Hi, i found this indian shop selling sating for a very cheap price and bought some yards! Now I would like to hear some suggestions, can I do applique with silk thread in satin fabric?? Is silk thread ok for machine applique??
thanks, I bought those satin fabrics and want to do some fancy quilt out of them!

See how to keep silk thread on needle for applique.
Ruth1408 wrote:

Can anyone recommend YLI silk ribbon for embellishment purposes?
I began a Florida Album quilt yesterday with YLI ribbon included in the kit, but our teacher suggested we buy another brand..she said she had "shredding" problems with the YLI ribbon? What other brand would you suggest if you've had a bad experience with the YLI silk ribbon?

I discovered silk thread in a class where we were doing English paper piecing. I'm not really an applique person but I am taking a hand applique class in two weeks. I was already planning on taking along my YLI neutrals. They are great. I've got to try that knot technique.

Ruth, I was just going to add Ms. Newman's methodology which I use every time I thread a silk thread to hand applique. I love YLI thread also. I have used others (Gutermann) and they are OK but not nearly as fine (small size thread) as YLI. That's what Luxin uses also.

My very first applique class was taught by someone who advocated NOTHING BUT COTTON thread because it was being used on cotton fabric. But after I used silk thread, there was just no comparison in ability to really attend to the finer details of hand applique. Her concern was the strength of silk/vs/cotton fibers and the silk wearing through the cotton fabric.

I'm 62 and I figure I'll be long gone when that happens, and they can fuss at me in my grave!

Here is another way to keep your needle threaded when using silk thread. I found this in "Perfect Hand Applique" by Liuxin Newman. Thread your needle and knot the far end as usual. Hold the short end of the thread (about 1-2 inches) between the thumb and index fingers of your non-sewing hand. Pierce the thread with the needle tip about 1 inch from the end. Let the short end of the thread make a half loop and pierce the thread again with the needle. Make another half loop and pierce again. You should now have what looks like an 'S' or squiggle of thread on the needle. Gently slide the loops of thread down the needle, over the eye and on to the long piece of the thread. Gently pull the long end of the thread to position the loops at the eye of the needle. No way will this slip off or hang in the finest fabric.

I had just "discovered" silk thread last summer and fallen in love with it. I then needed to put in a hem on some sheer, delicate panels for a pair of pants for my daughters wedding. It had to be done by hand and the silk thread was perfect. I now use it for all my delicate things and hand applique.
Cheryl

I so agree. Silk threads are the best for applique. And yes, don't forget the knot or you will be frustrated. Start out with a neutral color that goes with a lot of colors. It's not necessary but I now have one in every color. Should last me my lifetime.

Sherry Lynne

I LOVE to applique with YLI silk thread. The stitches just seem to melt into the cotton fabrics.

You have to knot the thread at the eye of the needle to keep it from coming unthreaded.

I highly suggest using it. No commerical involvement just a happy user.

Barbara