How many people use a laying tool?

Andre · Post by **Andre** » Sun Jan 01, 2012 11:17 am

crafterglen · Post by **crafterglen** » Sun Jan 01, 2012 11:43 am

Re: How many people use a laying tool?

Mystonique · Post by **Mystonique** » Sun Jan 01, 2012 9:25 pm

I couldn't live without mine. It's called a trolley needle and it attached to any finger or thumb (I'm not sure if a laying tool and a trolley needle are just different names or if the ones that attach are called trolley meedles whilst the pnes you hold are called lauong tools.) I mainly use it for tapestry, it's a whole lot more important to lay stitches flat on the bigger canvas and I use all sorts of threads on them some of which are harder to lay than cotton.

But I have used it for cross stitch and it's very helpful. I find better than railroading or any other method.

BizzieLizzie · Post by **BizzieLizzie** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 9:43 am

I have recently switched from using a trolley needle (the sort you wear on your finger) for railroading to using a laying tool (the sort you hold in your hand) for laying the threads. As much as I liked railroading, I have to say that laying the thread - for me, at least - is much faster and the results are just as good, if not better. I won't be doing any large projects without my laying tool from now on!

Mrs Milkybar Kid · Post by **Mrs Milkybar Kid** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 9:57 am

I keep meaning to get a trolley needle after Glen's recommendation - they are really helpful for speciality stitches. For the minute I seem to be making do by using a large tapestry needle (#22?) when I feel the need as I am a railroader anyway.

Lenne · Post by **Lenne** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 10:25 am

I've been looking into trolley needles and laying tools as I am going into the speciality stitches more than the cross stitching stuff this year (experimenting is fun)! Trolley needles look erm... dangerous I am way too clumsy I can see me sticking myself several times over! Can get some really pretty laying tools too- looking forward to picking mine up

crafterglen · Post by **crafterglen** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 3:53 pm

I have to say that when I broke my Celtic Laying Tool (trolley needle?) I was lost and couldn't stitch till my new one came from Nordic Needle in USA, can't get that sort here for some reason? Anyway, don't laugh, but there is always a way round any problem with me, can't stitch? Not an option, get the selotape out put the needle part on my finger as usual, tape in place and stitch till the new one comes, it did work but only just, at least it kept me going till the new one came, honest girls, I cannot stitch with out it, as for stabbing myself? It has never happened and I if it can happen it will to me! I have been known to be fishing in my purse at the check out at Tesco with it on! Don't ask, hubby has given up with me where stitching is concerned I am afraid?
Happy Stitching which ever way you stitch
Glen x

Mystonique · Post by **Mystonique** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 9:39 pm

Everyone in my tapestry group uses a trolley needle (30 or so people) and 9'cw never seen or heard of anyone stabbing themselves yet. I would like to see some prettier looking ones though. In the meantime I've paintedime with holographic nail polish - more because I was allergic but that makes it pretty too.

Lenne · Post by **Lenne** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 10:58 pm

Isn't trolley needles what catwoman wore on her fingers in Batman Returns?

skitzzzzz · Post by **skitzzzzz** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 9:56 am

i use a trolley needle and its great - much easier to have on finger than something to just hold

Andre · Post by **Andre** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 10:04 am

Thank you for your advice. I will be looking for a trolley needle now.

annastasia76 · Post by **annastasia76** » Wed Jan 18, 2012 3:56 am

ok, I have seen images of those on the internet before, don't think I have ever seen one in the store, I am trying to imagine how in the world you would use it. I saw one one site that sells them that they could be used for smocking. I've done smocking for years and had never heard of them, lol. who knows, maybe my picture smocking would improve if I had one. I have a heck of a time getting the 4 strands to lay flat. does anybody know of any videos showing how you use them???

pattiebelle · Post by **pattiebelle** » Wed Jan 18, 2012 4:03 am

i just ordered my first trolley needle today, from 123stitch, based on the posts from this very thread !

i've been using my thumb to keep the floss smooth as it starts to lay, so hopefully this will be better!

Serinde · Post by **Serinde** » Wed Jan 18, 2012 8:33 am

annastasia76 wrote:ok, I have seen images of those on the internet before, don't think I have ever seen one in the store, I am trying to imagine how in the world you would use it. I saw one one site that sells them that they could be used for smocking. I've done smocking for years and had never heard of them, lol. who knows, maybe my picture smocking would improve if I had one. I have a heck of a time getting the 4 strands to lay flat. does anybody know of any videos showing how you use them???

http://www.needlenthread.com/2010/11/ho ... video.html" target="_blank

annastasia76 · Post by **annastasia76** » Wed Jan 18, 2012 2:26 pm

thank you for the video, I can see how it can be done if you are using a hoop, has anybody ever tried if you are not using a hoop, I do not use one in smocking (don't think it's possible) or cross stitching.

Mystonique · Post by **Mystonique** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 1:57 am

Annastasia I use my trolley needle with a hoop, with a frame and I have used it on occasion freehand although it gives much better results if your work is held taught by a hoop or frame.

It's something that takes a little while to get used to but once you have it's like another limb - you're lost and feel crippled without it.

Andre · Post by **Andre** » Sun Jan 22, 2012 9:26 am

Well, I've asked round all the local shops and nobody stocks them so off to the internet I guess anyone got any recommendation for the best buy?

Many thanks

Andre · Post by **Andre** » Sun Jan 22, 2012 9:26 am

Well, I've asked round all the local shops and nobody stocks them so off to the internet I guess anyone got any recommendation for the best buy?

Many thanks

SusanF · Post by **SusanF** » Sun Jan 22, 2012 12:41 pm

I just use a darning needle

crafterglen · Post by **crafterglen** » Sun Jan 22, 2012 2:23 pm

If you just want a darning needle type one you can get them from Cross Stitch Guild,Coleshill and other places, if you want one that goes on your finger like a ring I got mine from Nordic Needle in USA best price and other sites in USA too.
Glen