Starting and Stopping Threads the Shay Way

When I was talking about the trouble I was having starting and ending threads on Stars, lots of folks put great information in the Comments section but I also got fabulous information via email.  I'm quoting Marj below, who explained how she learned to start and stop threads from Shay Pendray:

"I have just reviewed the information on starting and ending threads in Shay Pendray's book 'Inventive Needlework' pp. 81and 83. That is basically what I was  taught.

First, if I recall correctly, unless the thread is slippery like rayon, it is not really necessary to do a locking L or locking I stitch. (I often do them anyway if I have plenty of room, but then I am a wee bit paranoid.) Two pinhead stitches fairly close together are usually sufficient.  Next, when I am working a piece with lots of thread changes like 'Stars', I almost always make my two pinhead stitches by bringing the needle up though the area that I just finished stitching. Use the tip of your BLT [Best Laying Tool or any other laying tool brand] to keep from snagging the already worked thread. Then use the tip of your BLT to move the already stitched threads slightly to the side so that you can see the canvas thread clearly. Bring the needle over the canvas thread and down into the adjacent hole. Repeat. Surface threads may have to be nudged back into their original positions.

With a ribbon like Neon Rays, for instance, you can come up through the ribbon, go back down over the canvas thread being very careful not to catch any of the strands of the ribbon. The hole in the ribbon will close itself when you pull the pinhead stitch tight  Magic!

I did not understand this technique until I saw someone do it and I am not sure how to explain it clearly with just words. The goal is to make a pinhead stitch without catching any of the threads on the front of your work; don't worry about catching threads on the back.  If I make my starting and ending pinheads in the area which I am currently stitching, I do not often run into problems finding places to start and finish my working thread. Nor do I find pinheads occupying holes which I need for other parts of the design.

However, if all else fails, I make my pinheads out in the sashing/border as was previously suggested.

If you are not familiar with this technique, try it on a doodle cloth. Ask me lots of questions."

Thanks a lot, Marj, especially for allowing me to post this for everyone to read.  I used this technique on the star quilt block I am working and find it is a great way to secure your threads.  I won't use it in areas where I'm afraid of disturbing threads but it has been very useful in less populated areas.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
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