A magic thread is an extra thread that is used to facilitate a sewing. The thread (I use about 20 inches, folded in half) is inserted next to the pin where a sewing will have to be done in the future. Tuck the folded end under the bobbin(s) on one side of the pin and lay both ends back, away from the working area, before the pin stitch is closed. If it's going to be a long time before the sewing is done, some people like to tuck the two loose ends through the loop end and pull the 'knot' near the pin.
When it comes time for the sewing, unfastened the 'knot' if you made one. Put one worker bobbin through the loop in the magic thread, and pull both loose ends to pull the worker thread up through the pinhole. Remove the magic thread and complete the sewing. The magic thread replaces the crochet hook when doing the sewing. Magic threads are helpful when there is an awkward sewing, or across the start of a piece of lace when the starting pins will be removed. The threads help keep the pinholes open. When there is a row of magic threads, close together, I like to use more than one color of thread, and alternate the different colors. It makes it easier to sort out which ends go with which loop. A large circular piece of lace I'm working on was started with magic threads. To protect them, I put the end of the lace with the magic threads into an envelope and pinned it closed. I know it will be a long time before I complete the circle and am ready to sew the end to the beginning. No one can 'accidentally' pull any of the threads out. (This piece is used for demos frequently.) There is a whole booklet written on uses of magic threads. It should be available in various lace libraries if a person wants to learn more about them. Magic threads require a person to think ahead. They must be inserted when a pinhole is first addressed. Once the stitch has been closed, any future sewing will require a crochet hook or other tool. Magic threads are just another option for the lacemaker use when desired. Happy lacing, Alice in Oregon .... where it's very wet, and stormy, and will remain that way all week. ----- Original Message ----- Can anyone tell me what a magic thread is ? I read about it in books on how to start adding threads to a pattern, but do not how to use it Help Many thanks Margaret Greenway - - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
