QUILTsocial | Issue 02 Winter 2014-15

A mug full of Dazzle threads from WonderFil
Knotting the ends of the Dazzle threads from WonderFil
Tension tips
The Deco-Bob thread worked great in the bobbin. I had to
adjust the tension a tiny bit, just to make sure that the bobbin
thread wouldn’t show up on the top of the fabric. The correct
tension for this type of stitching is a little different than for
machine quilting, as it’s OK for the top thread to show a small
amount at the back. Since the Deco-Bob thread is very fine
there was little added bulk on the back of the fabric which is
especially important when you’re doing decorative stitching.
WonderFil threads steal the show
I tried different single threads first and then worked my way
up to 2, 3 and 4 couched threads at a time, changing the combination
of colors as I went. When I was using more than one
thread, I tied them all together with a knot at the end so that
they were easier to manage. I also placed all of the threads that
I was using at the time in the mug in front of the right side of
my sewing machine.
My open-toe foot worked fine, but I did need to pay close
attention to the threads that were being couched – especially
when I got into 3 and 4 strands at a time. A couching foot
would do that work for you, so if you have a couching foot
be sure to use it! When I added more threads I increased to
width of the zigzag stitch and then also tried out some of my
decorative stitches. The Dazzle threads have a nice metallic
thread running through them and I decided that I liked them
the best when couched with the Mirage thread.
Keep on stitching
My stitch-out sample is getting more and more full, but I think
I’ll try out a few more color combinations before I decide what
type of project to make in order to use this new technique.
Have fun experimenting with your couching foot. z
Closeup of the decorative stitching on 4 strands of Dazzle
My stitch-out samples
Photos by Christine Baker
Q
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