Threads

Thread Tips
If the way you are working your stitches causes the thread plies to unwind stop and thread the opposite end of the thread.

You will need to practice this a bit on a scrap of fabric to see what I mean.

The way I do the Buttonhole stitch twists the thread counter clockwise, so I watch this action to insure the thread plies are tightening. If after I have made a few stitches and I see the plies aren't tightening I undo my work and rethread the thread at the opposite end.

If the thread plies start getting t0o twisted I drop the needle occasionally to unwind it and sew on.

It the plies of the thread are untwisted as shown in the photo you can catch those loops or single plies and distort the stitch you are making and the one you are inserting your needle into on the previous row. Untwisted thread plies create distortions that ruin your work.

Working with Threads and Needles
Being a spinner I know the problems a stitcher can have with thread snarling and being difficult to place. A little secret we spinners use is to spray the twisted thread with starch, this stops the snarl and makes it easier to place the threads or sew with them.

I would recommend Faultless Heavy Spray starch, cut a length of the thread, lay it out on wax paper to dry. I spray the thread over the washer or kitchen sink, and spray it twice to make sure both sides are covered, if it is a particularly difficult thread for you to use spray it four times, lay it out let it dry and go back to stitching.

The color will darken when it is wet with starch but it will dry without a trace, or I should say I have never seen a trace, and it shouldn't effect the color or cause it too run. If you are concerned about this, test, test, test! And yes, of course, you can spray starch silks! Believe me you can't wear a silk suit unless it has been starched!

If you think it is necessary, use a paper towel and towel off the thread if there are bubbles of starch.

And finally about the needles, use the needle shaft to work, don't grasp the eye, it will ruin your thread. Teach yourself to use the needle's shaft to push and pull the needle. I will be back with more pictures on the leaf shortly. Copyright 2008, L. Fontenot http://www.americanfolkarts.com/