DMC Light Effects thread adds a beautiful shimmer to any stitching project, but it does require some skill and patience. I hope these suggestions help make working with DMC Light Effects trouble free for you.
This metallic thread frays easily and tends to kink if not handled correctly. Winding it onto bobbins or other thread keepers will encourage kinks which can be difficult to remove. Keep it in the skein.
Work in Short Lengths as these are less likely to tangle or fray.
Turn your work over often to check the back for kinks and knots.
Use thread conditioner or beeswax on the thread ends. This will prevent fraying.
Apply a small amount of Fray Check to the thread end which will be passed through the needle to prevent fraying. Also apply it to the end that will stay on the skein so that it’s ready to use when you next cut a length.
When two strands of thread are used in a pattern try folding a single strand of light effects in half, and threading the folded end through the needle. Lift the looped end of the thread over the point of the needle. This will secure the thread and prevent it slipping out of the needle while you stitch. This will also help reduce fraying because there will be no loose ends being pulled through the fabric.
These practices will take some of the fray and the kink out of stitching with this beautiful thread, and allow you to enjoy adding sparkle to your projects.
Matilda’s Own patchwork quilting templates are laser-etched acrylic shapes which can be used in both hand and machine patchwork. The template pieces are made in Australia of translucent plastic, and include cross-lines to help centre blocks, and small holes marking corners and seam allowances. They are especially useful for fussy cutting on both light and dark fabrics. The pieces include a 1/4" (6mm) seam allowance so the cut piece will be the exact size needed for your project. The measurements given on all pieces are the cut size of the pieces and are for use in the American piecing technique.
Place the template piece on the fabric. Position it over the fabric pattern as desired. Hold the template piece firmly and use a small diameter rotary cutter to cut all around the piece. With the included 1/4" (6mm) seam allowance the cut piece will be the exact size needed for your project.
Trace around the template piece with a fine marking pen. Use the marking holes in the template to mark the corners. These markings will help to align the pieces accurately for hand-stitching.
Matilda’s Own templates are clear and fluorescent green. This facilitates positioning the template piece over particular sections of a fabric pattern before cutting out the fabric piece. It allows you to select which parts of the fabric design you wish to have on any part of a block.
It comes in 6 easily divisible strands allow you to vary the weight of your stitches to add depth to any project.
Colors use highly resistant, colourfast dyes so embroidery will not fade as a result of washing or exposure to light. 8 metres per skein
Colours are washable and fade resistant.
Please take into account the fabric onto which you have embroidered.
DMC recommends washing with a mild soap.
After washing, wrap the embroidery in a towel to remove excess water, then dry flat.
Place the embroidery on a clean cloth, preferably while still damp, and iron on the reverse side, at the temperature setting recommended for the fabric.
Freezer paper is an incredibly useful item to have in the sewing room. Here are some of the ways it can be used in sewing, patchwork, and more.
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