Updated: 1/30/18
The alternate name for this post could be “What I Learned NOT to Do.” This came to mind because recently I finished a Melissa Shirley candy cane that used Trebizond. This thread is on my delicate list and, in general, I avoid it. That’s because it’s a delicate thread and, for me at least, it snags badly. In fact this candy cane is the first time ever I have used it with no snags.
The picture at the top of the article is a vintage In Good Company stocking which I stitched a few years ago. I started stitching it in the usual way, focal points first, then background.
I used Silk Lame and Panache for the pink and blue. I started with the pink, no problem (or so I thought), but as soon as I added the blue I ran into difficulties.
Because, you see, Panache is a delicate thread. I avoid threads which are delicate and which snag easily. My skin is so dry that even with lotion, the threads snags. So more fragile threads, such as filament silks for example, I avoid.
So my first tip is moisturize your hands if you use delicate threads. An easy moisturizer you have at home is to mix a packet or teaspoon of sugar with mayonnaise. The sugar exfoliates and the oil in the mayo softens. Rub all over and then wash your hands well.
My second tip is always tape the edges. They will make your thread snag if the canvas edge is bare.
But my hands weren’t really dry (for me) and the canvas is taped. But, if you look at the top edge, the blue snagged just a bit.
Panache was also hard to start and stop and generally misbehaved.
The more I thought about it the more I was unhappy and since I have been wanting to stitch this mini-sock for almost 25 years (I bought it on eBay) I was really bummed.
The the solution occurred to me — stitch the delicate thread last. I know you are saying “no, duh!” but I’m a bit stressed out at the moment. The background and brown are both Kreiniks and very sturdy, so I’m doing them.
Then I’ll stitch the pink (and won’t pollute the cream with the tails of the pink) and finally the blue.
I’m excited because the result will be so wonderful since I love it already.
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
Trebizond is my absolute favorite—I love the stitched look. SO, I use a latex-free vinyl disposable gloves that I get in the health department of Kroger or CVS. they work so well. I don’t knick my threads and the needle is quite easy to handle.