Embroidery Tools and Equipment

Although embroidery does not have to be an high-priced hobby, for those of us who get severe about our crafting there are specific methods and equipment which aid us embroider more quickly or fancier.
Laying Tools. When you work with a number of plies on a single needle, you'll need to preserve the threads parallel, not twisted, as you stitch. (This is named "laying" the thread.) A variety of laying tools will help you attain this. The simplest is a massive tapestry needle or bodkin. Others particularly developed as laying tools contain a stroking tool (also identified as a tekobari) a single end resembles an awl or stiletto, and the other finish is square to stop it from slipping from your fingers. A trolley needle has a point like a tapestry needle affixed to a metal band that fits on the finish of your finger.

Pincushions. Pincushions are valuable for stowing threaded needles if you need to change colors usually. Pincushions come in a assortment of sizes and types pick a single that fits in your stitching bag or basket. Many stitchers like to make their own personalized models.

Several manufactured pincushions come with an emery, which looks like a especially modest pincushion filled with a gritty, sand-like material which keeps needles clean and sharp.

Needlebook or Needlecase. With "pages" of soft fabric, a needlebook keeps your pins and needles protected (and protects you from the needles, too) and organized. Each "open page" is designed to store a distinct needle kind in a range of sizes. As with pincushions, this is an item you can make yourself to show off your stitching talents.

Countless stitchers like to shop their needles in needlecases, which could be narrow and cylindrical or big and box-like some of the latter have magnets to keep needles in spot.

Thread Palette. These plastic wood or paper palettes have a series of holes along the edges to hold person colors of threads, which you attach utilizing half-hitch knots.

Thread Organizer. There are a lot of merchandise on the industry for storing and identifying threads you accumulate. One particular of the simplest is modest person plastic bags held together on a metal binder ring. Storage boxes such as these implemented for hardware and fishing lurs perform nicely for thread wound on bobbins. On the other finish are wooden boxes or chests that resemble fine furniture.

Ruler and Tape Measure. Clear plastic rulers calibrated in inches are invaluable and come in a 6" length that fits readily into a stitching bag. For measuring a bigger area, a tape measure is helpful and takes up little space.

Thumbtacks and Tack Puller. Use these to attach fabric to stretcher bars. (Don't use staples to attach embroidery fabric you'll danger pulling one of the fine threads and spoiling the appearance of the fabric.

Drafting Tape. This tape is less sticky than standard masking tape and aids preserve your needlework cleaner. Use it for taping the cut edges of your fabric prior to mounting it in a stitching frame. Get it at art provide shops.

Lighting and Magnification. Both your eyesight and your needlework deserve optimal lighting. Pick out a light that directs a circle (not a spotlight) of light onto your whole stitching surface. Floor lamps and swivel-arm table lamps (such as an architect's light) are fine possibilities. To keep away from casting shadows over the function surface, proper-handers will advantage from a light directed over the left shoulder, left-handers from the ideal.

For quite fine function you might possibly want to use a lamp that has a magnifier attached. Other possibilities comprise of magnifiers that hang about the neck, attach to your eyeglasses, or are worn atop the head.

Embellishments. Tiny, decorative accents give your embroidery beauty, whimsy, and individuality. Appear for buttons, beads, and charms at your local needlework shop, catalogs, consumer shows or on the internet. Get them also in embroidery kits, sometimes as the focus of a style theme.