Burying Ends – The basic technique
– draft 15-Jun-2009
It seems that no matter what the craft, if it uses string, sooner or later, every one asks for/needs suggestions on how to bury ends.
It is also important to consider “suitable to the project” – one would not want to make HUGE holes, even on the backing of a large quilt.
No matter what I am teaching, I always tell students that they should leave LONG tails – this will vary depending on the technique
For Quilting/Sewing or most other needle work, at least 4in/10cm and my personal practice is about a foot. This will allow you to use something like Clover’s Self-Threading Needles
For knit and crochet, enough yarn to form at least 3 or more complete stitches, but usually about 12in/30cm – If you have MANY color changes, this could add up, so you will want to consider learning Russian Join or some other “bury as you go technique”
Again, This may seem wasteful but…
Unless you are using real precious metals, it is just not worth the frustration! Yarns, thread, or most stringing materials are relatively inexpensive. Certainly much less expensive than the mind altering migraine meds that such frustration leads to
You can always use the thrums for something else later so feel free to save them.
Okay, so now you know that “for future reference, but what to do with that project with a gadzillion ends NOW?
There are many ways to thread a needle, or more effectively to needle a thread – and many types of needle threaders. ItsAllJustString.com
Although I sell many different threaders, for burying thread ends, particularly possible short ends.
Rather you may find this low tech ‘technique’ suggestion. While I am sure I was not the first to invent it – it was something I started doing in relation to bead stringing so will claim rights to parallel development*.
You will need
Needle almost any size will do – (Bead Note: it MUST be able to go thru your beads while threaded with hand sewing thread that has been knotted to create a loop _NEEDS MORE EXPLAINATION
Length of Thread
Generally I use Nymo or Bobbin thread or Perle Cotton – it will depend on the technique and the “holes” that exist in the fabric.
Needle – type will vary depending on your project, but for buying say quilt ends
Optional:
Flexible sheet foam
Tweezer or Forcepts that are capable of easily gripping the yarn or thread used in the project.
1. Using a strong but fine thread, thread a needle with a length of thread at least 3-4 times the length of your needle (i.e. if you needle is 2in/5cm long, use a piece of thread measuring 6in/15cm to 8in/20cm in length) it is just easier to work with. Generally I use bobbin thread or for nymo, but whatever you choose it should be strong.
2. Tie a secure knot about 1/2 inch LONGER than the length of your needle. I actually keep a bit of flexible sheet foam in my “tool kits” so that I will have something reasonable firm to “tie the know against” – but still flexible for easy removal of the loop you are creating.
3. Slide the loop off – trim ends but not too close –
don’t want the knot to come out
4. Using the tweezer or even a ‘thread crochet hook’ pull the thread end into/thru the loop.
If it is very short, you may want to “hold it with the tweezer”
*Sincerely hoping this explanation will avoid a lot of unnecessary – it was ‘refined” a bit for stringing beads onto carrier YARNandTHREAD