Razzle and Dazzle threads add the perfect amount of sparkle and shine to any embroidery project, but their beauty comes with some unique challenges. Many stitchers find frustration in using Razzle and Dazzle because the threads can fray, stick, or tangle up on each other, but fear not! We've compiled a list of Sue's tips and tricks for stitching with Razzle and Dazzle, so you can easily create silky smooth stitches that sparkle!
Sue Spargo's Razzle Threads are 100% Rayon and have a silky smooth hand with an attractive natural sheen. With Razzle, you can create firm, wrapped stitches and highlight the detail of dimensional stitches. They are approximately size 8, and work best when used with #24 Chenille, #24 Tapestry, #1 Milliners, and #1 Long Darner needles.
Sue Spargo's Dazzle Threads are also 100% Rayon, but with one strand of metallic. It does not snag or drag through wool when stitching like some other metallic threads. The metallic strand creates a slightly textured thread that reflects a touch of light, resulting in even more sparkle! Dazzle is approximately size 8, and works best with #24 Chenille, #24 Tapestry, #1 Milliners, and #1 Long Darner needles.
- Thread conditioner can help tame fraying ends and relax some of the bounce in thread. Use a conditioner such as Thread Magic or Pure Beeswax. You can choose to condition your entire length of thread or just the ends.
- Keep your needle close to the tail of your working thread. This prevents the end of the thread from fraying and unwinding too far up, which can be a real pain to pull through! You can also snip your frayed ends every so often to keep it clean and easier to pull through.
- The direction of your thread is super important! Make sure that the end of thread you snip off of the spool is the end of thread that you knot. This will make sure that there isn't as much resistance from the thread when pulling it through your wool or fabric.
- When stitching with Razzle and Dazzle, you'll want to stitch with a shorter length of thread than you would when stitching with cotton threads. For example, we like to stick to a length of approximately 12-15 inches.
- When we stitch, we naturally twist and turn the needle, which can cause Razzle and Dazzle to kink. To correct this, you'll want to let your threaded needle dangle every so often throughout your stitching. This will allow the thread to unwind and relax.
- Threading your needle with Razzle and Dazzle can be tricky if the ends are frayed. Tame them with a thread conditioner, snip a crisp clean end, bring your needle to your thread, and refer to our Needle Threading Tips if you're still having trouble!
Thread Guards are a must have when storing your Razzle and Dazzle threads! These reusable guards wrap snugly around spools to keep threads in place and prevent unraveling and fraying while they're stashed in your storage bags. You can also wrap them around your spools loosely to create a controlled drawing of thread that won't be hindered by knots and tangles.
TIP: Have your Thread Guard wrapped partially around the spool as you pull the start of your thread, then secure in place as you bring the end just above the guard.