Working with Metallic Threads

momtwins · Post by **momtwins** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 1:56 pm

Does anyone have any tips for working with metallic threads. I am trying to finish a project and the thread is difficult to work with. It keeps unraveling as I stitch.

thanks!!!

Genevieve · Post by **Genevieve** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 2:02 pm

Welcome Momtwins.

The tips which I have found most useful are:

Fasten your thread to your needle, then it can't slip through the eye.

Make sure your thread is no longer than 12 inches.

Use a smoothing agent like Thread Heaven - it really works and makes stitching with metallics so much easier.

Hope this helps somewhat.

What are you stitching?

Serinde · Post by **Serinde** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 2:51 pm

Exactly what I would have said, although I've never used Thread Heaven, I'm told it's wonderful.
I might add let the thread hang and untwist rather more than you would do with floss.

(Welcome to the forum, BTW.)

mauveme · Post by **mauveme** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 3:27 pm

What they said, and I just started using Thread Heaven and it does work just as they say, beautifully.

Rose · Post by **Rose** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 4:19 pm

Can't add anything more then what has been said the Thread Heaven is a god send.

Welcome to our forum and I hope you come often. We love new members to come and help our forum family grow and flourish. If you have more question please ask.

wendywombat · Post by **wendywombat** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 4:30 pm

All I can say is "Welcome to the Forum". Everyone here is very helpful and friendly. We don't even bite our threads!!

Hope that you can use your metallic threads more easily now too.

Serinde · Post by **Serinde** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 5:21 pm

No, and furthermore, we don't bite anyone else's thread either!!

Ekidna · Post by **Ekidna** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 10:29 pm

Welcome to the forum, momtwins. The above advice is all you'll need. I must say tho that I've stitched metallics with and without Thread Heaven, and I can't over stress how much of a difference it makes!!

ConnieO · Post by **ConnieO** » Thu Aug 02, 2007 3:13 pm

I can't add much to this except to say welcome Momtwins! Oh, and I use simple beeswax rather than thread heaven on my metallics, but it works kinda the same.

Serinde · Post by **Serinde** » Thu Aug 02, 2007 7:36 pm

ConnieO, how do you use the beeswax? That's something I have to hand (a friend keeps bees, and every now and then she gives us extra wax; we make candles; she makes furniture polish and the bees make honey!)

raelou · Post by **raelou** » Thu Aug 02, 2007 7:41 pm

I have beeswax and it's in a plastic holder and I run the thread down it.Not sure if it has been treated though!

ConnieO · Post by **ConnieO** » Thu Aug 02, 2007 11:12 pm

I bought a block at a farmers market for Â£1 and I just run my thread over it. Works a treat!

Cloud · Post by **Cloud** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 7:48 pm

i used metallic thread on a project recently and it was not Fun.

But what I do is i use 2 of the regular and 1 metallic threat and blend it that way. Still gives the effect - to a lighter degree.

Cloud

Rose · Post by **Rose** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 9:00 pm

Cloud I have found the trick with all metallic thread is to us the Thread Heaven. It is the only thing I have found that makes the stitching worth doing. You should be able to get it in most stitching stores and in all of the stitching magazines. Herrschner's, Annies Attic, Cross Stitchers Thread, any of the mags you can get it and it is a life and nerve saver.

Cazza44 · Post by **Cazza44** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 3:51 pm

Hi,

This is my first post here but I may have another idea for you.

I have a customer in Majorca who was having problems with her metallic thread splitting and fraying and she came up with a novel solution.

The cut the thread to length, laid the separated strands on a tray and popped them in the freezer! She took them out as she needed them and had no problem. She put the problem down to the high humidity.

Hope this gives you another idea.

Regards,

Rachael · Post by **Rachael** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 4:47 pm

Hi and welcome Carol,Thanks for the tip!

Cazza44 · Post by **Cazza44** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 5:36 pm

Thanks for the welcome Rachel,

Hope the tip helps.

regards,

Rose · Post by **Rose** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 5:52 pm

Welcome on board glad you found us and hope you come by often. We really like new members and helpful tips.

mags · Post by **mags** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 6:22 pm

Hello Carol and welcome

I often visit your website.

mags

Cazza44 · Post by **Cazza44** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 10:21 pm

Wow, I feel as though I am among friends already. Thanks for the wonderful welcome and I'll help wherever I can.

Regards,