Types of Fabrics for Needlework Written by Katrina Renouf Continued from page 1 more difficult since it is slipperier. You can use any type of needle you want, but make sure eye is small so there is less friction when it goes through fabric. It is also rather abrasive to thread, so stick needle in and out of material at a 90-degree angle. Also be careful if you aren’t going to cover entire background with stitches, since silk is very transparent and it will be easy to see any threads you carry across back. Another hint is to use a dark napkin or cloth behind your work to help you see. It is also important to have a lot of light and use magnification if you need it. You should use a sharp needle to prevent making holes too large. Color in chart with a similar color to silk so there is less miscounting, since ripping on silk can cause a lot of damage. And finally, keep your hands very clean as it is more difficult to clean than other fabrics. Katrina Renouf is the founder and owner of the cross stitch website www.matkailuxstitch.com Tips for Using Silk Threads Written by Katrina Renouf Continued from page 1 4. Use a needle one size smaller than normal so there is less area in eye for thread to wear upon. 5. For best effect use a laying tool to keep strand flat 6. Don’t wrap your silk floss on a bobbin 7. Watch what end you thread your needle, as spun silk has a direction to it. Let thread dangle and pull out a ply, if it comes out easily, that is end in your needle. 8. Don’t try to squeeze last stitch in since end of thread is most worn. 9. Don’t use same needle for silk that you use for metallic threads due to fact that metallics abrade inside of eye of needle. 10. If silk has picked up a lot of static, run thread across your forehead (unless you’re wearing makeup). The oil tames static. Katrina Renouf is the founder and owner of the cross stitch website www.matkailuxstitch.com.     <Back to Page 1   ImproveHomeLife.com © 2005 Terms of Use