damping threads

[vicki2006]

do you dampen your threads

Vicki

[Squirrel]

"No" I have never done that as they don't need it. Do you do that?

[Rose]

Dampen my thread in what text????? Do you mean so you can thread it into the needle??? Or dampen the entire piece for stitching??????

I do dampen thread when I am getting on to the needle and I just lick mine.

[Allyn]

Yes. I separate the strands dry, but then I use "The Stripper" (http://www.sheenasgallery.com/The-Stripper_p_15919.html" target="_blank) to dampen (not wet, just dampen) the length of floss to defuzz it and so it doesn't tangle while stitching. Then I dip my fingertip into the Stripper well and use it to wet the end of the floss, press it between my fingertips and slip it through the eye of the needle. I don't lick. Saliva contains digestive enzymes that I don't want in my fibers.

[Mystonique]

I dampen marlitt and anything with bad kinks in it. But if I'm just detangling and defuzzing I use Thread Heaven.

[vicki2006]

in a magazine it said that the threads lay down better if you dampen the thread and I was just wondering what you all thought.

thanks

vicki

[Allyn]

in a magazine it said that the threads lay down better if you dampen the thread and I was just wondering what you all thought.

thanks

vicki

I find this to be true -- that's another reason why I do it. That and I hardly ever get those noose-knots on the back since I started doing it. Just dampening it, mind you, not wetting the thread. If the thread is wet, it's hard to pull through the fabric.

[Rose]

Different strokes for different folks. If it is something you would like to try then go for it. There really is no wrong or right way to do any of your stitching. If you find something that is comfortable to you and others find it unnecessary that does not make it wrong just a different technique. There are a million different ways to stitch and as long as you are happy with the finish and happy with the process then that is the right way to do it.

Don't let anyone elses opinion stop you from trying an idea or from working your stitching jn a way that is appropriate for your own style.

All that really matters is you enjoy it.

[Squirrel]

Oh so true Rose and beautifully said.

[Allyn]

Interestingly, Scarlet Quince has posted a tutorial for making "The Stripper." It's a homemade version of the tool I use to dampen threads. They promote it as a way to remove kinks and 're-plump' floss that has been wound around bobbins. It also works to defuzz and tame threads so they don't tangle and they lay better.

http://www.scarletquince.com/dekinking.php" target="_blank