I will enjoy them a lot more using these tips. BTW - I hope you don't mind that we are SAL twins for the Mirabilia SAL - both doing Mermaid of Atlantis! I'm a really slow stitcher, though, so I know you'll be done way before me! It will be fun to have someone to stitch with!
Shadow5618 That's awesome! Tara C is doing her as well, and she has gorgeous hand dyed fabric to stitch her on (which I'm incredibly jealous about!). I don't consider myself a fast stitcher, and I don't think I will be using the parking technique for her. She will only get worked on one week per month (so I can share the love with my other WIPs). It will definitely be fun stitching the same design. What fabric and count are you stitching her on?
should hv seen you video first before attempting krenik yesterday. I gave up after 3 stitches and fellow stitchers on instagram advice me to look up your video and I did today. now, im gg to attempt krenik again. THANKS ALOT for the tips!!!!
I have been using your tip for sewing metallics and it works great. Thank you Carolyn , I have started cross stitching because of finding alll you wonderful folks on flosstube. However, I"m not brave enough to show any of you my finished projects. Love watching your videos. Happy stitching from America!
Bonnie Dedaur Some metallics are easier to stitch with than others. I quite like the braids, but not the blending filaments. On my blackwork project I'm using 3 of the same types of braids in different colours - the white is very strong and I have no problems with it at all, yet the teal and the silver seem to fray a lot. I'm sure you'll be fine..... best of luck :) x
Fantastic tutorial. I don't hate metallics, but the DMC variety and I don't get along too well. But this is great. I love the idea of simply doing the stitch several times to get the same effect of a multi stranded version. King Tutankhamun is stunning. Thank you for the close ups. So gorgeous. Hugs, Jessie
Thank you Carolyn for your wonderful tutorial on Metallics. I was really scared to use metallics for the first time with my new kit that I hope to start this weekend but your video has put my worries and fears to rest. keep up the great work with your videos xx
Just finished the Gridding. Hope to start on the project tomorrow :) It's a Bothy Threads pattern called Love Heart. Going to be a bit tricky me thinks but it will be pretty by the end. :)
Really pleased you made this video. I'm not a very experienced stitcher but I am attempting a small chatelaine Design which was free from her site. A large part is metallic threads and beads so seeing you work the metallics is a great lesson. Blessings for the new year to you and your family from Canada. Happy stitching
Thank you Ann! I hope the technique works for you and makes the whole experience more enjoyable. The metallics look so pretty, but they're not the most fun to use. Thank you for watching and happy stitching :) x
+Caroline Pryor Hi Caroline! Some metallics are much nicer to stitch with than others. Since making this video, I've discovered Petite Treasure Braid by Rainbow Gallery and I looooooove it. So much easier to stitch with than Kreinik. So my advice is have a play around with different types of metallic threads and see what you like using best. Take care and happy stitching :) x
Thanks for the tip on metallic thread. I have not used any yet, but I won't be afraid to try them. But I do use this technique with regular thread when I have a single or double confetti stitch off by themselves if I don't have a short strand of thread to use the loop start with. That way I don't use up the loop end of a new strand just to stitch one or 2 stitches. This method means only 1 strand of thread gets tunneled at the beginning and then only 1 strand again when I finish it off - less bulk on the back of the stitched piece. Thanks again for the tip!
Oh my goodness, that's brilliant! I wish I had known this before! My very first ever cross stitch had gold metallic thread in the border and I nearly gave up for good right there and then I was having such difficulty with it. Although (thankfully) I didn't give up on cross stitch, I have never used metallic thread since but I might have to give it a go now!
Please do try it again. I was in the same predicament with King Tut and that's what lead me to search for another technique. I wish I could remember where I found it, but it was so long ago and my memory is shocking! I really hope it helps you. There are so many gorgeous patterns out there that contain metallic threads and it would be a shame not to do them simply because of the anxiety they cause. Best of luck and Merry Christmas :) x
This tutorial was brilliant... I am going to start the black work sampler in the new year too and I was looking at the metallics today as I was kitting up and the knot in my stomach just looking at them probably matched the one at the back of the fabric you were talking about - I feel relieved and more confident having watched your video... Part of me is eager to start and the other half of me less so...Merry Christmas and a safe Happy New year to you and yours... Take care now...
Thank you so much! I wasn't sure if others' used this technique before, but I hadn't seen it mentioned on UA-cam. I thought the timing was good because of the SALs. I look forward to watching your progress. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family also. Thanks for watching :) x
Thanks so much for these tips! I've only done one project so far that used a similar "floss" - the kit called it a "hologram filament" - it was a thin, flat, and very shiny synthetic thread, identical to Glissen Gloss' Prizm Hologram Thread, #5002, "silver." It was very difficult to work with for this new-to-metallics stitcher! I used only 1 thread of this with 2 threads of the cotton floss, and it kept bunching up in front, back, wherever it wanted... I quickly figured out to use only half the length of floss, as you suggest - that definitely helped to keep things under better control (or, more accurately, less out of control). :) But, my finished project is by no means perfect - it looks like the filament sticks up a little bit above many of the stitches containing it! And, it did get shorter more quickly during stitching than the cotton threads did - I eventually started pulling taut the thread + filament after each half stitch I did to keep it more flat, and that helped, too. If I were to use that type of filament again - and, it's likely I will, as my husband's a fly fisher - and/or metallics, I will definitely try cutting the threads/filaments down to 1 to 1 and going over the stitches twice, as you've done! That, in addition to the other tricks I tried and the others you suggest, might get the trickiness of working with these not-so-cooperative fibers down to a more manageable (and less headache inducing) minimum! I LOVE the sparkle that metallics add, and am looking forward to adding it wherever I like! :) Thanks again!!! Happy stitching!
Thank you so much, This will be my first time, using metallics and I've heard horror stories, so getting this tips before I start will be so helpful thank you.
Thank you for your suggestion! I would say it works the same if you have blended metallic. Use one thread to sew it the design, then use the other colored metallic and repeat the design over again over the first metallic
Thanks very much for the tips. I just got a bunch of metallic threads in my stocking that are so pretty, but past experience had me wary of using them. These tips will definitely help. =)
Wow, such a simple technique!! I'm going to have to give it a go when I use metallics next. Thank you! :D I love that Tutankhamun stitch. Simply stunning and so sparkly!
Some things are just logical aren't they? Yet it takes someone to show us before we figure it out. I can't remember how I found these techniques (whether it was google or in a book), but it's definitely made stitching with metallics much more enjoyable. Thank you! The plan was to stitch Nefertiti also, because I like to do sets of things, but I took a rest because of all the metallics. That was before my daughter was born, and she's now nearly 18! So it's been a long rest LOL. I will get her done one day, and hang them in my study.
I actually love using metallic threads. I use them when making christmas ornaments on plastic canvas. I use dmc and another brand and I have never really had that many problems. I bought a bunch of the metallics when a local store was clearancing them years ago. Took me awhile to figure out what to stitch with them but the ornaments make great, easy gifts and fast to stitch.
I've never tried stitching on plastic canvas, but I can imagine the metallics would slide through a lot easier without snagging. You're probably the first person I've heard mention that loves using them :) Merry Christmas to you and your family :) x
You're very welcome Kelley Jo. Always happy to help out fellow stitchers and make stitching a more enjoyable experience. Merry Christmas and Happy stitching :) x
Have always wanted to stitch with the metallics but it was always a mess. After these videos I will try it again. One thing: what size needles do you all use. I will be using Aida 14 ct. So, any suggestions? TIA
Lee Norris Hi Lee, to be honest I'm not a stickler for needle sizes - I just use what I'm comfortable with for each project. I found this on the internet which may help you: www.crossstitchneedleshop.co.uk/needlesizeguide.html Best of luck with the metallics :) x
That's just amazing! I would never thought of it. I worked with metallics a few times and each time I hated it with passion. Next time I will gladly go with your method -it makes everything looks so simple. Thank you! @dobbyak
Could you please help me? I am stitching with DMC 5283 silver and 5282 gold om Aida 14. The instructions in the chart are not very clear, they say 2 strands of thread embroidery and 1 thread hook edge. Although I am a teacher of English I don't understand what on Earth is hook edge...Must say the chart came from China, maybe a bad translation? In short, how many strands would you advise to use? The chart comes with an image of the finished work, but it is blurry and I cannot see if a thick or thin metallic stitch is made...
I bought that same book because i saw your vidow and how you said it had lots of metallics. I will make sure i dont mess him up as i only used metallics once before and it was not a success.
Hi Carolyn, Thank you for the tutorial. I've just discovered Flosstube and am really enjoying hearing everyone's tips and tricks (and seeing their work too of course!). I have a question for you - when a pattern asked for 2 strands (or more), each a different kind of metallic, do you complete the cross with one strand before moving to the second strand, or do you do one leg of the cross with each strand, then complete the cross with each strand? I'm hoping you understand my question. Thank you again, this is very helpful. And your stitching is stunning!
You're very welcome Nina. I'm glad you're enjoying Flosstube..... it's a great community to be part of, and like you said, it's wonderful that everyone's willing to share their advice and tips on what they've learnt. I do understand your question, and I can't remember if I've actually had that happen before.... but if I did, I probably would just stitch it normally, as though it was DMC. Stitching one strand of metallic, then changing to the other metallic and doing it all again would just be too time consuming for me. Having said that though, if I was having a terrible time doing it and that was the only way I could stitch it without problems, then I guess I would. That's the beauty of cross stitch - there's no right or wrong way to do it. As long as the top leg of your stitches all finish in the same direction, it's up to you how you complete the process. I have found it helpful when stitching metallics to use a slightly larger needle too, so the hole is widened making it easier for the metallic to pass through. This will also help stop the fraying to the metallic. I hope this has been of some help to you. Thanks for watching and happy stitching :) x
Thanks so much for your thorough answer. I will use your advice and tackle my dislike of metallics! And a quick PS: I also watched your tutorial on parking. Many years ago I tried stitching a Teresa Wentzler but did not know about parking. I did not get far with all the colour changes. Thanks to your parking tutorial, I now can pull that piece out again and give it another try! Thank you so much Carolyn!
Nina W You're very welcome Nina - I'm always happy to help if I can ;) And that is the reason I do these videos..... to inspire others that may have given up, to give it another try. I've been there myself and every little bit of encouragement goes a long way :) I've yet to tackle a Teresa Wentzler.... but I've had a few in my stash for many years now, and one day I'll get around to them :) Happy stitching :) x
This is a fabulous video tutorial! As always!!!! One question...... Since you did this video you have done the pin eye start for odd stitches here and there - can you do that start and finish with metallics or only cotton or silks?
Teresa Little Stitcher Hi Teresa, thank you so much! I use this technique now all the time!....When I can't start with the loop method (because I like to use up shorter strands of thread - I don't like wastage) I start this way and I especially like to finish the stitch this way, as I find it makes the back look a lot neater than running the thread behind stitches at the back. It most definitely does work with metallics - I used it on my Mermaid of Atlantis for random metallic stitches, without any problems what so ever. :) x
Thanks a lot for your tutorial on metallic threads. About Flat Metallic Threads, have you tried working with it for your embroidery? Do we use the same method or we just have to struggle with it somehow. Anyone's help is appreciated.
Zahra Amiri I've never tried flat metallic threads Zahra, but maybe you could try the same method and see if it's helpful. By the sounds of it, I would think using 1 strand at a time would make them easier to work with. Happy stitching :) x
+Helen Ryals Yes you can, but they're not as neat and tidy.... especially when storing the remnants on there too. If you can find larger bobbins it would be better. The Petite Treasure Braid I now use, is stored on large bobbin cards, and it stores really well. Hope that helps :) x
+Carolyn Mazzeo My blending filament was always sliding off the bobbins when I tried to put it on. So I gave up and put it in a Ziploc and bought some new ones on a spool, but the old is still a mess
I have put off for years to try to stitch with metallic, but now I am anxious to try them! Thank you for your helpful suggestions.
You're very welcome Amy. I hope they're of some use to you.
Happy stitching :) x
Thank you SO much for the metallic thread tips! I will absolutely employ all of them when I do the Mirabilia and the Save the Stitches in January!
That's great to hear! I hope you thoroughly enjoy you SALs, now that you have a new method to try.
Happy stitching :) x
I will enjoy them a lot more using these tips. BTW - I hope you don't mind that we are SAL twins for the Mirabilia SAL - both doing Mermaid of Atlantis! I'm a really slow stitcher, though, so I know you'll be done way before me! It will be fun to have someone to stitch with!
Shadow5618 That's awesome! Tara C is doing her as well, and she has gorgeous hand dyed fabric to stitch her on (which I'm incredibly jealous about!).
I don't consider myself a fast stitcher, and I don't think I will be using the parking technique for her. She will only get worked on one week per month (so I can share the love with my other WIPs).
It will definitely be fun stitching the same design. What fabric and count are you stitching her on?
should hv seen you video first before attempting krenik yesterday. I gave up after 3 stitches and fellow stitchers on instagram advice me to look up your video and I did today. now, im gg to attempt krenik again. THANKS ALOT for the tips!!!!
I have been using your tip for sewing metallics and it works great. Thank you Carolyn , I have started cross stitching because of finding alll you wonderful folks on flosstube. However, I"m not brave enough to show any of you my finished projects. Love watching your videos. Happy stitching from America!
I agree it does look beautiful. I hope I find it worth the effort when it comes to starting the metallics part of my current pattern. Can't wait!
Bonnie Dedaur Some metallics are easier to stitch with than others. I quite like the braids, but not the blending filaments. On my blackwork project I'm using 3 of the same types of braids in different colours - the white is very strong and I have no problems with it at all, yet the teal and the silver seem to fray a lot. I'm sure you'll be fine..... best of luck :) x
thank you! I just started working with metallics, I love the way it looks but not working with it. Your tips will help a great deal.
Thanks Carolyn for sharing your tips. Will definitely try this next time i use metallics.
That's great to hear Sally - thanks for watching :)
Fantastic tutorial. I don't hate metallics, but the DMC variety and I don't get along too well. But this is great. I love the idea of simply doing the stitch several times to get the same effect of a multi stranded version.
King Tutankhamun is stunning. Thank you for the close ups. So gorgeous.
Hugs, Jessie
Thanks so much Jessie.
Happy stitching :) x
Thank you so much for this video I just started stitching with metallic thread and hated it but I will definitely try the way you showed cheers
Thank you Carolyn, can't wait to try this technique.
You're welcome Robyn - I hope you find it useful.
Happy stitching :) x
Thank you Carolyn for your wonderful tutorial on Metallics.
I was really scared to use metallics for the first time with my new kit that I hope to start this weekend but your video has put my worries and fears to rest.
keep up the great work with your videos xx
Bonnie Dedaur Thanks Bonnie, I'm glad to have helped take some of the fear away. I hope you enjoy your new project :) Happy stitching :) x
Just finished the Gridding. Hope to start on the project tomorrow :) It's a Bothy Threads pattern called Love Heart. Going to be a bit tricky me thinks but it will be pretty by the end. :)
Bonnie Dedaur Sometimes metallics just add that missing touch - worth the effort I feel :) x
Really pleased you made this video. I'm not a very experienced stitcher but I am attempting a small chatelaine Design which was free from her site. A large part is metallic threads and beads so seeing you work the metallics is a great lesson. Blessings for the new year to you and your family from Canada. Happy stitching
Thank you Ann! I hope the technique works for you and makes the whole experience more enjoyable. The metallics look so pretty, but they're not the most fun to use.
Thank you for watching and happy stitching :) x
Thank you for the tips. I will be doing my first metallic thread project. I will keep this in mind.
You're welcome Katrina. I hope they're of some use to you.
Merry Christmas and happy stitching :) x
Thank you so much, just starting save the stitches and was concerned about using metallic thread. Crafty hugs xx
+Caroline Pryor Hi Caroline! Some metallics are much nicer to stitch with than others. Since making this video, I've discovered Petite Treasure Braid by Rainbow Gallery and I looooooove it. So much easier to stitch with than Kreinik. So my advice is have a play around with different types of metallic threads and see what you like using best.
Take care and happy stitching :) x
Thanks for the tip on metallic thread. I have not used any yet, but I won't be afraid to try them.
But I do use this technique with regular thread when I have a single or double confetti stitch off by themselves if I don't have a short strand of thread to use the loop start with. That way I don't use up the loop end of a new strand just to stitch one or 2 stitches. This method means only 1 strand of thread gets tunneled at the beginning and then only 1 strand again when I finish it off - less bulk on the back of the stitched piece.
Thanks again for the tip!
I never thought of doing that! Thanks Redonna - I can see myself doing that now too.
Happy stitching :) x
Thank you so much for these tips. This will be so helpful when I next use metallics.
Thanks so much for this video. I will be coming back to this video many many times.
You're very welcome! I love that we can share our helpful advice with each other.
Merry Christmas and happy stitching :) x
Oh my goodness, that's brilliant! I wish I had known this before! My very first ever cross stitch had gold metallic thread in the border and I nearly gave up for good right there and then I was having such difficulty with it. Although (thankfully) I didn't give up on cross stitch, I have never used metallic thread since but I might have to give it a go now!
Please do try it again. I was in the same predicament with King Tut and that's what lead me to search for another technique. I wish I could remember where I found it, but it was so long ago and my memory is shocking! I really hope it helps you. There are so many gorgeous patterns out there that contain metallic threads and it would be a shame not to do them simply because of the anxiety they cause.
Best of luck and Merry Christmas :) x
This tutorial was brilliant... I am going to start the black work sampler in the new year too and I was looking at the metallics today as I was kitting up and the knot in my stomach just looking at them probably matched the one at the back of the fabric you were talking about - I feel relieved and more confident having watched your video... Part of me is eager to start and the other half of me less so...Merry Christmas and a safe Happy New year to you and yours... Take care now...
Thank you so much! I wasn't sure if others' used this technique before, but I hadn't seen it mentioned on UA-cam. I thought the timing was good because of the SALs.
I look forward to watching your progress.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family also.
Thanks for watching :) x
Thanks so much for these tips! I've only done one project so far that used a similar "floss" - the kit called it a "hologram filament" - it was a thin, flat, and very shiny synthetic thread, identical to Glissen Gloss' Prizm Hologram Thread, #5002, "silver." It was very difficult to work with for this new-to-metallics stitcher! I used only 1 thread of this with 2 threads of the cotton floss, and it kept bunching up in front, back, wherever it wanted... I quickly figured out to use only half the length of floss, as you suggest - that definitely helped to keep things under better control (or, more accurately, less out of control). :) But, my finished project is by no means perfect - it looks like the filament sticks up a little bit above many of the stitches containing it! And, it did get shorter more quickly during stitching than the cotton threads did - I eventually started pulling taut the thread + filament after each half stitch I did to keep it more flat, and that helped, too.
If I were to use that type of filament again - and, it's likely I will, as my husband's a fly fisher - and/or metallics, I will definitely try cutting the threads/filaments down to 1 to 1 and going over the stitches twice, as you've done! That, in addition to the other tricks I tried and the others you suggest, might get the trickiness of working with these not-so-cooperative fibers down to a more manageable (and less headache inducing) minimum!
I LOVE the sparkle that metallics add, and am looking forward to adding it wherever I like! :)
Thanks again!!! Happy stitching!
Thank you so much, This will be my first time, using metallics and I've heard horror stories, so getting this tips before I start will be so helpful thank you.
Thank you for sharing such a great video. It was so easy to follow along. King Tut is an amazing work of art.
Thank you so much!
Happy stitching :) x
Thank you for your suggestion! I would say it works the same if you have blended metallic. Use one thread to sew it the design, then use the other colored metallic and repeat the design over again over the first metallic
Thanks very much for the tips. I just got a bunch of metallic threads in my stocking that are so pretty, but past experience had me wary of using them. These tips will definitely help. =)
You're very welcome! I hope you find a new love for the metallic threads :)
Happy stitching :) x
I’ll give this a try. As I hate stitching with metallic threads but do give a good effect
What a wonderful trick, thank you for sharing this tip!
Wow, such a simple technique!! I'm going to have to give it a go when I use metallics next. Thank you! :D
I love that Tutankhamun stitch. Simply stunning and so sparkly!
Some things are just logical aren't they? Yet it takes someone to show us before we figure it out. I can't remember how I found these techniques (whether it was google or in a book), but it's definitely made stitching with metallics much more enjoyable.
Thank you! The plan was to stitch Nefertiti also, because I like to do sets of things, but I took a rest because of all the metallics. That was before my daughter was born, and she's now nearly 18! So it's been a long rest LOL. I will get her done one day, and hang them in my study.
They would definitely make a beautiful pair! :D
Wonderful. I'm working on a wreath and I tried switching to different types of metallic thread but they just weren't right, this will do the trick. :)
Great Tutorial, wish I saw it before I started save the stitches
+Sam Tou Thank you! I wish I'd known about Petite Treasure Braid before I started STS lol! :) x
Wow king Tut is absolutely beautiful
Awesome technique, when I pick my Bluebeard's Princess back up I am going to give it a go. Thanks so much.
Yay! So glad I can help.
Happy stitching :)
I would recommend using a weaver's knot to attached the thread to the needle...works super well and doesn't loosen at all.
This is great, love your tutorials :) I'm using metallics on a piece in the new year (for the first time) so this will all come in very handy. Thanks!
You're welcome! I hope it works out for you.
Happy stitching :)
This was very helpful. Thank you!!
Thank you, exactly what I needed ...
Thank you for sharing these tips. I am going to try them!
You're welcome - I hope they work out for you.
Happy stitching :) x
I actually love using metallic threads. I use them when making christmas ornaments on plastic canvas. I use dmc and another brand and I have never really had that many problems. I bought a bunch of the metallics when a local store was clearancing them years ago. Took me awhile to figure out what to stitch with them but the ornaments make great, easy gifts and fast to stitch.
I've never tried stitching on plastic canvas, but I can imagine the metallics would slide through a lot easier without snagging. You're probably the first person I've heard mention that loves using them :)
Merry Christmas to you and your family :) x
Brilliant. Thanks so much for sharing this information!
You're welcome Suzy :)
Thanks for the tips! I have only ever used Kreinik but I will definitely keep this in mind for the future. :)
You're welcome Khristine :)
Happy stitching.
This is so helpful! Thanks for sharing.
You're very welcome Kelley Jo. Always happy to help out fellow stitchers and make stitching a more enjoyable experience.
Merry Christmas and Happy stitching :) x
Have always wanted to stitch with the metallics but it was always a mess. After these videos I will try it again. One thing: what size needles do you all use. I will be using Aida 14 ct. So, any suggestions? TIA
Lee Norris Hi Lee, to be honest I'm not a stickler for needle sizes - I just use what I'm comfortable with for each project. I found this on the internet which may help you: www.crossstitchneedleshop.co.uk/needlesizeguide.html
Best of luck with the metallics :) x
I bought some blending filament, this week, for a project. I can't wait to give it a try. I will let you know how I get on x
Bonnie Dedaur Please do, I'd be very interested in hearing :) x
King Tuck is gorgeous
Omg.. it works.. thanks for the video.. it saved me from my patience...
That's just amazing! I would never thought of it. I worked with metallics a few times and each time I hated it with passion. Next time I will gladly go with your method -it makes everything looks so simple. Thank you! @dobbyak
Thanks for sharing another great video :) . I will try your technique in the miraSAL in jan .
That's great! I look forward to watching your progress.
Happy stitching :) x
Thank you for a fantastic tutorial! I've been trying to get the nerve to use my metallics, but this is helping my anxiety. :)
You're welcome! I hope this method is helpful to you, and makes stitching metallics more enjoyable.
Merry Christmas and happy stitching :) x
Great tips!!! Thanx so much!!!
+Judy Richardson My pleasure Judy :) x
Could you please help me? I am stitching with DMC 5283 silver and 5282 gold om Aida 14. The instructions in the chart are not very clear, they say 2 strands of thread embroidery and 1 thread hook edge. Although I am a teacher of English I don't understand what on Earth is hook edge...Must say the chart came from China, maybe a bad translation? In short, how many strands would you advise to use? The chart comes with an image of the finished work, but it is blurry and I cannot see if a thick or thin metallic stitch is made...
Thank you, this is brilliant!!!
You're very welcome!
Happy stitching :) x
I bought that same book because i saw your vidow and how you said it had lots of metallics. I will make sure i dont mess him up as i only used metallics once before and it was not a success.
Hi Carolyn, Thank you for the tutorial. I've just discovered Flosstube and am really enjoying hearing everyone's tips and tricks (and seeing their work too of course!). I have a question for you - when a pattern asked for 2 strands (or more), each a different kind of metallic, do you complete the cross with one strand before moving to the second strand, or do you do one leg of the cross with each strand, then complete the cross with each strand? I'm hoping you understand my question.
Thank you again, this is very helpful. And your stitching is stunning!
You're very welcome Nina. I'm glad you're enjoying Flosstube..... it's a great community to be part of, and like you said, it's wonderful that everyone's willing to share their advice and tips on what they've learnt.
I do understand your question, and I can't remember if I've actually had that happen before.... but if I did, I probably would just stitch it normally, as though it was DMC. Stitching one strand of metallic, then changing to the other metallic and doing it all again would just be too time consuming for me. Having said that though, if I was having a terrible time doing it and that was the only way I could stitch it without problems, then I guess I would. That's the beauty of cross stitch - there's no right or wrong way to do it. As long as the top leg of your stitches all finish in the same direction, it's up to you how you complete the process.
I have found it helpful when stitching metallics to use a slightly larger needle too, so the hole is widened making it easier for the metallic to pass through. This will also help stop the fraying to the metallic.
I hope this has been of some help to you. Thanks for watching and happy stitching :) x
Thanks so much for your thorough answer. I will use your advice and tackle my dislike of metallics!
And a quick PS: I also watched your tutorial on parking. Many years ago I tried stitching a Teresa Wentzler but did not know about parking. I did not get far with all the colour changes. Thanks to your parking tutorial, I now can pull that piece out again and give it another try!
Thank you so much Carolyn!
Nina W
You're very welcome Nina - I'm always happy to help if I can ;)
And that is the reason I do these videos..... to inspire others that may have given up, to give it another try. I've been there myself and every little bit of encouragement goes a long way :)
I've yet to tackle a Teresa Wentzler.... but I've had a few in my stash for many years now, and one day I'll get around to them :)
Happy stitching :) x
This is a fabulous video tutorial! As always!!!! One question...... Since you did this video you have done the pin eye start for odd stitches here and there - can you do that start and finish with metallics or only cotton or silks?
Teresa Little Stitcher Hi Teresa, thank you so much! I use this technique now all the time!....When I can't start with the loop method (because I like to use up shorter strands of thread - I don't like wastage) I start this way and I especially like to finish the stitch this way, as I find it makes the back look a lot neater than running the thread behind stitches at the back. It most definitely does work with metallics - I used it on my Mermaid of Atlantis for random metallic stitches, without any problems what so ever. :) x
Love it!!! Just the answer I wanted to hear! thank you for being such a great teacher!!! What would I do without you;) Your ever grateful enabler ;)
Teresa Little Stitcher My pleasure Teresa :) xx
Thanks a lot for your tutorial on metallic threads. About Flat Metallic Threads, have you tried working with it for your embroidery? Do we use the same method or we just have to struggle with it somehow. Anyone's help is appreciated.
Zahra Amiri I've never tried flat metallic threads Zahra, but maybe you could try the same method and see if it's helpful. By the sounds of it, I would think using 1 strand at a time would make them easier to work with. Happy stitching :) x
What fabric color/number is that? It's beautiful!
Nice! Also, your cute voice and accent kind of reminds me of Sharon Osbourne
Brilliant!
Thank you!
Merry Christmas and happy stitching :) x
hi why have you give up on the cross stitch videos ..........x
Can you store metallic threads on a bobbin like other floss
+Helen Ryals Yes you can, but they're not as neat and tidy.... especially when storing the remnants on there too. If you can find larger bobbins it would be better. The Petite Treasure Braid I now use, is stored on large bobbin cards, and it stores really well. Hope that helps :) x
that helps thank you very much
+Carolyn Mazzeo My blending filament was always sliding off the bobbins when I tried to put it on. So I gave up and put it in a Ziploc and bought some new ones on a spool, but the old is still a mess