Renaissance threads

Pat,

Try getting a bottle of Fray Check. Dip the end of your thread in that (the method I use is to put a few drops on a piece of waxed paper and then dip the end), and that should help the unraveling problem. You only need to dip one end, the "working" one. You can find fray check at Hobby Lobby or Wal Mart. I think it's usually shelved with the sewing or quilting supplies. Here's a picture of what it looks like.

Cris

If you are using a double strand, try taking a single strand and putting it throught the needle to make it double that way, and then work both loose into the pattern at the same time. That way you can still use a shortish piece, but it becomes shorter with the folding - wastes a bit, but makes it easier. I did a whole snowflake using the same metallic thread that way.

Catherine

Quite a few people here have reported good results with Thread Heaven for unruly threads. Dawne

You have my symapthies, Pat. Those are beautiful threads but astoundingly frustrating to use. I have no sugestions for you but will be watching this thread as I have a needlepoint UFO that uses them.

Karen E.

Catherine has the right idea...at least that's how I deal with these unruly threads. To make it extra clear; you thread the single thread thru the needle and even up the two cut ends together. On the wrong side anchor these ends under 3 or 4 threads then you stitch with the "folded" thread through the eye of the needle. Presto no loode ends to ravel and the "worn" part of the thread is at the eye and gets cut off when you use as much of the thread as you can. Rachel in Scottsdale

Unfortunately I can only use a single strand because of the canvas size. I will try the Fray Check method, haven't done that one yet. Then will find some Thread Heaven. Then will have a small bonfire and say the heck with it.

The irritating thing is that the threads come off the hank already unraveled at least 2 inches, especially the Pure n Simple, which is neither.

Pat > Cather>