Rayon floss GRRRR

[Octavia]

I received several skeins of rayon floss. It's the Merlitt by Anchor and is imported from Germany. I decided to put some of it to use.

It's awful! It not only frays at the ends but, the denier frays all over the rest it. I'm having a terrible time. I'm much too deep into the project to frog any part of it.

I wet the thread to help it through the needle and to keep it straight. I have tried knotting it to the needle and not knotting it. Nothing seems to work!

I am greatful for the gift and the rest of it can be used but, not for anything major. I can use it on stitcher's tools, biscornus and such.

Anyone got any ideas on how to handle this stuff? There has been so much waste.

One thing I will say about it is that I do like the depth of the colors, the silky feel, and the way each strand is twisted. It seems to be more three dimentional than cotton floss. But, once I've used up what I have, that's it!

Any input would be helpful.

Thanks

[pattiebp]

Have you tried thread heaven not sure how it will be on rayon but seems to work on most other threads
Pattie

[Cariad837]

I always find that wetting the thread and not using too long a strand works for me. However, if I'm using 2 strands, I thread one end through the needle and level the ends. I then fasten on the loose ends so that the needle is trapped in the loop. This way it doesn't keep coming off the thread and makes it much easier to keep the stitches tensioned properly.

For a single strand, it just means a bit more patience and slower stitching as I try to hold on to the needle eye when pulling it through each time.

I hope you'll find a way that works for you as it's fabulous thread and gives a great sheen to projects. Good luck! :]

[sammi]

I loop the thread round the needle too, and I also use thread heaven, it has worked for me!

[Octavia]

I tried thread heaven some time ago and didn't like it so I went back to my bee's wax. It's doesn't do so well on the rayon.

You're right about the sheen. And, I do like the feel. This is the first time I have used it so, maybe I just need to get used to it????

[Tazlover]

I don't use rayon thread much but when I do I also use Thread Heaven, and anchor the thread to the needle much the same as when using blending filament. Shorter pieces do tend to help as you get closer to the end before fraying becomes really bad. Hope that you find something that works for you.

[goonette]

Don`t know whether this will help but when brazilian embroiderers use rayon they say to pay attention which end is cut. One end unravels 3 ways and the other only 2, so anchor the worst end first and then it shouldn`t fray as much by the time you finish the strand.

[Octavia]

Thank you for all the tips. I've made some changes and it's going much better. The biggest change was to cut the thread shorter. Who'd a thunk that it would make such a difference. Duh!!!

Maybe I won't give up on the rayon thread. Who knows??

Now, what about silk or linen????? Just thought I'd throw that at ya! lol :]

[Cariad837]

Same applies regarding thread lengths - it keeps the thread from looking 'worn' and tatty. I haven't tried linen thread yet, but I would imagine that any type of special thread would benefit from being treated more gently.

I'm glad you're getting to grips with the rayon now! :]

[Daffycat]

Now, what about silk or linen????? Just thought I'd throw that at ya! lol :]

I love silk threads. It is so lovely to work with! Soft and silky and it lays so nice on your fabric. One complaint about silk is it is so fine it catches on any little rough spot on your fingers.

Silk is hard for me to get; I must order it online because none of my local shops carry any silk at all. It is expensive too...my latest silk project called for six skeins and it was almost $20. :shock!

[KateDonovan]

If your threads are fragile or fraying, try switching to the next larger size of tapestry needle. It pushes the weave slightly further apart, as it moves through the fabric. This puts less stress on the thread as it follows the needle through the hole.

Once you get through this project, why not give a few silks a try? There are lots of different brands, each with a slightly differnt texture or twist. Many stitchers love them, and we all have brands we love and brands we don't. You can also try the so-called "Soy Silks", made not of silk, but of soy fibers. They're lovely too. Before investing in silks, be careful to learn exactly how to clean and iron your silks from the manufacturer.

Silk is a true pleasure to stitch with, but has a reputation for being very expensive. That is NOT necessarily true. The real price of silk depends on the brand you buy, and how many plies and yards each skein holds. Believe it or not, when compared yard for yard, many silks are cheaper than hand-dyed cottons like GAST and WDW.

Kathy in WA