Question on Metallics

Always knot the filament/metallic onto the needle (). Use short lengths so it won't tangle so viciously. It will twist with the floss, and usually that's the desired effect.

Sometimes I want the effect of the metallic peeking out every so often. In that case, I knot the filament onto the needle, thread the floss in, and stitch as usual.

Sometimes I want the metallic on top, in which case I stitch the entire section (full cross) with floss and then overstitch the top cross with the metallic.

Sometimes I want something a little more subtle, and go to a two needle approach -- half cross with floss, then metallic, then top cross with just floss.

And sometimes I punt and use cord or braid instead of the floss/filament combination.

-- Jenn Ridley : snipped-for-privacy@newsguy.com

Thank You very much for the reply. I'm now doing the full cross stitch and then overstitch the top cross with the metallic thread. Keeping the metallic thread smack dab on top of the floss is still a pain - I even railroad the two floss threads to try to help the metallic thread from falling off the top of the floss.

I have been using short lengths of metallic thread as you say it causes less tangles.

As for knoting the metallic at the needle I found that it restricted pulling the metallic thread through the holes. I used a small knot. My problem might be that I'm using a #26 needle. I will try a slightly larger needle later today.

Once again thanks - it was good to know that some one else has tried something different.

Fred

nothing changes, nothing changes.Don't back stitch to email, just stitchit.

Fred,

A true metallic or blending filament. If it's a true metallic, I change to one I like working with more.

Cheryl

True metallic, false metallic, how should I know??? LOL

It appears to be some sort of gold metallic material wrapped around a tiny white thread.

I have run the metallic through my fingers and across my lips to see if was smooth in one direction and rough in the other before threading the needle but I can't tell if there is any difference. I have used metallics before but not with this much greif keeping the needle threaded.

As you can see I am not a metallic guru.

Fred

nothing changes, nothing changes.Don't back stitch to email, just stitchit.

I've been having to use a lot of the metallic thread and I use thread haven to keep it under control. So far so good.

I've used Thread Heaven and Bees Wax every few stitches while the floss is in the needle and still attached to the fabric. I've also found that you can get a little help by keeping a small wet sponge nearby and running it across the floss fairly often.

Of course for those of us who aren't particularly squeamish, you could get the same thing done by just running it across your wet tongue. That's always available and, therefore, easier to find.

Lucille

When I'm stitching with the metallic alone (over the top of the floss), I usually strip this white thread out first, then I don't have to deal with it. The metallic will stretch a bit (which is what the carrier thread is supposed to prevent), so you just need to be wary of how tightly you're pulling on it.

Good luck!

Joan

What a good idea. I always wind up with the white thread annoying the hell out of me and strip it out in midstream. From now on it's going first and foremost. It certainly is worth the time and effort to make it easier to remove, instead of battling with it when you're in midstitch.

It's the simple things in life that get you.

L

When I'm stitching with the metallic alone (over the top of the floss), I usually strip this white thread out first, then I don't have to deal with it. The metallic will stretch a bit (which is what the carrier thread is supposed to prevent), so you just need to be wary of how tightly you're pulling on it.

Good luck!

Joan

Thank You!! I didn't know you could do that. The knowledge base of this group is fantastic.

Fred

nothing changes, nothing changes.Don't back stitch to email, just stitchit.

You're right, of course, Karen! I guess I just assumed he was using BF, since that description fits what happens when I'm using BF. (Yes, I know what they say about assuming! lol)

but it sounds to me,

Okay, so Fred, what type of "metallic" stuff *are* you using?????

Joan

I remember many years ago there was a long thread ( no pun intended) whether to strip the metallic first, or not.

When I did the U.S. Navy Crest for my son, there was a lot of DMC metallic on it...no stripping of that stuff, but Thread Heaven was a gift from God!

GIllian

You're right, of course, Karen! I guess I just assumed he was using BF, since that description fits what happens when I'm using BF. (Yes, I know what they say about assuming! lol)

but it sounds to me,

Okay, so Fred, what type of "metallic" stuff *are* you using?????

Joan I have no idea, it came with a kit. However I striped out the carrier thread on a short length after some difficulty finding the darn thing. After I was done the metallic appears to be flat versus round and on one side is some white colored material that won't scrap off. As a result when the metallic twists one see gold, white, gold, white, etc, etc. I is quite strong and doesn't break easily. I doubt if I will use it.

What is everyone's favourite?? I saw some DMC that might do. The carrier could be stripped if required - not easy but it can be done. Having said all that it seems to me that the metallic gets considerably thinner after the carrier is removed. What does one do? strip the carrier and then use two strands versus one??

While I'm trying to figure out what to use I'm still stitching the basic floss and I will over cross stitch the metallic later - HOWEVER I have this nagging suspicion that I will be reaming out hundreds of holes in my fabric in order to get the needle and metallic through the holes already filled with floss. Finding the holes on the back side ought to be a hoot and I suspect my cuss jar is going to fill up pretty fast.

Fred

nothing changes, nothing changes.Don't back stitch to email, just stitchit.

Petite Treasure Braid from Rainbow Gallery is very easy to use. IME the BF found in kits is appalling and not worth the trouble. Personally, I hate DMC metallics and won't use them either.

Sara

If it needs to be quite fine, instead of BF, you could use the Rainbow Gallery Petite Treasure Braid - it's a bit finer than Kreinik 4, and can sub in for BF. Much nicer to work with.

'm kind of agreeing with Karen - sometimes if you pull out the carrierthread the stuff will full apart. Just depends. On the whole, with thefine metallics, I just go with short lengths - like 12-13", and the threadheaven. For BF, I do the loop it thru the needle thing to lock it into theneedle, and you can always cut one of the legs short so it's still only 1strand that you're stitching with. Anyhow - I've switched to using the RGPetite Treasure Braid instead of BF - it's much nicer, IMHO. Good luck - whatever you're doing.

Ellice

I move around a lot for what I prefer. Used in about 12" lengths, the DMC spools and skeins can work and give decent coverage. I use them only when I'm only doing a little bit of metallic (for the size of the piece).

I just worked on some fabric that I couldn't use the PTB - it just wasn't working - but the DMC stranded worked beautifully - I stripped it down and down again for two skinny plys and it was just right. Would have begged for alternatives if I had needed to do that more than twice though.

Cheryl

Don't they also have (or had) a color called Japanese Gold - or was that some one else. (had it, gave it away)

Cheryl