The threads used in such a type of needlework as embroidery can be of various types. It can be a natural fiber – wool, cotton, linen, wool. Artificial and synthetic materials are also widely used. Embroidery threads can vary in texture, color, thickness and quality. This type of thread, like floss, is usually used for embroidery on fabrics such as voile, cambric and crepe de chine. Here they embroider with one thread of floss or silk thread. But to work with matting, linen and other coarse materials, three floss threads are used. Woolen fabrics are embroidered with woolen or silk threads.

The number of threads depends on the size of the picture and the thickness of the fabric. You can also use floss threads, taking 6 threads (skeins), as well as synthetic and staple threads. An interesting effect is obtained when embroidering with synthetic threads: they fluff up, which makes the embroidery velvety. Often, threads pulled from different materials are used for embroidery, for example, colored synthetic fabrics or braid. Actually, braid, cords, garus can also be embroidered – interesting decorative elements are obtained. Widely used as a material for embroidery are ribbons, viscose and silk, and threads pulled out of them. Threads plucked from natural fabrics such as cotton and linen can also be used for embroidery, but be aware that they are not as strong as synthetic threads.

In order to extract the thread, the fabric about half a meter long is cut into strips 5-6 cm wide. The fabric should be cut parallel to the warp threads – they are stronger and suitable for needlework. Finished threads should be wetted and ironed, or dried, pre-stretched. You can wind them on a jar or other base and let dry. When working, you should not cut off a thread that is too long – it will get confused and shaggy. The thread should be about 50 cm long, and woolen – no longer than 40. When choosing a color, it is better to view the threads in natural light, since lamp light can distort the color. Many threads tend to shed and lose color. You can check its durability like this: soap the thread and, lowering it into hot water, press it lightly and stretch it through the folded white material. If she sheds, there is a way to fix the paint. To do this, lather the threads and hold for 15 minutes in boiling water. After that good rinse and hold in vinegar solution. It also helps to fix the paint by boiling in a solution: a tablespoon of vinegar in a glass of water. Boil no more than 5 minutes.

For decorative embroidery and decoration of dresses, metal threads (Lurex), as well as sequins, glass beads and beads are often used. Beads are small glass, metal or plastic beads. They come in a variety of colors, round and elongated, transparent and opaque. Bugles – thin multi-colored glass tubes, about a centimeter long. Sequins are round or figured plates made of colored plastic. glass or metal. The diameter varies from 2 mm to 2 cm. It is convenient to store beads, sequins and glass beads, divided by size and color, in small boxes, jars or bags.

Embroidery tools and care

So, what do you need for perfect embroidery? First of all, these are: Needles. Their length and thickness is very different. Usually, needles numbered from 1 to 12 are used. Accordingly, the thinnest needles are used for working with beads and glass beads (No. 0 – No. 1), thicker ones are used for embroidery on thin materials, the thickest threads are used for working with dense fabrics, and also for embroidery with braid, synthetic threads, ribbons. In a needlework kit, you need to have a complete set of sewing and darning needles. In order for the thread to pass freely through the fabric, and the latter does not wrinkle or stretch, it is necessary that the needle be thicker than the thread. For embroidery on dense, thick fabrics, it is good to lubricate the needle with soap; you need to store the needles with a thread threaded into them – this will protect the eye from clogging, and the needle itself from rust.

Needle threader. Special device for fast and easy threading of the needle. Pins. They are mainly used for preliminary work: fixing the fabric, marking, etc. Usually they are kept in a separate box or jar with a tight lid. Needles and pins should be treated with care: forgotten and dropped on the floor, they are dangerous, especially for children. Therefore, you need to count the pins and needles before and after work, and put the broken ones in a separate jar and throw them away. If the needle is rusty, it can be cleaned: just stick ten times into a bag of sawdust.

Thimble. It is usually worn on the middle finger of the right hand. With it, it is easier to pierce dense tissue, it protects against needle pricks. It can be plastic or metal, different sizes. This device greatly speeds up the work.

Scissors. You need to have on hand three types of scissors, well sharpened, with tightly closing blades. For cutting and cutting fabrics, large scissors are needed, for cutting edges, cutting threads twisted into skeins – medium ones. And for cutting the working threads and other small work, small scissors are needed. It is also a good idea to have scissors with zigzag blades for cutting fabric when cutting. Scissors, like needles and pins, must be handled with care. You should always put them in rings towards you, and pass them to another person, holding them by the blades. Sharpening scissors is very simple: you need to cut the sandpaper several times or “cut” a thick needle.

Prick, peg. A pointed long stick made of plastic, metal or wood. It can be used to make holes in fabrics, straighten loops, pull out basting threads. Awl. In fact, a very thick needle, necessary when working with such thick and dense materials as leather, felt, cloth.

Hoop. Used when embroidering to stretch the warp. For small embroidery, usually round hoops are used, and for medium and large ones, square and rectangular hoops are used. The hoops are made of plastic, metal, wood. Stretch the fabric on the hoop very carefully in order to protect the future pattern from deformation, distortion and contraction. For high-quality and professional work, you also need to have a centimeter, rulers, a square, cardboard and paper, graph paper, tracing paper and albums for drawing pictures and patterns on hand. Pencils, felt-tip pens, ink are also needed.

During work, care must be taken in handling piercing-cutting objects: do not stick needles into clothes and do not take them in your mouth; after work, carefully fold the scissors into boxes, stick needles and pins into a special pad. Keep all these devices out of the reach of children and pets.