thread breaking

[susan w.]

first timer with a question. I am using Alex's thread for hand applique. I am using a John James size 10 between. I am using about 12 inch thread. I try not to tug too hard after the stitch. 2 out of 5 times the thread breaks. Any advice?

[susan w.]

The first thing that comes to mind is: are you sure you are not going thru the thread with the needle? My friend does this and the thread breaks a lot. The only thing I can think of is to shorten your length of thread and maybe use a bit larger needle so the needle can make a bigger hole for the thread to slide thru.

[susan w.]

make sure that you are threading your needle withthe tread going in the right direction i.e. the way it comes off the spool. otherwise you are going against the grain and that wears the "denier" or twist of the thread thus weakening it.

[susan w.]

Aha. Ritzy thank you. I will try a larger needle. That did not occur to me. I was liking the small thin needle. Maybe i was outsmarting myself. I gave up on silk thread for the same reasons.
Magnus , thank you also. I knew the trick of threading of the spool. How long is the thread you use for applique?

[susan w.]

I haven't appliqued in a while, but I think I used to use a piece the length from tip of my nose to end of one stretched arm!

[susan w.]

Royal School of Needlework recommends a piece of thread from the tip of your finger to your elbow. If your elbow is the fulcrum of your arm movement, it's the most economical use of your sewing time with least movement.