backstitching with metallic thread

[Sparkle]

I have been working on the Dimensions Fall Fairy kit for more than 2 years. I'm finally at the end and have only the metallic backstitching and the beading left to do. I started on the backstitch and did normal backstitching..it looked awful! So I frogged it all and decided to use really small stitches instead. It looks....ok... but it doesn't look like the photo on the kit. Does anyone know-what length of stitch should be used or should I even use backstitching? Is there a different stitch that would look better? I was so excited to be almost finished and now I'm stressed because I'm not sure how to make it look right. They are having me use 6 lengths of thread, so it's obviously supposed to be a focal point.....uuurgh!! Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!
...long time lurker, first time poster.

[Rose]

Oh wow that seems like an awful lot of threads for backstitching. What type of metallic thread has the kit supplied???? Are you doing each stitch at a time or are you jumping stitches.....ie over 2 or over 3??? Also if they are telling you to use 6 strands do they also suggest couching???? That might help hold the strands together and also have them lay down better.

[Sparkle]

Hi Rose,
Thanks for your reply. I'm an idiot. When you asked if the suggested couching, I checked my pattern and it's supposed to be cording.....sigh.... Lesson learned, never try to complete a 2 year project in the middle of the night. I guess I have looked at the pattern for so long I didn't catch the 'cording' column.
Sooooo, anyone have ideas about how to frog tiny metallic stitches without ruining your whole project?

[NeedleAndFork]

Sooooo, anyone have ideas about how to frog tiny metallic stitches without ruining your whole project?

Very very pointy scissors - I like using cuticle scissors that have a curve in their point so that you an really slip the point under the thread to snip it. In fact I would suggest using a very small needle to carefully frog one or two stitches, then use a pair of tweezers to hold the loose end o the thread taut and snip as close to the work as you dare.. then frog a couple more stitches till you have enough to grasp with the tweezers again.

Not that I've ever done this before or anything. No, not me!

[Serinde]

Whew! Glad you have that sorted.

Frogging those stitches just takes patience and a steady hand... (kinda hard when you're dealing with a smug and are ) Tweezers are a good idea, and working from the back might also help.

[lavenderbee]

Sooooo, anyone have ideas about how to frog tiny metallic stitches without ruining your whole project?

Very very pointy scissors - I like using cuticle scissors that have a curve in their point so that you an really slip the point under the thread to snip it. In fact I would suggest using a very small needle to carefully frog one or two stitches, then use a pair of tweezers to hold the loose end o the thread taut and snip as close to the work as you dare.. then frog a couple more stitches till you have enough to grasp with the tweezers again.

Not that I've ever done this before or anything. No, not me!

Glad I read this post as even more tips learned. I'll have to write them all down in a notebook I think as getting so many good ideas from you all even tho it is not me asking.

[rcperryls]

Not that I have ever been in that situation (too bad we don't have an icon with Pinocchio's nose growing ), but I have found that Serinde's suggestion of working from the back really helps protect the other stitches. I clip a few and then use tweezers to pick out the thread.
And work patiently. It doesn't have to be done in one sitting.

Carole

[lavenderbee]

I find when I need to frog something I want to do it all & not wait until another day A good idea to do what you suggest though Carol as that way you will have a fresher mind when dealing with frogging & not be in such a hurry either. Calm & quiet must be a better way.

[Allyn]

I was never good at trying to do that with pointy scissors. I manage to cut other threads just by bumping the points into them. (Maybe my scissors were *too* sharp.) For me, suture scissors are great for frogging. Years ago, I bought a pair of 'frogging' scissors and discovered later that they were just overpriced suture scissors. When you hook the thread in the bottom jaw, you can make sure you ONLY have the thread you want to cut before you make the snip. These scissors are available on Amazon for less than $5.

[Brekkana]

Years ago, I bought a pair of 'frogging' scissors and discovered later that they were just overpriced suture scissors. When you hook the thread in the bottom jaw, you can make sure you ONLY have the thread you want to cut before you make the snip.

This is what I need! ***off to go google them***

[Carole]

Well they look useful.

Not that I ever need to frog or anything

[Sparkle]

Thanks everyone! I will attempt to frog this thing when I have a few quiet moments! Lesson learned though....always read directions at least a few times, and don't try to rush the end of a long project...
Oh! And order some of those way cool scissors!

[Serinde]

A stitcher can never have enough pairs of scissors. Fact.

[Mabel Figworthy]

A stitcher can never have enough pairs of scissors. Fact.

I just got another pair

[lavenderbee]

What a good idea. I had to do frogging this week - not a quick job is it?!!

[rcperryls]

A stitcher can never have enough pairs of scissors. Fact.

I just got another pair

me too

Carole