Pure silk threads have been used in samplers for centuries. Enjoy the smooth stitching and unparalleled lustre of the two types of silks used in this design: the creamy spun Silk Mori® and the luminous filament Silk Serica®. Together, they create deep, rich colors and luminous textures as in this beautiful sampler.


Materials needed:
• Kreinik Medium (#16) Braid™ in these colors: 027, 051HL, 9100, 051F, 052F
• Anchor Cotton Embroidery Floss color 127 (several skeins)
• #22 Tapestry Needle
• White 14-ct Zweigart Interlock Canvas, approx 11" x 11"
• Stretcher bars with tacks

Stitching & Finishing Instructions:
Cover the raw edges of your canvas with tape to
protect the thread from catching on the rough edges, then mount the canvas on stretcher bars. Use tent stitch throughout this design. Use 6 strands of cotton floss to fill the background (use 7 strands for fuller coverage). Then stitch the remaining areas using 1 stand of Medium (#16) Braid according to the color key.

Finishing:
This project should be mounted and finished as a picture frame. You may wish to have this project professionally finished; check your local needlecraft shop for a resource.

Stitching Tips
1. Use short lengths of thread—about 18 inches—to avoid excessive abrasion on the thread from repeated passes through the fabric. Shorter lengths will also give you more control over the thread, which reduces tangling.
 2. Try ‘stroking’ the thread before threading the needle—using heat and moisture from your own hand after rubbing your hands together, or using a slightly damp sponge—to relax the thread and thus reduce twisting and knotting.
 3. Use an even amount of tension as you stitch to avoid distorting the canvas. Lay the strands of cotton floss neatly for ideal coverage.
 4. Let the needle hang frequently as you stitch so the thread can untwist. The way we twist the needle as we stitch, combined with the twist of the thread—or threads—often leads to frustrating knots. It is good to get into the habit of letting your needle dangle after every one or two stitches to return the thread to its natural twist.
 5. For a quick-and-easy, take-anywhere threading technique, cut a small strip of paper and fold in half. Place the fold through the eye of the needle and open the two ends to insert the thread in between. Gently pull the paper through so the thread is brought with it.
 6. Kreinik’s Medium (#16) Braid uses a lock-flange mechanism. The thread "locks’ in the groove around the top of the spool. Pull the thread to release and cut the required length. Wrap the thread around the top to secure the unused portion.


Instructions:
Click here to download the FREE instructions for this design. You will need the FREE program Adobe Reader to view and print this file. If you have trouble downloading this file and would like us to send you a printed copy send a #10 SASE to: Little Stars Frame, P.O. Box 1258, Parkersburg, WV 26102.