Wrapped Chain Stitch Tutorial

Lynndlpt over at Instagram has posted a video tutorial on using wrapped chain stitch for lettering.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DYdnQtssVwq/

The chain stitch is worked in Petite Very Velvet for the narrower part of the letters and regular Very Velvet for the wider parts.  The wraps over the underlying chain stitch are worked with Neon Rays.

Note that Lynndlpt used a flat iron (the kind for hair but buy a cheap one to use just for threads--no hair product on your threads, please!) to smooth the Neon Rays, a laying tool to help the Neon Rays lay flat, and Fray Check to protect the Neon Rays once they are stitched.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 18, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Fiber Talk Canvas: A New Needlepoint Series on Counted Canvaswork

Gary, Beth and Cindy have started a new podcast exclusively about counted canvaswork as part of Fiber Talk.  The third Wednesday of each month they will talk about stitching on blank canvas from a chart.  If you ever wanted to learn more about this type of needlepoint, it's a fun way to dip your toe into things.  All the videos with the latest on top are collected here--

https://wetalkfiber.com/canvas/

They've added two videos demonstrating putting canvas on stretcher bars.  You can see those here.

https://wetalkfiber.com/2026/02/04/mounting-needlepoint-canvas-on-stretcher-bars/

https://wetalkfiber.com/2026/02/10/canvas-thanks-to-donna-gotts-for-offering-stretcher-bar-fine-points/

The second full episode of counted canvaswork covers the availability of blank canvas, the cost of threads, how to read a counted chart and shows the various laying tools that are available and how to use them. (Note that Gary plans to make the laying tool section a standalone video.)

https://wetalkfiber.com/2026/02/18/canvas-2-reading-charts-and-using-laying-tools/

By the way, Fiber Talk has just done an interview with the counted canvaswork designer Kathy Rees of Needle Delights, so if you want to get to know one of the talented people who designs needlepoint charts, you can listen here.

https://wetalkfiber.com/2026/02/01/exploring-the-counted-canvas-world-of-kathy-rees/

The third video is all about Congress Cloth.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/03/dragons-details-sparkle/

The fourth covers needles, choosing the right size, how often to discard a needle and more.

https://wetalkfiber.com/2026/03/18/fiber-talk-canvas-4-needles-why-you-care-what-you-use/

Video number five discusses storing fat threads like perles and Watercolours.  To see the organizational tools that Lucky Jonquil sells, visit the second link below and choose "Thread Organization."

https://wetalkfiber.com/2026/04/15/fiber-talk-canvas-5-when-hefty-threads-need-storing/

https://luckyjonquil.com/

The sixth video is all about perle threads, both silk and cotton.

https://wetalkfiber.com/2026/04/15/canvas-6-getting-picky-about-perle/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 23, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Make Your Own Porcupine Laying Tool

Melita learned how to make a porcupine laying tool!

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/06/13/porcupine-quill-laying-tool/

I've never seen one of these in person and before this, never wondered how they were made.  Interesting!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 14, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Navy Bow Laying Tool

I haven't seen a laying tool like this before--a laying tool topped with a bow made from stainless steel and enameled navy blue.

https://morganjuliadesigns.com/products/bow-laying-tool?_pos=1&_sid=180de3a51&_ss=r&_kx=_J_rdnNvxpl-p5ox0M-sxKe_dW8vBdau0gAV5QbqAX3Q5z_adzzshb4gk-wH2HbP.RWeQns

At 6 1/2 inches, it's too long for me (I have small hands) or this elegant beauty would join my collection of laying tools.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 10, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Railroading with The Wool and the Floss

If you have two strands of something but no laying tool, you can adopt a technique cross stitches use called "railroading" to keep your stitches flat and straight.  The Wool and The Floss demonstrates railroading on their Instagram account in this short video.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DGxz24FRKt4/

It works great!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 4,  2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Review of Laying Tools UPDATED

Melita is trying to organize her stash, getting rid of things that are duplicates or that she doesn't use.  In the process she found all her laying tools and showed them to us.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/11/24/laying-tools/

Personally, I love my trolley needle for stranded threads.  I wear it on my left thumb and like Melita, I've never stabbed myself with it.  Wooden laying tools (I like the shorter, fatter ones since I have little hands) seem to work better for cotton threads.  I adore my tekobari for silk flosses; nothing tames them better!  I also have a bone laying tool I almost never use and a nut pick from my nutcracker set that is fabulous for taming silk ribbons.

UPDATE:  Melita owns The Stitchers Best Friend but has never used it.  If you use it, Melita wants to know what you like to use it for best.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/06/19/stitchers-best-friend-a-laying-tool-and-much-more/

In case you aren't familiar with the Stitchers Best Friend, it comes in three sizes (20, 22, and 24) that compare to the same size in tapestry needles.  It's used to manipulate stitches, to help ripping out, and as a laying tool.

https://threadtheneedlestitchery.com/products/stitchers-best-friend

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 25, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New Tool of the Trade from The Wool and The Floss

The Wool and the Floss has released their latest Tools of the Trade goodie--a magnetic holder for your wooden laying tool.  Look at both photos to see how it works.

https://woolfloss.com/products/laying-tool-minder-by-tools-of-the-trade?_pos=1&_sid=821a258a7&_ss=r

Apparently a laying tool larger than the size of a pencil works best.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_F1R0VRPx6/

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_bNKtjvr43/

This is the perfect holiday gift for your stitching bestie!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 25, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NJNA Newsletter Fun and Games

It's that time again--NJNA's monthly newsletter is out.  

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2024/08/24/whats-happening-at-njna-8-24-24/

It's full of ANG news, of course, as this is one of the American Needlepoint Guild's chapters.  Folks are going to the ANG Seminar in September and there will be an ANG online auction in September as well.  There's thread and designer news, new leather colors coming for the Hedgehog Needlepoint luggage tags, new charts and a class from Needle Delights, stitched greeting cards, plus the newest tool from The Wool and the Floss (a magnetic holder for wooden laying tools).

https://woolfloss.com/products/laying-tool-minder-by-tools-of-the-trade?_pos=1&_sid=821a258a7&_ss=r

In other words, a good time is to be had from reading this jewel.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 25, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Use a Laying Tool: The Movie

Melissa of The Wool and The Floss demonstrates using laying tools on the shop Instagram page.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C7ryC4WPnpc/

This is the wooden laying tool that Melissa is using.  They come in various colors and of course you can get other shapes if you want something smaller, fatter, thinner, etc.  Most shops carry wooden laying tools.

https://woolfloss.com/products/fancy-wood-laying-tool?_pos=1&_sid=85764c225&_ss=r

This is the metal laying tool from Island House that Melissa used.

https://woolfloss.com/products/ihn-metal-laying-tool?_pos=1&_sid=f642fbc50&_ss=r

I have small hands so I really like either a tekobari...

https://bluebonnetstudio.com/kits-and-accessories/tekobari

...or the Best Laying Tool (sometimes called the BLT).  As always, shop around.  Laying tools come in all sizes, shapes, materials and price points.  Many folks like to use a chopstick or even one of those really large metal needles for plastic canvas or even a knitting needle.  You just need something that won't snag your threads that feels good in your hand.

https://woolfloss.com/products/blt-best-laying-tool?_pos=4&_sid=85764c225&_ss=r

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 1, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Snowmen Laying Tools

I'd heard of these but not seen them--Ruth at Bedecked and Beadazzled sells snowmen laying tools!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/snowman-laying-tool-2/?fbclid=IwAR3Pyp-OspE5sLztidGlX8buKXyoJV7I9rcyIlYVjzoQmfBXo3wpN0vbGUo

Your choice of four colors.  Doesn't get any cuter than that.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 2, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Handmade Short Wooden Laying Tools

If you have little hands like me, these small wooden laying tools available through BBAMShop on Etsy may be just what you are looking for.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1145946269/two-mini-lay-tools-package?click_key=fc7200a6b5d2018a7d1a3a082a59f2dd39a567d8%3A1145946269&click_sum=9c827a02&ref=shop_home_active_23&sts=1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1145937127/new-learnard-303-mini-lay-tool?click_key=20e1ff2f42329c2571754c4751081405aa0ef5d6%3A1145937127&click_sum=4f65ee42&ref=shop_home_active_24&sts=1

The shop sells all sorts of wooden stitching tools, if laying tools aren't what you need.  They sell longer laying tools with magnetic tops and the finger grip cut out as well.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/BBAMShop?ref=shop_sugg_market

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 3, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Laying Tool from Island House Needlepoint

Island House Needlepoint in Connecticut has designed a stainless steel laying tool with a blunt tip that might be perfect.  It will stick to a needle minder and is well balanced and comfortable in your hand.

https://islandhouseneedlepoint.com/product/island-house-needlepoint-laying-tool/

They are made in Connecticut.  I don't know the length (it looks too long for my small hands) but I'm sure the shop can tell you more about it if you have questions.

One can never have enough laying tools!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 29, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Laying Tools: The Movie

KC Needlepoint's latest video is all about laying tools.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/learn-to-use-a-laying-tool

It's brief but shows you the general idea.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 25, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Clip On Pen Holders Repurposed

Megan of the Needlepoint Clubhouse mentioned using clip on pen holders intended for desk calendars or journals to hold your laying tool on the latest Instagram video from her shop.

Megan clips her pen holder to the side of her stretcher bars to hold her laying tool.  If you aren't into journals or day planners, you may not have seen these.  I certain had not.  They look like this...

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1536477930/pen-clip-metal-pen-clip-pen-holder-for?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=calendar+pen+holder&ref=sc_gallery-1-9&pro=1&frs=1&plkey=07dff71ce671a48cb0dfb940343fb1a24d40a6fc%3A1536477930

...or this.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/873462760/gold-metal-spring-pen-clip-pen-holder?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=notebook+pen+holder&ref=sr_gallery-1-13&organic_search_click=1

You will need a clip that will fit over your stretcher bar, so do a little measuring before you order, but a lot of Etsy shops carry these.   Do check how they will work, though.  This style might not fit over stretcher bars, not even the minis.  Some have larger or smaller loop, too.  You may need a small for a metal laying tool while a larger loop may hold a wooden laying tool.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1550675505/notebook-pen-clip-calendar-clip-planner?click_key=6053259f2253427012599a2768887b6cf9476bdf%3A1550675505&click_sum=2fbbb3ec&ref=shop_home_recs_13&pro=1&frs=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 20, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Nashville Needlepointer and Laying Tools

Lita, the Nashville Needlepointer, shows how to use a laying tool on her Instagram page.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Curpov6rfIf/

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5n3JolrUcn/

Laying tools come in all sorts of lengths and are made in a variety of materials.  I think Lita's is a porcupine quill, but you can get metal, wood, plastic, even bone laying tools.  In fact, if you have a really big needle or a knitting needle, you can use that as a laying tool if you aren't ready to invest in one yet.  

Make sure you buy one that fits well in your hand.  Ask your local shop to let you hold what they carry or borrow them from stitching friends to hold.   I prefer small laying tools that are a bit fat but you may be a skinny, long laying tool fan.  Doesn't matter, it's what is comfortable for you to hold.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 16, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Zecca Laying Tools

I didn't realize Zecca sells wooden laying tools made by Alex Goldman.  They come in various shapes, depending on what's comfortable for your hand.

https://zecca.net/laying-tools/

These are either all wood or have wooden handles for Shay Pendray's Best Laying Tool.  Your favorite shop can order one of these beauties for you through Zecca.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 27, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Small Laying Tools from Victoria Whitson

I just discovered Victoria Whitson sells small metal laying tools, perfect for travel or for those with small hands.  I don't know how long these are but your favorite shop can help you with the details if you are interested.

https://www.thewoolandthefloss.net/shop/Accessories/Needlepoint-Accessories/p/VW-Mini-Laying-Tool-x64350124.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 7, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Fat or Thin?

Ruth Schmuff has a wonderful wood worker who makes colorful fat laying tools and tiny plain wooden ones, so no matter your hand size or personal style, there's one for you.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2022/04/tools-of-the-trade/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 27, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Another Clever Idea

Peggy also has a very clever idea to keep from constantly dropping her needle--she put a small magnet on her trolley needle and it works very well.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/4831968290213624/

Not everyone likes using trolley needles but I adore mine.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 18, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Merry L's Laying Tool

Sue has a new laying tool with a point protector from Merry L Needlework Accessories.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/4886157484794704/

https://sudukc.wordpress.com/2022/03/11/next-projects-3d-pumpkin-jacket/

Merry L has a Facebook page where you can see their line.  Your favorite shop can help you acquire some of their tools.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 28, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.