Size of pillowcases; use of metallic thread

I'm making pillowcases for my SIL and need to know the finished sizes. I found some extra wide percale at Walmart, and am embroidering a design on it. Then I'm going to take a small fold, about 3" up from the open end, and insert some ruffly lace the width of the top, just below the embroidered design. I've seen these cases run for about $29 at the department stores, and they cost me about $4.00.

Also, for my luvly stepmum, I'm making a green velvet scarf with appliqued leaves on it. The leaves are outlined in a metallic thread, and you use the applique stitch on the machine as an outline. I've bought the thread, but need to know what kind of bobbin thread to use--monofilament? Do I have to do anything special with bobbin tension? I don't have a bobbin case; my bobbin drops into my machine, so adjusting it makes me a little nervous.

Thanks for your help!

Reply to
Beth Pierce
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By applique stitch do you mean the one that looks like teeny-tiny blanket stitch? If so, I'd use regular sewing thread in the bobbin, matched to either the green of the velvet or the colour of the metallic thread.

Tension: sew samples lowering the top tension bit by bit until the bobbin thread doesn't appear on the top at all and the needle thread shows on the bottom. You shouldn't need to do anything with the bobbin tension.

Use a Metalfil needle if you can get one, otherwise a 90 or 100 jeans needle, and put a few drops of Sewers' Aid silicon lubricant on the thread and the thread path.

Sally H

Reply to
Sally Holmes

No, it's a satin stitch, but I am sure I could use this same technique.

Thank you!

I didn't know about this type of needle (at least what it was used for) but now I know! I am sure I have a size 90 jeans needle.

Thank you for the tips!

Reply to
Beth Pierce

Don't panic if your machine won't accept the metallic thread whatever you do. My Elna 8000 won't take metallic thread off the spool (frays on even the loosest tension disks). But it will take some metallics in the bobbin, at which point you can also reduce or bypass the tension. This means you have to work on the back of the item, which can be a bit nerve-wracking. You may get great results when you turn it over, or maybe not!

It particularly hates stiffish metallics such as those made by Metz.

The method I've ended up preferring is using Madeira or Guterman rayon thread on the spool in silver-grey, sandy-gold, copper-colour etc. They're not true metallics, but they have a soft metallic gleam and they're a lot easier to work with than the 'real' thing. They also feel very nice and satiny, and are not as stiff as proper metallics.

Another method is to couch on metallic threads and cords, using 'invisible' nylon. It's very quick and gives you a nice outline around your appliques, which you can just attach with a small straight stitch underneath.

HTH.

:) Trish

Reply to
Trishty

Standard Pillowcase is 20 X 30 finished size.

'invisible'

Reply to
Warrior_13

When I make a pillowcase, I tear off a piece a yard long and forty inches wide, sew half-inch seams and a two- or three-inch hem. That would make the finished size nineteen inches wide and up to thirty-three and a quarter inches long.

But your best bet is to sneak into your SIL's bedroom and measure one of her cases. I have one pillow that takes pillowcases twenty-one inches wide, and another that takes cases nearly two yards long.

Joy Beeson

Reply to
joy beeson

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