#anchor threads

Metallic Threads: Thread Testing & Opinion Master Blog

Original blog post was written by @emzolv on July 29, 2020 and was reposted to this blog with permission. Hey everyone! Okay so this has been a long time in the making, so I apologise profusely for the delay that this has taken. I could sit here and wax lyrical with excuses but frankly – this is very overdue and well, I’m here to rectify that! The original plan was to create a blog featuring all…

I'm trying to reorganise my threads and I'm looking for a full list of anchor threads, I can't find any on the internet that's not a PDF!

Maybe you are already a proud owner of a sewing machine, but you’re a little disappointed with the quality of the hems it is producing? A coverstitch machine may seem like a big purchase, but it promises to make your future sewing a far more pleasant experience.

If you make your purchase wisely and pay good attention to the coverstitch machine reviews, this machine can be simple to use and you can swap spools from your sewing machine with ease.

Why coverstitch?

A coverstitch machine allows the home seamstress to achieve a remarkably high-quality finish at home. You may be able to sew robust seams that also look incredibly neat on many different items of clothing, but they should be accompanied by the perfect hem for your finished garments. You could use a twin needle but every seasoned seamstress knows this has its downsides.

Most coverstitch machines can sew with one, two or three needles, and a looper. One needle, plus the looper, will result in a single chain stitch on the right side and reverse. Whereas, if three needles are used there will be three parallel lines of stitching on the right side of the material, and the looper will have produced a complex thread pattern on the reverse side.

Of course, the most common arrangement is two needles for the classic hemmed look. Due to the capability for three needle positions, you can remove the left or right needle to produce twin-row stitches that are close together or remove the centre needle for a wider set of stitching. In either case, make sure to remove the needle you decide not to use.

Unpicking

Despite how hard we try, sometimes we need to unpick our stitches. This might be hard to believe, but these stitches are the easy to unpick once you know how to do it.

The key is to remember that coverstitching can only be unravelled in the opposite direction to the way it was stitched. Go backwards from the last stitches. If you’ve secured these threads then undo the knot and pull them to the right side of the fabric.

Use a seam ripper to undo a few stitches, giving you enough length to hold – but don’t cut the threads.

When you hold the needle threads on the right and the looper thread on the reverse and pull, the stitches should unravel themselves.

Many a home seamstress have purchased a coverstitch machine over the years and have not regretted their decision. It puts the joy back in hemming, making finishing a garment a complete pleasure.

Contact us

If you want to buy a coverstitch machine, or simply want to learn more about them, contact Franklins Group today. Our highly-qualified staff will provide you with all the knowledge that you require.

Embroidery is a wonderful hobby as, not only is it relaxing and enjoyable, but you’re able to produce beautiful pieces of art as a result. Getting started is easy once you know the basic stitches you’ll be using, so take a look at this handy guide for an introduction:

Running stitch

Probably the most basic stitch you’ll need to use, the running stitch is one you’ll probably be quick to master. Simply put the needle into the material in a motion that goes up and then down. Leave a space between this stitch and the next and repeat.

Back stitch

With this stitch, you’ll be able to create a line that’s solid rather than broken up as with the running stitch. It’s great when embroidering letters and creating outlines. You’ll need to push the needle upwards and stitch forwards. Then, decide how long your next stitch is going to be and pull the needle up at the far end. The needle needs to go back down at the end of the previous stitch.

Split stitch

Begin by creating a simple stitch and then pull the needle through the centre of it. Do the same for all the others, always coming up in the middle of the stitches you’ve made. If you’re creating text it’s important to keep the spaces small, as this makes cursive writing much easier.

Satin stitch

To fill the outlines you created using the backstitch, use a satin stitch. Pull your needle through on one side and push it through on the other, making sure you’re covering the full distance between the outlines.

Contact Franklins Group

To buy fabrics or access Coverstitch tutorials, visit our website or get in touch. Our friendly team are passionate about all aspects relating to embroidery as well as quilting and sewing. Make the most of our professional expertise today.

To the inexperienced, all wool is alike, but if you’re ready to get serious about your knitting projects, it’s time to rethink the yarn you’re choosing. But where to begin? Here are some factors you need to consider when finding your perfect match:

Gauge

The gauge, or tension, of the pattern you’re knitting often affects the kind of wool you need to buy. The pattern you’re following will give you the gauge by telling you how many rows and stitches you should have over four square inches. Although you can use wool that doesn’t match this given gauge, it will appear different from the expected piece, so if you want to accurately replicate your design, make sure gauge is a consideration for you.

Texture

When it comes to texture, you need to consider plies. Plies refer to how many strands make up the thickness of wool, so a higher ply has more strands and will be more substantial than wool of just a single ply. For chunky cabled jumpers choose thicker yarn, but smoother more elegant cardigans are best with single-ply wool.

Colour

Colour is mostly down to personal choice, but it’s good to note that if the wool you’re using has multiple colours within it, you should stick to simple patterns. For more complex designs, solid coloured wool will show up well and really bring designs to life. Although dyed yarns that seem to have a gradient effect can look beautiful, they often require a bit more skill to pull off. If you’re a beginner, stick to the basics before trying more challenging colours.

Contact us

To learn more about wool and fabrics, get in touch with our team. Whether you have questions about knitting, sewing machines or dress patterns, we’re happy to help.