Tools and Gadgets

Here are some basic tools that I keep in my tool box for when the muse strikes me.

• 6” clear quilters ruler: use as a guide to mark lines for embroidery
• Awl or small crochet hook: use to take out knots in thread or to remove cut threads
• Bead scoop or teaspoon: to pick up loose beads
• Dritz or Clover Seam Gauge: use to gauge and compare the length of the embroidery stitches
• Erasable Pen, air or water: use to mark lines or template designs for embroidery
• Found objects: use as a guide to mark shapes for embroidery
• Fray Check: use as a treatment on raw edges to prevent the fabric from raveling
• Glue Stick: use to temporarily hold items in place
• Needles: beading, chenille, cotton darner, crewel, embroidery, milliners, sharps
• Needle Puller: use for thick fabrics and threads
• Needle threader
• Pincushion
• Rubber needle grabber: use to pull the needle through layers of fabric
• Quilter’s ¼” Tape: use to mark the shape and length of stitches
• Scissors: embroidery
• Sewing Needle Pocket Guide for Hand Stitching (to figure out what the loose needles in your stash are)
• Stitch Bow organizers: use to keep floss from tangling
• Thread Magic conditioner: use to minimize knotting of embroidery and sewing threads
• Thimble

Not shown:

• Ott light: use for better lighting
• Light Box: use to copy a design
• Segmented bead dish: use to organize beads or buttons

The Correct Needle

The purpose of the needle is to make a hole in the fabric big enough for the thread to pass through the fabric, but not so big that the thread does not cover the hole. Needles are sized by from low to high, the lower the number the larger the needle.

Tips: To help you remember which needle is used for what thread, thread each needle with the type of thread, and keep this in a needle keep. To keep your needles organized, write the name of each type of needle in one pie section of a tomato pin cushion (and try to remember to put them in the correct pie space).

• Beading: a thin, short or long needle with a thin long eye used for all types of beading threads
• Chenille needle: a medium-length needle with a long eye, large enough for multiple threads
• Cotton darner: a long needle with an oval eye that is used for twisted threads
• Crewel (also called embroidery needles): a medium-length needle with a long to medium eye that is wider than the shaft; used for twisted threads
• Embroidery: a fine, thin needle with a long eye that is used for stranded floss
• Milliners: a long needle with the shaft the same width the length of the needle with a small, rounded eye; used twisted and floss threads for bullion knots
• Sharps: a shorter, fine needle with a small eye; used for sewing thread and for beading

Happy Stitching to you! ~Christen

PS: If you are looking for inspiration or ideas, check out my PDF Classes and books.