The intention of this page is to share tips and tricks with other Needle Artists. If you have a technique or tip you would like to share with others, please e-mail: me at TLC. Please include your name & location to give you credit for your tip.

"Thread Saver" Couching

Instead of laying your thread on top of a couched line and then going back to couch it down, - Make a long stitch with the thread along the line and take a 1-thread stitch under the fabric and another long stitch..... To fill in you can then place French Knots on top of the 1 thread space - either in green to match the couching or in a dark flower color.

Use a shorter needle [one used for counted cross stitch] with a larger eye to allow the thread to go through easier (and not tangling). Leaves are easier to embroider and are more delicate as well as tighter stitched for a more realistic leaf. ed. note: Be careful with the larger eyed needles, as this does leave holes in the fabric. Tip from: V. George, Lancaster, CA

To keep threads manageable, steam your threads. Slip the tag to one side and cut through the knotted portion of the skein. (This leaves approximately a one yard length of thread to work with) Hold the skein by the tag over a pot of boiling water, until they are limp and straight, but not damp. Drop them into a zip-lock baggie or B. T. organizer. {Don't remove the tag as this keeps your threads together and helps you identify what you are using or need to replentish.]

Staightening Threads

When inconvenient to steam or iron threads, wrap the ends around one finger of each hand and snap. They straighten right out. Use care. If the thread is to fine a weight, you can break it. [Judy uses this when teaching children she doesn't trust around hot items] and adds "The greatest thing about children -- they are not afraid of Bullion Knots!" Tip from Judy Dorman Teacher / Needle Artist

Thread Puller: (Inexpensive and snag-proof - What a deal!)

When using the B.T. organizers, make a 'thread puller' from the binding that are bound around magazines or papers.....go to your local magazine stand and ask if you can have one - they only throw them away. This is the plastic type about 3/8" wide. Ensure that the length is about 8" longer than your organizer, bend over one end about 2", and, you can store this in an empty slot in your organizer. (Tip from Wendy D. - friend and fellow needle artist)

• 3-hole punch the folded end of a large (pie-size) zip-lock bag.

• Put the fabric, threads, instructions, etc. into the bag and seal

• Put into a binder with extra large rings for safe keeping along with your other UFO's.

You can also slip the book into the binder by using the 3-hole magazine clips that the magazines slide into. I wish I had taken my own advice as I lost my favorite Cross 'n Patch Booklet :(

If you have too many UFO's for a binder, store them upright in a storage box (then index them).

Forgive me -- this is the Virgo in me, I love to organize!!

Unraveled Thread Ends:

When the tail-end of your rayon thread becomes frayed and you have to 'tug' it through the fabric - pull the tail-end through beeswax to 'join' the ends together and prevent more fraying. Because this takes the luster off the thread - never work the bees waxed end in your embroidery. (Tip from teacher Margaret T. - Surrey, BC)

Soften Beeswax:

Keep it next to your heart! That's right, put it into your bra while stitching and it will be in a warm place and will be soft and manageable (unless of course you are cold-hearted!) (Tip from Virginia Chapman's Book "Floss Flowers")

"Reverse" Stitching:

If you must pick your stitching back, use the blunt end of your needle, so you will not split or fray the threads.

Thanks for dropping by! Come again.