Stitchers, check your needle!

If you have a thread that's fraying or misbehaving, the first step is to check your needle. Needle selection matters more than you realize, and can make a stitching project easier or more difficult. Here are three quick tips for needle selection, especially when using metallic threads:

• Use a needle with an eye large enough to accommodate the thread weight. This will reduce thread fraying and enable smoother stitching.

• Also avoid needles with rust or damage as they can damage a thread.

• Look for the Kreinik Needle™, a special needle created to smoother stitching with metallic threads.

Once you have a good needle, it's time to thread it...

Here are two top tips for threading Kreinik metallics: 

Suggested threading technique for Blending Filament, Japan #1 and Cord (the thinnest metallics): Cut about an 20-inch length of thread and fold about 2 inches from one end to create a loop. Insert the loop through the eye of the needle and pull the loop over the point of the needle to "lock" in place. This will keep the thin thread from slipping off as you stitch. (BELOW)

Suggested threading technique for Braids, Ribbons and other Kreinik metallics: Cut a small strip of paper and fold in half. Place the fold through the eye of the needle and open the two ends to insert the thread in between. Gently pull the paper through so the thread is brought along. (BELOW)