Kreinik blending filaments
Heather Wallace & Michael Doyle
I've used metallics before, but I've never used these particular torture
devices. My current project (My Lady's Garden by Mirabilia) uses 3 strands of
blending filament for large sections. It's like stitching with tinsel! It
frays constantly and my stitches just look awful. I gave up on that section
of the piece for awhile--does anyone have any suggestions for me?
Heather
Lula
Heather and Michael---
I've always stitched my blending filaments on after I finish stitching a
piece.
I usually loop a length of blending filament in my needle (doubled) and
stitch a half cross stitch across all the areas of my cross stitching.
This is much easier and creates a more glittery effect on the needlework
because the the blending filament doesn't get "buried" as much in the
stitching.
In fact--this is my suggestion in my charts for using blending
filaments.
Happy Stitching--Lula from Wooly Dreams Design
Anne & Keith Armstrong
Lula wrote:
> I usually loop a length of blending filament in my needle (doubled) and
> stitch a half cross stitch across all the areas of my cross stitching.
> This is much easier and creates a more glittery effect on the needlework
> because the the blending filament doesn't get "buried" as much in the
> stitching.
> In fact--this is my suggestion in my charts for using blending
I thought the whole idea of blending filament was to get a sort of
dappled effect - I hope so I am supposed to use it on the water of
a stream and I was expecting just the odd sparkle to make it look
*real*. I am not looking forward to using it now I have read of
these difficulties, but I have got to put some life in the stream.
Anne in Melbourne, where the leaves are falling
John or Jenn Ridley
Heather Wallace wrote:
>I've used metallics before, but I've never used these particular torture
>devices. My current project (My Lady's Garden by Mirabilia) uses 3 strands of
>blending filament for large sections. It's like stitching with tinsel! It
>frays constantly and my stitches just look awful. I gave up on that section
>of the piece for awhile--does anyone have any suggestions for me?
1) Use short lengths (12 inches or less).
2) Use a bigger needle (the larger holes will contract when you wash
the piece). This keeps the fabric from shredding the filament so
much.
3) Use a laying tool (I just "comb" the thread with my needle) to
keep it flat.
4) I find that using the stab method works better...mostly because I
can drop the needle and let the thread untwist between every stitch.
5) Use Kreinik's #4 braid (the very fine one) if it comes in the color
you need.
6) Only work on the filamented areas when you're not tired or cranky.
I'm working on a design that calls for two strands of filament and two
strands of floss, and I use all of the above (except #5--I don't like
the look with the braid). I like using filament, and add it to
projects that I think need it, always stitching it in with the floss.
( of course, I also like stitching with Marlitt)
jenn
---
Jenn Ridley
jri...@ix.netcom.com
Jody Oxley
If the Kreinik colors you are using come in the #4 braid, you
might consider using that rather than the individual strands
of blending filament. As the name implies, #4 braid is 4 strands
of the blending filament braided together--and it behaves very
nicely!
MISTY34567
I guess I'm alone here. I don't seem to have any problems with it.
Granted, its not as easy to work with as regular floss. I loop the
metallic over the needle like kreinik suggests and that locks it in place
to keep it from slipping out of the needle. Then I gently stroke the
fibers together to make sure one strand isn't kinked next to the others.
I've found that using a laying tool (which I don't actually have, I have a
22 needle that works great as one) helps.
Misty
Venech
Someone may have already suggested this, but here is what I do:
First, as soon as you cut your bf off the spool, put clear fingernail
polish (or fray check) on each end of the filament. Let dry. This has
helped keep mine from fraying. I even use very long lengths...no problems
yet.
To keep it from slipping off your needle: when threading, fold the
filament over about 2 inches from one end (making a loop). put the loop
through the eye of the needle - not all the way...there should still be a
short end and a long end coming out of the needle eye. pull the needle
through the loop you made. Pull single ends tight. This creates a 'slip'
knot on your neeldle.
If this was too confusing, I will try to re-explain...
~~~ Venecha ~~~
William O'Rourke
syz...@cts.com (Heather Wallace & Michael Doyle) wrote:
>I've used metallics before, but I've never used these particular torture
>devices. My current project (My Lady's Garden by Mirabilia) uses 3 strands of
>blending filament for large sections. It's like stitching with tinsel! It
>frays constantly and my stitches just look awful. I gave up on that section
>of the piece for awhile--does anyone have any suggestions for me?
>
>Heather
Hi, Heather.
I haven't used them often, but what I've done in the past is use short
lengths (all the pulling through the holes and back again really frays
them) and I've gone so far as to put a tiny dab of glue on the ends to
keep them together and to keep them from pulling out of my
needle....of course, I snip the end with the glue when I'm done with
that length.
I'm sure there must be better ideas out there...these were just mine
out of desperation!
Barbara
Ann J. Shjefte
I have never had trouble with blending filament. Here is what I do:
I use shorter lengths (12"). I put a drop of Fray Check on both ends of
the length. When I run the end of the thread under other threads I
leave a small length with the fray check hanging out to be clipped
later.
Then I stitch as normal. If I am using 2 threads (usually 1 floss and 1
metallic), I will railroad but I will NOT lay the fiber. The reasoning
for this is that IMHO blending filament is not supposed to be a flat
metallic look. It is suppose to be like snow or water with the sun
shining on it. You see a shine in one place and if you move slightly
you will see it in another place. If you are really looking for a
complete metallic look try braid instead.
When I have used up the length of fiber or am at the end of the section,
I run the thread under other threads and clip the thread thus
eliminating the fray check part. I also go back and clip the other end
of the thread thus eliminating the fray check on that end as well.
Try this and see if that helps. Ann
Heather Wallace & Michael Doyle wrote:
>
> I've used metallics before, but I've never used these particular torture
> devices. My current project (My Lady's Garden by Mirabilia) uses 3 strands of
> blending filament for large sections. It's like stitching with tinsel! It
> frays constantly and my stitches just look awful. I gave up on that section
> of the piece for awhile--does anyone have any suggestions for me?
>
> Heather
Opinions expressed herein are my own and may not represent those of my employer.
Mary E. Hajduk
Hi Heather,
To tame down those little devils, try putting a drop of Fray Chex
on your index finger and draw the blending filaments between your
thumb and index finger. Also use no more than an eight inch length
of thread. Good luck. Mary Elizabeth
--
Susan T. Quirion
syz...@cts.com (Heather Wallace & Michael Doyle) wrote:
>I've used metallics before, but I've never used these particular torture
>devices. My current project (My Lady's Garden by Mirabilia) uses 3 strands of
>blending filament for large sections. It's like stitching with tinsel! It
>frays constantly and my stitches just look awful. I gave up on that section
>of the piece for awhile--does anyone have any suggestions for me?
>
>Heather
Hi Heather -
I'm working on the same project and unfortunately experiencing the same
problem. I cut the filament in about 12 inch pieces and tie them to the
needle, which helps a little. Good luck.
Kerstin Tims
Hi Anne,
I have to say that I haven't had unusual problems with the blending filaments.
I just take it slow and easy and do as Kreinik suggests. Lock the filament on
the needle, thread in the DMC/Anchor and you're off to the races.
I use it and get the effect your were mentioning for the water. I can see,
depending on the look you want for your piece, trying the other suggestions.
Best of luck,
kerstin
--
Kerstin Tims Tandem Computers
512-432-8290 14231 Tandem Blvd
ker...@tandem.com Austin, TX 78728
Jeri Lyn
Hi Anne,
One of the best tips I ever had about blending filaments, was to knot
them on to your needle, and keep the length relatively short. I've always
followed this advice, and have never had any problems, so don't be put
off, go for it, they look wonderful!
Jeri
Joyce Yorger
I just finished Cross My Heart's "A Time for All Seasons" which had
blending filament in its border. I had posed the same question on 1
April 96. I needed one strand of filament and two of floss. Several
suggestions were passed on to me by members of this lovely group. What I
did. . .
1. I put a dab of fray check on the cut end of the filament and allowed
it to dry. This helped the to keep the filament from unstranding while
being used.
2. After drying, I put a loop through the eye of my needle and pulled the
spool of filament through the loop, making a knot with a 2-inch,
fray-checked tail and an uncut tail.
3. I cut a length of six-strand floss about 24-30 inches long and
separated one strand from the six.
4. I then put one end of the floss through the eye and evened it, causing
it to become doubled.
5. Then I evened the floss and the filament and cut the filament to the
same (or slightly longer) length as the floss.
6. Then I stitched away. This added glitter to the border on the
project, without having all of the glitter on top and becoming too
prominent.
Hope this makes sense to you. Good luck with your stitching. You should
like the effect.
Suzanne Barron
I found a wonderful fiber at Status Thimble (a needlepoint shop in
Burlingame, CA). It's by Renaissance Designs and it's called Pizzaz. Hard
to describe but it's like a thin piece of shiny something-man-made
(rayon??) wrapped with metallic. I've been using one strand on 18-count
canvas and it looks just like the Kreinik blending filaments but it works
up much easier. Comes in all sorts of colors. Actually, instead of the
blending filament, it's more like the Kreinik cord (which is all
metallic). Anyhow, it's the first time I've used it and, although I'm
needlepointing, I think it would also work well with cross-stitch.
sha...@epix.net
I wonder what is wrong with me...I love Blending Filament
and do not have any problems with it. I teach many
students and they end up loving it too...after they
understand how to use it.
Others have posted about threading the needle. Do it...it
works. About the lenght. I can stitch with a yard of it
and not loose it. Why? Because I use a frame and use a
punch or stab method. There is less drag on the thread
that way. There are some stitchers who use a laying tool
for filament. It keeps the thread for tangling and
knotting.
Not too long ago, our choice of fibers were very limited.
Now with all of the choices out there, we need to learn
how to use them. Just because it goes into a needle does
not mean it stitches like floss.
Enjoy the challenge of learning to use all of the
beautiful threads out there. Most of them require a little
extra effort and the results are well worth learning how
to use a new thread.
A good, new needle, a laying tool and a stitching frame of
some sort will work wonders. By the way, the #4 Braid is
superb. Give it a try.
Sharon G
Martha Beth Lewis
Another suggestion (actually, a retread of a hint offered that last
time we all struggled with this topic!): pull out that little hair
thingie. It's not "required" and it sure is a nuisance. Martha Beth
Lesley Wright
In article <318F59...@mmm.com> ajsh...@mmm.com (Ann J. Shjefte) writes:
>From: ajsh...@mmm.com (Ann J. Shjefte)
>Subject: Re: Kreinik blending filaments
>Date: Tue, 07 May 1996 09:07:21 -0500
>I have never had trouble with blending filament. Here is what I do:
>I use shorter lengths (12"). I put a drop of Fray Check on both ends of
>the length. When I run the end of the thread under other threads I
>leave a small length with the fray check hanging out to be clipped
>later.
>Then I stitch as normal. If I am using 2 threads (usually 1 floss and 1
>metallic), I will railroad but I will NOT lay the fiber. The reasoning
>for this is that IMHO blending filament is not supposed to be a flat
>metallic look. It is suppose to be like snow or water with the sun
>shining on it. You see a shine in one place and if you move slightly
>you will see it in another place. If you are really looking for a
>complete metallic look try braid instead.
>When I have used up the length of fiber or am at the end of the section,
>I run the thread under other threads and clip the thread thus
>eliminating the fray check part. I also go back and clip the other end
>of the thread thus eliminating the fray check on that end as well.
>Try this and see if that helps. Ann
>Heather Wallace & Michael Doyle wrote:
>>
>> I've used metallics before, but I've never used these particular torture
>> devices. My current project (My Lady's Garden by Mirabilia) uses 3 strands of
>> blending filament for large sections. It's like stitching with tinsel! It
>> frays constantly and my stitches just look awful. I gave up on that section
>> of the piece for awhile--does anyone have any suggestions for me?
>>
>> Heather
>Opinions expressed herein are my own and may not represent those of my employer.
I'm doing My Lady's Garden too, using Kreinik blending filament, and I found
that it is good to use shorter lengths of filament (12"), but I make the one
you use two strands of 24" long, loop it, pass the loop through the needle and
then thread the needle through the loop, thus anchoring the filament in the
needle. The other single strand I cut about 13" long, and make a loop as
above about 1" in, and anchor it in the same way, to have all three strands
the same length and all anchored through the needle.
Then I get a piece of waste material and sew the threads two or three times
through it, which 'pulls off' that fuzzy stuff that balls up when you stitch.
It might be an integral part of the filament, but it doesn't seem to do any
harm, and quite a lot of good, to remove it!
After that, I also don't lay the threads, or railroad them, because I guess
the crinkly look is what gives the effect. I just sew away, though I do use
English method (a whole stitch at a time) so each stitch is anchored as I go.
Doing the above, I've found no problem at all in doing the metallic gate - in
fact, it's one of the fastest bits to do of the whole thing!
Incidentally, thanks to all those kind people that gave me advice when I was
pleading for help on this subject last Autumn (Fall). The above is a kind of
distillation of all your comments.
Lesley
(now if only I could find the TIME....)
Ann J. Shjefte
Heather, It really depends on your chart. It will usually tell you if
and what color floss you are to put with the metallic. There are some
charts out there which only have you using the metallic. With 3 strands
called for, it wouldn't surprised me that you only use the metallics.
Ann
Heather Wallace & Michael Doyle wrote:
>
> Hello all,
>
> Just a note that I probably didn't make clear enough in my earlier post. If
> I'm interpreting the instructions correctly, I'm supposed to use 3 strands of
> filament *without* any DMC. From the kinds of responses I'm getting, I take
> it that this is unusual. Thanks for all the good advice. I love this ng.
Todd Robert Saulnier
syz...@cts.com (Heather Wallace & Michael Doyle) wrote:
>Hello all,
>Just a note that I probably didn't make clear enough in my earlier post. If
>I'm interpreting the instructions correctly, I'm supposed to use 3 strands of
>filament *without* any DMC. From the kinds of responses I'm getting, I take
>it that this is unusual. Thanks for all the good advice. I love this ng.
>Heather
My only advice is to go slowly. I once made a Christmas ornament that
called for 4 strands of blending filament. The hardest part was
threading the needle. I really wish I had known about the loop method
for starting though.
Glenda
**************************
* Todd & Glenda Saulnier * Fasten your seat belts,
* toddsa...@ips.ca * you're on the information highway! :-)
**************************
Lana Holden
In article <4mqa2d$e...@dfw-ixnews2.ix.netcom.com>,
mar...@ix.netcom.com(Martha Beth Lewis) wrote:
I often end up pulling my hair out when I stitch
with blending filament! :)
--Lana
MISTY34567
In article <4mrimq$6...@news3.cts.com>, syz...@cts.com (Heather Wallace &
Michael Doyle) writes:
>Just a note that I probably didn't make clear enough in my earlier post.
If
>I'm interpreting the instructions correctly, I'm supposed to use 3
strands of
>
>filament *without* any DMC. From the kinds of responses I'm getting, I
take
>it that this is unusual. Thanks for all the good advice. I love this
ng.
Some projects call for using a strand of floss and a strand of blending
filament. Other projects use blending filament alone in multiple plies.
For example, Mirabilia's Mother's Arms using three strands of the BF in
the sky to represent the shine from the moon.
Misty
Ann J. Shjefte
There are two trains of thought on this one. Marilyn from Stoney Creek
says pull it. If I remember correctly, Doug Kreinik says don't pull it.
Doug, how about it? Ann
Martha Beth Lewis wrote:
>
> Another suggestion (actually, a retread of a hint offered that last
> time we all struggled with this topic!): pull out that little hair
> thingie. It's not "required" and it sure is a nuisance. Martha Beth
Opinions expressed herein are my own and may not represent those of my employer.
Jessica Edwards
BB>From: Suzanne Barron <bar...@sfo.com>
BB>Organization: San Francisco Online (Televolve, Inc.)
BB>I found a wonderful fiber at Status Thimble (a needlepoint shop in
BB>Burlingame, CA). It's by Renaissance Designs and it's called Pizzaz.
BB>Hard
BB>to describe but it's like a thin piece of shiny something-man-made
BB>(rayon??) wrapped with metallic. I've been using one strand on 18-count
BB>canvas and it looks just like the Kreinik blending filaments but it
BB>works
BB>up much easier. Comes in all sorts of colors. Actually, instead of the
BB>blending filament, it's more like the Kreinik cord (which is all
BB>metallic). Anyhow, it's the first time I've used it and, although I'm
BB>needlepointing, I think it would also work well with cross-stitch.
Suzanne,
I would love to find out more about this fiber. Does the Status Thimble do mailorder?? Would they be willing to or can they point me to the wholesale source as I can buy wholesale supplies? TIA.
Jessica
Jes...@mail.prostar.com
--- Ezycom V1.10
* Origin: The Guardian Angel (1:138/313)
Ed & Mary Fishencord
In article <3191E4...@mmm.com>, ajsh...@mmm.com (Ann J. Shjefte) wrote:
> Heather, It really depends on your chart. It will usually tell you if
> and what color floss you are to put with the metallic. There are some
> charts out there which only have you using the metallic. With 3 strands
> called for, it wouldn't surprised me that you only use the metallics.
> Ann
>
If you are using three strands of blending filament...I would be sure they are
all anchored to your needle and use very short lengths. That stuff is like
stitching with cellophane...and the nylon filler thread gets mixed in too, I
think I would be tempted to railroad and drop my needle at every stitch. Or use
a laying tool and drop the needle at every stitch to at least get a partial
control of the twist. It sound gruesome to me...without the floss to stablize
it....
Mary
emf...@ccnet.com
P. Jones
Is there a list of blending filaments with color names and numbers on the
Web anywhere?
Pamela
===============================================================================
CALVIN: "You know, Hobbes, some days even my lucky rocketship underpants don't
help."
HOBBES: "Well, you've done all you can do."
Pamela A. Jones
jon...@u.washington.edu
===============================================================================
Doug Kreinik
Hi
The method we teach in all of our classes and throughout our
literature is to pass a loop of the blending filament through the
eye of the needle. After accomplishing this, move the point of
the needle through the loop and pull it passed locking the thread
onto the needle. This is called a larks head knot.
As for the supporting thread, this gives the thread a bit of
strength. I do not suggest taking it out, but some people prefer
it. When the blending filament is knotted to the needle both
threads are stablilized.
When you pass two threads of differing tensile strengths through
fabric,because of friction to move unevenly. We have always
recommended knotting the thread to the needle. This regulates the
tension so that the filament will then pass through the fabric
with the same motion as the cotton, silk or wool.
If you would like to have a free pamphlet on our metallic threads
send a self stamped addressed #10 business envelope to:
Kreinik Mfg. Co. ,Inc
Consumer Information (INT)
3106 Timanus Ln Suite 101
Baltimore,MD 21244
Patricia M. Andersen
Doug Kreinik (7576...@CompuServe.COM) wrote:
: As for the supporting thread, this gives the thread a bit of
: it. When the blending filament is knotted to the needle both
: threads are stablilized.
Does this make it an "authoritative" response? Kathy, maybe an answer for
the FAQ?
Patty
--
Patty Andersen My opinions are my own
Library Director why would the State of
Devereaux Library, SDSM&T South Dakota want them?
pand...@silver.sdsmt.edu
Martha Beth Lewis
In <4n92fg$5...@news.sdsmt.edu> pand...@silver.sdsmt.edu (Patricia M.
Andersen) writes:
>
>Doug Kreinik (7576...@CompuServe.COM) wrote:
>: As for the supporting thread, this gives the thread a bit of
>: strength. I do not suggest taking it out, but some people prefer
>: it. When the blending filament is knotted to the needle both
>: threads are stablilized.
>:
>Does this make it an "authoritative" response? Kathy, maybe an answer
for
>the FAQ?
>
>Patty
I always remove the "hair" and have had no ill effects.
Martha Beth