Oklahoma Twister stitch - Brazilian

Thanks, Dianne. Practising Brazialian embroidery stitches, especially the cast on stitches, has percolated to the top of my to do list. I've got a small drawer full of 4-strand rayon threads that I bought at a rummage sale that I'll use. I'm saving my very limited supply of fatter EdMar threads for when I'm more proficient.

I've learned about running the threads over a damp sponge to improve manageability. Do you or anyone else have any other tricks for working with rayon thread?

First, the problem with rayon threads is that they are Z-twist, and everything we've done up and you are used to is working with S-twist. Secondly, they try to spring back. I'm not an expert in Brazilian but I have done some easy and complicated pieces under the guidance of a certified instructor. There is advice out there to dampen, to freeze. The best advice is to work *with* the thread rather than going against it. So, use outline stitch rather than stem stitch (that's usually called for in directions, but if not, do it). Go slow. Let the thread relax. Depending upon complexity, that might be every stitch. Don't forget about letting the thread hang freely every once in awhile.

Doing Brazilian actually taught me to slow down. Working bullions with them is my favorite way to do bullions. The thread easily does what it's suppose to do.

Visit here:

She has some interesting designs that aren't the usual that we often think of (teddy bear that looks like a redwork piece from the 30s), ladies hat).Have fun! Learning some Brazilian will add to your bag of tricks because the stitches can be done with other threads and used in various projects. Dianne

Dianne Lewandowski says... snip

Thanks again, Dianne.

The world of surface embroidery is sooooooooooo vast -- so many stitches, so many fibers!!!

Question about the little loopy flower found on

you tell if the petals are just loops of thread or bullions? If one wanted to adapt the design and just do loops, how would the loops be anchored so they they didn't flop all over?

Anne, I looked at the flowers and butterfly made by loops. I hadn't realized how long it's been since I worked with Brazilian stitches. It's a new one for me. That being said, I'll bet it's a loop based on a cast-on stitch. Definitely not bullions.

Contact Christine. She'll tell you. Dianne

anne wrote:

I called this morning. She is so enthusiastic and helpful!!! I told her that I can do a lot of surface stitches but hadn't worked much with rayon threads. In addition to what I bought, the precious lady kit which she thinks I should be able to do and an extra skein to practise with, she's sending me her 'getting started' packet with tips and tricks and stitch diagrams and some other stuff. I asked her about the loopy flowers and I think she said they were done with a speciality stitch, didn't catch the name if one was given, and might be beyond a beginner.

Isn't she marvelous! I knew she'd be more than helpful. Grand lady. I'm glad you're going to do a little practicing and learning to use those fussy threads. Dianne