Embroidery Questions?

Question

What should I do with the trailing thread at the start and end of a stitch? The only thing I've heard is to leave it hanging so that the stitch doesn't come undone, but it seems like there should be a neater way...
Also, I'm having some trouble making a french knot =( The book that I got to learn from had instructions on some basic stitches, and the french knot was one of them. The instructions weren't very clear, though, and I can't really do it yet...

Answer 1

The other answer is good, but if you want some picture instructions, here is a link to the French knot:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5978_make-embroidery-french.html

For the start, I would catch the trailing thread in the first few stitches, every time my needle is at the back I would make sure it is around the thread.

But you can also first make a few stitches and then put a needle through the backs of them, as you would do to finish stitches, and thread the needle with the trailing end. (You need to put the needle in first unless you leave a much too long end.)
When you pull the needle through the end is fixed to the stitches.

Answer 2

This website explains the French knot and other basic stiches with illustrations: http://www.embroidery-methods.com/embroidery-stitches.html

For the "tail" (trailing thread) at the beginning, hold it so that you stitch over it and cover it up on the back side of your work.

For the tail at the end, weave it under the stitches on the back side.

You are correct. A finished embroidery should still be neat on the reverse side and not have threads hanging everywhere in a mess. Long tails can become tangled and create a lump in the frame, or worse, they can snag on something and pull your stitches too tight!

Answer 3

One more answer that I don't see listed here...

The end tail is best woven into the backs of a few stitches, just like the other answer-ers said. But there is a trick for beginning your new color. (It only works if you are using your floss doubled, though).

Instead of threading the needle so that the two loose ends are and the end and the needle is resting at the folded middle of the floss strand, thread both loose ends through the eye of the needle and let the folded middle be your "end". When you come up from underneath your fabric use one finger to hold the folded end in place for a moment. When you come down after working the first part of your stitch, pass the needle through the folded loop. This will catch the loop in place and secure it, and you will only have to deal with weaving in ends once you are done with that strand.

Hope this helps,
Jennifer
http://www.jeloca.com

Answer 4

Hi:

Try the following websites:

http://crossstitch.about.com/od/websites...

http://www.artecy.com/cross-stitch-instr...

http://www.karinonline.com/karin's_xstit...

http://www.bhg.com/bhg/category.jsp?cate...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/embroidery_...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cross_stitc...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cross_stitc...

here are some books on the subject

books ( all books are available at any library or bookstore) :

The Embroidery Stitch Bible
by Betty Barnden, Debbie Bradley (Editor) - Get this book. It the best book I know on the subject for you to have. I own it. and it well worth your money to spend on it.


2001 Cross Stitch Designs: The Essential Reference Book
by Better Homes & Gardens, Victoria Forlini (Editor)

An Encyclopedia of 101 Embroidery Stitches

Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Needlework

Cross Stitch
by Jan Eaton

Cross Stitch Motif Bible
by Krause Publications Staff, John Woodcock, Carol Woodcock

Your Favourite Cross Stitch Sampler
by Helen Philipps

The Cross-Stitcher's Complete Companion: 500 Motifs for Every Occasion
by Crafter's Choice, Crafter's Choice (Compiler)

Embroidery Stitches
by M. E. Wilkinson - a very good book

A-Z of Embroidery Stitches
by Sue Gardner

Encyclopedia of Embroidery Stitches, Including Crewel
by Marion Nichols - a execellent book for you to have

The Complete Illustrated Stitch Encyclopedia
by Crafter's Choice, BookSpan Staff - a very good book on the subject.

Design Your Own Cross Stitch to Complement Your Home
by Shirley Watts

Jo Verso's Complete Cross Stitch Course
by Jo Verso

Silk Ribbon Embroidery Bible: The Essential Illustrated Reference to Designs and Techniques
by Joan Gordon

Also look under needlework or embroidery stitches

Answer 5

I pull the bobbin thread through the fabric, hold on to both that & the top thread & take a few stitchec, Then I clip both. I have never had a problem. Hope this!

I don't do French knots.

Answer 6

when you start your thread, just work a couple of stitches though your tail, that should lock it in place.
as far as your french knot, wrap the thread around your needle 2X's, make sure it's tight around the needle.
put the needle through the material, hold on to the thread making sure that the wrap around are still fairly tight around the needle, until the needle is through the material.

practice on another piece of fabric until you get the hang of it

Answer 7

i agree with Jeloca... If you are using double thread... in most cross-stitching cases you are.

french knots were tricky at first... practice.
just pull the string up, wrap around twice and pull back through...... practice practice practice.