|
Beginning and Ending Non-stitchable Threads
Metal threads that have a core must be taken to the backside of the needlework. This includes all Japanese golds, twists, crinkles, passing threads, etc. but not purls.
Plunging metal threads with a chenille needle:
After all the couching is complete, it will be necessary to sink the ends of the gold to the backside of the embroidery. If you do this before
all the embroidery is done you must immediately whip the ends of the gold to the underneath side of the area that they covered on the front. Otherwise, you will find that you have created a bird's nest on the back as you try to
embroider the rest. Often it is best to wait until all the embroidery is complete before sinking the ends.
To sink the tails you can use a large chenille needle or "sinking" needle. In choosing a chenille needle, consider the size of the gold to be sunk. A large #8 gold will require a # 18
or 20 needle, a #3 gold will need a #22. To use the chenille needle insert the needle approximately half of the way through the foundation where you want the gold ended. Insert the strand of gold into
the eye of the needle and leave a small loop of gold on the side of the needle toward the embroidery. If there is only a short area of couched gold, put your finger on the embroidered section to hold it from
being dragged to the back and gently pull the needle and the gold all the way through. Sink only one strand at a time and do not put two strands of gold in the same hole.
Plunging metal threads with a "sinking" needle:
All the Japanese metal thread must be taken to the back. As mentioned when you use a "sinking" needle, you should also consider the size of the thread to be sunk. You can use a chenille needle or a large crewel
needle. First cut a length of thread approximately 1 yd. long. This thread can be silk floss, flat silk, or sewing silk. Thread the needle half way up the length of thread and secure the needle by inserting it in and out of the
fabric several times with the eye away from and perpendicular to you. Now place one end of the thread in your teeth and, keeping it taut, rub the other end up your right hand from palm to finger tips allowing it to
twist (or in the case of the sewing thread, to untwist) between your hands. Do this twice and remember to keep both ends taut all the time. Transfer this thread to your teeth and take the other
end and do the same thing. Put the two threads together and release the needle from the fabric and let go of it, holding the tails. As the needle spins, the threads will twist
together forming one thread attached to the eye of the needle. Take the tail and insert this back into the eye of the needle; you now have a "sinking" needle.
The "sinking" needle is used to drag the tails of the gold to the back of the fabric and is relegated to this purpose as long as the thread loop is intact. The thread loop wears
quickly as it is used and will have to be redone often. Using a tiny bit of white glue or paste on the thread will help reinforce it for a while.
After the tails have been brought to the back of the embroidery, they can be trimmed to approximately 1/2" and whipped under the area where they were embroidered.
Technique ©
© 1997 and 2003 Kay Stanis
|
