal with Shiny Threads that easily Slips?
Anchor’s Marlitt and DMC’s Rayon Floss are both 100% rayon, which means they are both slippery to handle and use. Here are some tips to make stitching with them easier.
1: Use shorter lengths of thread, no longer than 18".
2: Thread them onto your needle in the same way you would blending filaments or metallics as follows:
a: Pull loop over end of needle.
b: Tighten loop at eye.
c: Gently stroke the knotted yarn to lock it in place.
3: Moistening the strands will also keep them from slipping while stitching.
We encourage you to experiment with different threads, adding variety, both in look and feel, to your stitching. The rich sheen of Marlitt and Rayon Floss will certainly add a touch of elegance to your projects.
source: www.cross-stitch.ca
1: Use shorter lengths of thread, no longer than 18".
2: Thread them onto your needle in the same way you would blending filaments or metallics as follows:
a: Pull loop over end of needle.
b: Tighten loop at eye.
c: Gently stroke the knotted yarn to lock it in place.
3: Moistening the strands will also keep them from slipping while stitching.
We encourage you to experiment with different threads, adding variety, both in look and feel, to your stitching. The rich sheen of Marlitt and Rayon Floss will certainly add a touch of elegance to your projects.
source: www.cross-stitch.ca
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Supplies You'll Need to Cross Stitch
Needles -
You will need a tapestry needle or one that is labeled for the count of cross stitch fabric you wish to use. Tapestry needles have a blunt end and a large eye for easier threading. Keep an extra needle in case the first one breaks or bends. There is nickel, gold, and platinum plated needles. The gold and platinum needles last longer and slide easier than the traditional nickel plated needle. If you are a serious cross stitcher, you may want to consider gold or platinum. Tapestry needles come in a variety of sizes. The larger the number the smaller the needle is. Here are some recommendations for needle sizes for different counts of fabric:
Needle Size for Cross Stitch
fabric count 14 / 28 / 30 --- needle size 24
fabric count 16 /32 /35 ----- needle size 26
fabric count 18 / 40 -------- needle size 26
larger counts --------------- needle size 28
Floss -
Cross stitch is done with a 6 strand embroidery floss. DMC 100% cotton (which I always use, coz it’s easy to make cross stitch with this fabric), Moulibe Floss is a very popular brand. Most patterns call for 2 strands for cross stitches and one strand for back stitches. DMC also carries metallic floss called Light Effects. DMC Color Variations change the shade of the color as you sew for a unique effect. There are also specialty metallic and variegated threads. Kreinik is one of the most prevalent metallic threads used in cross stitch. There are several different sizes including blending filaments, #4, #8 and #12. They come in a variety of styles like braid, Japan thread, Cord, Cable, Vintage, High luster, Fluorescent, etc. There are also metallic threads by Glissen Gloss called Rainbow and Estaz. Needle Paints are cotton floss that comes in rich colors designed especially for Lavender and Lace patterns.
Floss is usually colorfast, which mean it does not run when washed. However, some people like to wash their floss before using it to be sure. If you choose to wash your floss before stitching with it, you will need to put each skein in a separate container of tap water. You can also use distilled water. If the floss makes the water colored, you should wash it again until it no longer makes the water colored. Dry your floss on a white paper towel or a white cloth towel. If it leaves any color on the towel, then start the process over again.
Cross Stitch or Embroider Hoop -
Hoops can be made out of plastic, metal, or wood and come in several different sizes. A hoop will keep your fabric taut while you stitch. There are also free standing hoops. Q-snaps are also an option for holding your fabric while you stitch. They snap apart for easy storage. To prevent creases from forming on your fabric, remove the hoop when you are not stitching and roll your fabric to store. I keep my fabric in a plastic bag while I am not working on it to avoid accidents. Some more experienced stitchers prefer to use no hoop at all. Others like to use a hoop when they work with Aida and no hoop when they used Linen fabric.
Scissors -
Use a sharp pair of small scissors to avoid frayed ends on your floss. There are many embroidery scissors or thread clippers to choose from. Clip the floss with a small tail or with no tail at all. It’s a matter of choice. Beware of ends showing through the fabric.
Source: http://www.juliesxstitch.com
You will need a tapestry needle or one that is labeled for the count of cross stitch fabric you wish to use. Tapestry needles have a blunt end and a large eye for easier threading. Keep an extra needle in case the first one breaks or bends. There is nickel, gold, and platinum plated needles. The gold and platinum needles last longer and slide easier than the traditional nickel plated needle. If you are a serious cross stitcher, you may want to consider gold or platinum. Tapestry needles come in a variety of sizes. The larger the number the smaller the needle is. Here are some recommendations for needle sizes for different counts of fabric:
Needle Size for Cross Stitch
fabric count 14 / 28 / 30 --- needle size 24
fabric count 16 /32 /35 ----- needle size 26
fabric count 18 / 40 -------- needle size 26
larger counts --------------- needle size 28
Floss -
Cross stitch is done with a 6 strand embroidery floss. DMC 100% cotton (which I always use, coz it’s easy to make cross stitch with this fabric), Moulibe Floss is a very popular brand. Most patterns call for 2 strands for cross stitches and one strand for back stitches. DMC also carries metallic floss called Light Effects. DMC Color Variations change the shade of the color as you sew for a unique effect. There are also specialty metallic and variegated threads. Kreinik is one of the most prevalent metallic threads used in cross stitch. There are several different sizes including blending filaments, #4, #8 and #12. They come in a variety of styles like braid, Japan thread, Cord, Cable, Vintage, High luster, Fluorescent, etc. There are also metallic threads by Glissen Gloss called Rainbow and Estaz. Needle Paints are cotton floss that comes in rich colors designed especially for Lavender and Lace patterns.
Floss is usually colorfast, which mean it does not run when washed. However, some people like to wash their floss before using it to be sure. If you choose to wash your floss before stitching with it, you will need to put each skein in a separate container of tap water. You can also use distilled water. If the floss makes the water colored, you should wash it again until it no longer makes the water colored. Dry your floss on a white paper towel or a white cloth towel. If it leaves any color on the towel, then start the process over again.
Cross Stitch or Embroider Hoop -
Hoops can be made out of plastic, metal, or wood and come in several different sizes. A hoop will keep your fabric taut while you stitch. There are also free standing hoops. Q-snaps are also an option for holding your fabric while you stitch. They snap apart for easy storage. To prevent creases from forming on your fabric, remove the hoop when you are not stitching and roll your fabric to store. I keep my fabric in a plastic bag while I am not working on it to avoid accidents. Some more experienced stitchers prefer to use no hoop at all. Others like to use a hoop when they work with Aida and no hoop when they used Linen fabric.
Scissors -
Use a sharp pair of small scissors to avoid frayed ends on your floss. There are many embroidery scissors or thread clippers to choose from. Clip the floss with a small tail or with no tail at all. It’s a matter of choice. Beware of ends showing through the fabric.
Source: http://www.juliesxstitch.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
