Hand Applique Thread

teleflora · 2009-09-28T18:16:35+00:00

I have become addicted to Hand Appliqué. Right now, I am using the freezer paper method to turn under the edge. I wish I had known about back basting first, I think it's easier, but once I learn how to do something one way, I have a hard time changing.Anyway, as with any of my many obsessions, I am always looking for the "best" equipment to make the job easier.Needles: I love Clover Gold Eye Appliqué needles, #12. I bend them after awhile, but I love them. Maybe because they are a bit flexible.Thread: I have struggled with thread. When I first started, I just used whatever Coats & Clarks thread matched my fabric. And I wondered why my stitches showed! I tried silk thread and it just melted into the fabric. But I hated working with it. Even if I knotted the thread onto the needle I found that it would still come loose. Plus, if I had any kind of rough skin on the tips of my fingers, I was shredding the thread. It was a pain in the arse, but it looked great. Then I found out about 50 weight Aurifil and I really, really liked it. I started using it for everything - appliqué, hand piecing, even machine piecing. It's really fine and strong. Didn't melt into the fabric like silk, but it was easy to work with and there were really great colors.A few weeks ago, I was looking at the Piece O' Cake appliqué website and they recommended and sold Superior thread called Frostings in bobbin sets for appliqué. They have 3 different collections of 12 colors each that are just beautiful. It's 50wt and just a little finer than Auriful. I really, really like this thread.I went to the Superior thread website and found yet another thread. It's called The Bottom Line. I bought all three sets that were offered. It is 100% polyester. The colors are great and just enough different from the Frosting line that I now have a nice collection of colors. The only bad thing about this thread is that Polyester is just about as fiddly as silk. It has a mind of it's own and tends to...

Sep 28, 2009 48 Replies

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Leslie& The Furbabies in MO. 16 years ago

Here's the link to all the studio photos- (I send myself links in emails and save the emails in folders.)

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I'm honored you'd want to save it! ;-)

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

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Taria 16 years ago

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teleflora 16 years ago

Amy, sometimes my "humor" comes across as snide remarks, so always remember that about me, 'kay?

Cindy

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J* 16 years ago

'take'n the piss out' is the phrase used downunder.

j .

"teleflora" wrote ... Amy, sometimes my "humor" comes across as snide remarks, so always remember that about me, 'kay?

Cindy

"amy > Cindy-you made my day. After the snide remarks from another poster, I

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teleflora 16 years ago

Y'all talk weird, Jeanne. How long did it take for you to get used to it?

Cindy

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J* 16 years ago

"J*" wrote ...

Y'all talk weird, Jeanne. How long did it take for you to get used to it?

Cindy

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Susan Torrens 16 years ago

Have you tried using "Thread Heaven". It is a thread conditioner, and it helps to tame those fine threads. I use it with silk to appliqué. I have been working on a cross stitch project lately, that uses gold metallic thread. I have been using the Thread Heaven on it, and it is behaving beautifully.(I think I have at least three of the little blue boxes!) Hope this helps

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Patti 16 years ago

Wow! Even on metallic - I would never have thought of that. It's great to know. I must try to remember that. I could file it, but I might forget all about it if I do >g< Best try to remember it. So, thanks Susan. . In message , Susan Torrens writes

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Bev in TX 16 years ago

On Sep 28, 1:16=A0pm, "teleflora" wrote: ... portion snipped ...>

... portion snipped ...

Has anyone tried using Madeira Cotona 80wt thread for applique? Is that a good thread for applique, or is it too weak? Some sites say that it is for Heirloom sewing. It appears that it only comes in light colors, but it is 100% cotton.

Bev in TX

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