By: Dawn Scotting


Tips on Using Silk Floss

More & more needleworkers today are asking for finer materials because
their time, energy & resources are limited & there are a growing number
of beautiful designs on the market. As a result, silk thread is becoming
more & more popular, since it is easier to use than cotton (its smooth
texture allows it to flow easily through any fabric), has longer-lasting
lustre & it's strength is unsurpassed by any other fibre.
Different materials often require different stitching techniques. Here
are some of the things you should keep in mind when stitching with silk:

* Purchase enough silk floss of each colour to complete your project in
order to obtain the same dye lot for consistent colouration. It is
always safest to assume you will need to do some "re-stitching" and that
you will actually use more thread than what you estimate is necessary.

* If your piece becomes soiled, have it dry cleaned to ensure lasting
beauty. Do NOT wet block any silk work. If you are using silk for
highlights only, do all other areas first, block the work, and then
complete the canvas with the silk. This process also applies to
highlighting over any other yarns.

* A frame or hoop is recommended while stitching to allow you to stitch
more evenly & prevent excessive misshaping of your piece.

* Separating plies of silk proves quicker & easier than separating
cotton strands. Follow these simple instructions to prevent any
snagging, tangling or knotting:
  1 Take a length of the cut silk yarn (12" or 18" is recommended, based
    on stitcher's preference).
  2 Hold the end loosely and pull out one ply.
  3 Repeat for the number of plies needed. As with any stranded fibre,
    separate all the strands needed & put them back together again
    before stitching.
  4 Straighten the thread after each ply has been pulled out.
  5 Lay all plies parallel to each other & thread your needle (for added
    lustre, keep threads parallel while stitching). The use of a laying
    tool (such as the trolley needle referred to in "Tips & Hints," J/A
    '93 issue of SCC) is advised to help keep the strands perfectly flat
    & smoother for the greatest light reflection. Much of the beauty of
    silk derives from the reflection of light off of its surface.

* Platinum needles are recommended. Stitchers who do not use platinum
needles should hold needle close to the end of the length of silk thread
or tie thread onto needle using the blending filament threading
technique (see "Tips & Hints," J/F '93 issue of SCC). In spite of silk's
strength, it can sometimes show wear at the point where it passes
repeatedly through the needle's eye during stitching.

Other "Tips & Hints" in SCC magazines are:
Kreinik Blending Filament Threading Technique - Jan/Feb 1993
Beading Technique - Mar/Apr 1993
The Trials & Triumphs of Stitching with Variegated Floss - Mar/Apr 1993
Never Knot Your Thread - May/June 1993
Smoother Stitching at Your Fingertips (Trolley Needle) - Jul/Aug 1993
How to Avoid Bleeding of Floss Colours - Sept/Oct 1993
Tips for Stitching with Marlitt Embroidery Thread - Nov/Dec 1993
Important Tips for Stitching Eyelet Stitches - Jan/Feb 1994
The Beauty of Stitching with Silk - Mar/Apr 1994