Do you dread using silk that comes packaged in skeins?
I did until I learned the secret to opening them. In a new YouTube from The Royal School of Needlework, you’ll see how to do it.
My one problem with these pretty braids you get with the RSN method is that it doesn’t preserve and keep handy the thread label. I’ve needed it far too often. I do use this method to cut my silk though.
Instead of braiding these days I pop the cut skein and the label in a flossaway bag.
But you could use thread tags and braids. Begin by transferring the label information to the tag, then cut the silk. Loop the silk around the hole in the tag and pull the ends through the loop, making a Lark’s Head Knot.
Now divide, braid, and bind. If you don’t want to braid, you can just leave the ends free after making the knot.
The other thing I love about both these methods is that I can immediately store the unused strands and not lose track of them.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
So, what’s a larks head knot?????? And where do you buy blank tags….. don’t tell me Hobby Lobby!!!!!!!!!
To make aLark’s Head knot, bring the two loose ends of the thread together, making a loop at the other end. Put the loop through the hole in the thread tag. Bring the other ends of the thread through the loop and tighten.
The secures the thread to the tag, or pole or card, but allows you to pull out single threads at the knot.
Lark’s Head knots are used by companies such as Weeks and The Gentle Art to put their threads on the tags.
Thread tags are distributed by Access Commodities and are available in several shapes at needlepoint shops.
Keep stitching, Janet