Formulas

 

Formulas are handy when creating threads as they give you a starting place to make the size you want. However, it is wise to remember that some adjustment may be necessary at times.

#12 perle - 2 strands floss
#8 perle - 4 strands floss
#5 perle - 6 strands floss
#4 braid - 4 strands blending filament or metallic sewing thread

If making silk perle from silk floss you will find a single strand of silk is slightly larger than a single strand of cotton. This will make resulting silk perle slightly larger than cotton perle. Also, metallic sewing threads come in different sizes so the resulting metallic thread will differ also.

Experimentation will be necessary when working with different base threads {the thread used as the building materials to create a new thread}.

Twist Direction

 

Different threads twist different directions.


 Rayon & silk have a Z-twist. Cotton, linen, & metallics have an S-twist.

This will determine which direction you twist a thread to create a new thread.

Before creating a new thread analyze the base thread carefully to deter-mine the twist. Grasp a length of thread between the thumb and forefingers of each hand.

 

Roll your thumbs toward the tips of your fingers. If the thread twist gets tighter as you roll, the thread is an S-twist If the twist loosens as you roll, the thread is a Z-twist. In the instructions follow-ing I will give the direc-tion you need to work when dealing with an S-twist thread. Immedi-ately following [in brackets and italicized I will give the direction for a Z-twist thread].

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