Damp Sponge Technique

I use Thread Heaven -- it works and keeps silks and rayons from snarling. For regular floss, works like a charm, AND is easier to thread through the needle's eye. I wouldn't be without it! It's the best $3 or so I've ever spent for ease of stitching.

Not sure about water on a sponge -- my first thought would be "isn't that going to attract dust?" followed next by, "I wonder if this floss is color-fast" ... those are my thoughts. Good luck and happy stitching Naomah.

I can't speak about water and cotton floss. I've used a damp sponge with rayon thread and it made a big difference in how the rayon behaved. If you're worried about colors bleeding, do a test before making a committment.

My floss dampening kit is made up of a triangular wedge make up sponge and the top of a plastic container. I like this type of sponge better than a kitchen sponge because it's softer.

I use bits of ... what's it called? Okay, you know those gizmos you tuck between your toes when you're painting your toenails? I took one and use the betweenspreader bits to cover the tips of my finer scissors. Not sure if it helps per se, but rather suspect so. And that way too I can reach into the drawer without worrying about stabbing myself.

I almost always run my floss over a damp sponge before stitching with it. It is almost like ironing it....no creases. I have no idea if it really helps with knotting, or with making the stitches look better but it has become a habit. I did take a class years ago with Linda Driskell and she swore by this method.

Lynn > Does anyone use a damp sponge on their floss before stitching?

I always dampen my floss. It does help a tremendous amount with knotting, I rarely have problems with that anymore. Also, when you run your fingers down the dampened floss, it flattens the 2 threads side by side so they lay nicer and not twisted. You get much better coverage this way. The thread dries very quickly, so there's no problems there. IMHO, this is the best stitching tip of all.

Sandy in NE PA

Just remember that damp sponges are mold breeding grounds. Make sure, if you like using a sponge, to keep it very clean and to let it dry out.

Railroading solves the two threads twisting up onto each other. Knotting has to do with the normal twisting you do as you stitch. You have to let your needle hang loose every once in awhile to unwind (or wind back up, depending upon how you stitch and the stitches you are stitching - each causes a different reaction).

Dianne

Sandy wrote:

Or microwave it regularly to kill them all.

Please define railroading or point me to a place that explains it.

Railroading is when you hold the threads down across the place where you want to enter the fabric and insert the needle into the fabric with one strand on each side of it. In cross stitching, this keeps the threads from twisting as you stitch. It takes some thought, but not much more time and creates an even look.

Railroading is also great to do when satin stitching and using two strands. The coverage is quicker and it looks super when finished.

Dianne

Dr. Brat wrote:

Something that hasn't been brought up yet: do you separate your strands of thread before threading your needle? I found that once I started doing that, the occurrence of knots diminished considerably. One of the many tips I've learned on this wonderful group! :)

Joan

I do. And I try to lay them end to opposite end. I am going to try the damp sponge someday. The railroading does help.

Naomah