There are a wide variety of metallic threads, but the one thing they have in common is their purpose: Adding a bit of sparkle to your sewing projects! Photo credit: Sara Maker When should I use it? Another optional tool you might want to have handy is a little implement called a needle threader, these will come in some sewing kits and they make the process of threading a needle much easier. If you’re just working with single thread, just pass the thread through the needle and tie a couple of simple overhand knots to make sure things are secure. The process of tufting has been with us for centuries. Long before coils and memory foam, mattresses were filled with feathers, cotton rags, and other materials. Tufting was used to keep this stuffing from shifting to one side or the other when the mattress was flipped.

Decide how many strands you need in your loop and repeat. I’ve done 8 strands. (There is a little guide at the end) Fasten your thread off securely. With a new length of thread, bring your needle out at the base of the loop on the left. Work from the left towards the right and cover the loop with a standard blanket stitch: just put your needle through the button loop and keep your thread BEHIND your needle and pull the thread firmly. Slide the stitch along the loop so it sits to the left, right at the beginning next to the fabric. Cotton thread is notorious for shedding! Be sure to give your sewing machine a good clean once your project is complete.

Insert your needle about 2 mm (less than ⅛”) away from the overcast edge, going from the bottom of the fabric to the top. Put your needle through the loop that is formed, and pull it through. Make sure to maintain the same orientation each time you’re going through the loop with your needle for even results. After shirring, lightly steam your project with your iron to help the elastic shrink to its original length. For 4-hole buttons, you need to do 3-4 stitches for each pair of holes since you want it sturdy and secure. For shank buttons, just keep on going over and under. My stitches look inconsistent and wonky, and they don’t form a straight ridge along the opening of the buttonhole. Silky threads like this can unwind from their spool prematurely, so a thread net is often useful if your machine holds spools in a horizontal position.

Serger thread comes on larger cones, and is more cost-effective than general purpose sewing thread. It’s also designed to be a bit fluffy for greater coverage on a serged edge. Photo credit: Kat Waters When should I use it? As it’s made of nylon, it has a low melting point – be sure to turn your iron down to medium or low! Continue tightening until you have the depth you want for the tuft. When you have the look you want from both sides, tie a second knot.Work down the other long side, the same way as the first one, until you reach the second short end. Reposition your gimp for a final time so that it’s close and parallel to the second long side. You can once again anchor it into place using a needle and really long stitch, or just hold it in place with your hands. |ordinary sewing thread, will match your garment, good for garments made from delicate fabrics such as lawn. Run it through some beeswax to help strengthen it first.