I have a question for you more experienced bead embroiderers. I'm using a double strand of Silamide, knotted together at the end. The problem I'm having is sometimes the two strands of thread do not pull through to the surface of my work at the same rate, leaving a loop of one strand on the back which, of course, I don't notice until I've reached what I think is the end of my thread and I turn the work over to knot off. I'm sure it's got something to do with the way I hold or manipulate the needle/thread, but does anyone know of a way to avoid this?
Sue in western WA
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9 comments:
That is EXACTLY why I never use a double strand - always single. Another reason for single strand is so the thread doesn't wear out where it goes through the eye of the needle. If you feel a certain bead needs more "reinforcement," sew through it two or more times.
Hope this helps, Robin
Sue, I normally would not use double thread either, but for some reason it is working for me. Although what you describe happened, I just paid close attention to it and was able to fix any problems.
Nancy
Forgot to add, I use Silamide too.
I'm like the others, I never use a dbl strand. But sometimes I'll use a much thicker thread such as a Nymo "D" size or even upholstry thread. Helps fill up beads so they lie stiffer and don't move around much.
Sue - Do what feels best for you! Here's what I do when using doubled Silamide - Thread the needle with the thread. Even the ends up. Pull the doubled-thread through bees wax. Pull the thread between your fingers once or twice to get off the excess wax, and coat the thread evenly. Knot the thread.
You can get bees wax at Joann's or other fabric stores, or even more fun, look for it at the farmer's market from people who sell honey.
I don't double my thread. If I were to accidently pierce it while beading - and that's been known to happen, then I can just take my needle off and fix my mistake. If the thread were doubled, you couldn't do that. If you need to have the thread thicker, buy a thicker thread.
I also use Thread Heaven. I really like this product and find that it doesn't get sticky like bees wax. It helps the thread repel from itself and reduces knotting.
Hope some of this helps.
Cheers, Denise
Yes, being able to take off the needle is definitely another advantage of single thread.
Sorry, I don't like the idea of using wax on the thread as it is a dirt/dust magnate.
Using a single thread, I simply sew through heavier beads (buttons, charms too) two or more times to secure them well. If I want to straighten or smooth out a line of beads, I sew through the whole line a second time, or even three times if need be.
I use Nymo D (single, not doubled) for all my bead embroidery, except if I'm using tiny vintage seed beads that require a size 15 needle. For these I use Nymo B, A, or O.
If you DO want to use a double thread, half hitch it onto the needle. That way you CAN unthread rethread the needle if necessary,
CA
I don't remember where/when I started using a doubled thread. I usually don't like like to work with more than one strand, but I've been doing it so long now I'm guessing I got better results with it and so kept doing it that way. Sometimes I discover the loop on the back quickly enough to go back and fix it. Other times I just try to tack it down later. I was having a particularly bad time with it the day I posed the question!
I do use Thread Heaven. Even though the Silamide is supposed to be waxed I find Thread Heaven helps smooth out the strands.
I've never been aware of a problem of my thread wearing out at the eye of the needle. The half hitch suggestion is new to me - thanks! And thanks for all the other input as well!
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