Choosing Embroidery Thread By George Royal

Selecting the right type of threads for any embroidery work is important because the color and texture of the design, and eventually the look of the final product depend on the material and type of thread used. There’s a wide variety of embroidery thread to choose from, so take your time to decide what type or combination should be best for the design you have in mind. More importantly, thread selections should be based on Sewability, Seam Performance and Appearance, Availability and Cost.

Types:

1. Rayon: This type of thread has a great sheen, and so the best looking embroidery designs are stitched with it. Rayon threads can range from combinations of two or more colors twisted together thereby forming a single strand, to one solid color strand. They are widely available, mostly in standard 40 wt. and 30 wt. Even though Rayon is the most popular type, it’s not very sturdy because of its thinness.

2. Polyester: Polyester thread is more durable than Rayon but it is not as attractive. However, this type of embroidery thread hardly shrinks or fades, and if combined with Rayon, the effect they provide is nearly indistinguishable. It is also cheaper than Rayon thread.

3. Cotton: Cotton thread allows for a wide range of tension adjustments because of its texture. It has a nice sheen, is quite sturdy (though finer threads above 50 wt. are not), and typically used for machine embroidery.

4. Silk: Silk embroidery thread hardly breaks and has its own unique, and probably the best sheen. Threads come in various sizes but their availability is low so they are mostly used for luxury fabrics.

5. Metallic Thread: This type of thread has a core wrapped with a metal foil which may be coated with silver alloy, and color is added to this foil with a polyester film which may also be applied as an undercoating. Metallic thread is one of the most durable available on the market.

6. Mylar Thread: Plies of film are combined into a layer, cut into slices to create Mylar threads. They are durable but may break under high-speed sewing. One unique color feature is holographic hue, which picks up and reflects light or color from other surrounding objects. This really enhances the color and design of the embroidery.

7. Special-effect: Like the name suggests, this type of thread can be used to create different design effects, such as crewel-like effect. Some of the special effect threads change colors under sunlight, or may glow in the dark.

Quality Evaluation:

1. Tensile Strength: The tensile strength of an embroidery thread can be tested by sawing a suspended strand with another strand back and forth until the first strand breaks. The faster it breaks, the lower the strength and quality of that particular thread type.

2. Elongation: A good thread must have the right amount of stretch. Take a piece of the thread and stretch it till it breaks. The strand should neither break too quickly nor stretch for too long.

3. Sheen: The luster and quality of the sheen can be tested by studying the color and design of a finished embroidery product.

How To Start Your Own Successful Crafts Business by Conleth Onu

Are you intrigued by the idea of starting a profitable business, doing what you love to do? Perhaps you've had the idea that you can make crafts and sell them for profits.

As you may know the crafts industry is growing at an astronomical rate. Many people all over the world are earning great income by selling crafts that they make. You too can turn your crafts into a full time or supplemental income.

A large number of people are constantly searching for new, imaginative and decorative items for their homes and offices. Many people travel to remote places in search of interesting and unique craft items. This can be a unique opportunity for you to start your own crafts business.

Creating crafts is a fun and rewarding hobby that can be turned into a profitable business.

Craft items are in high demand. There is a huge and hungry market for the craftsman. Crafts include such items as quilted comforters, pottery, gift items, ceramic sculptures, toys, jewelry, lovable dolls, stained glass, etc.

You need a business name. The name you give to your business can make the difference between success and failure. It is better to select a name that will tell people something about you or your business. Jane's Dolls, Jane's Decorative Crafts, Creations by Jane, are all good examples of names that tie in with what you make. Potential customers will know exactly what you are selling by just seeing your business name.

Once you have registered your business name and obtained your business license, if it is required in your area, you'll need a business checking account. It is essential that you do not use your personal checking account in your business transactions. Use your business checking accounts to make payments in your business.

You need good looking business cards. Your business cards act as your introduction to potential customers, and will serve as their connection back to you.

Before you start selling, visit several crafts shops and shows, in order to gain insights on how a crafts business is operated, how and where to place signs, how to decorate the location, and merchandise display. Talk to the people running the business. Find out how they set their prices. Then price your own merchandise accordingly.

There are numerous outlets for crafts. These include swap meets, home parties, craft shows, wholesalers, mail order, department stores and online marketing.

In order to sell your products, you have to advertise. Your prospects will never know that you have available, craft items that they want. So you need to advertise.

You can advertise in newspapers and magazines. This type of advertising is essential because people who buy craft items read newspapers and magazines to locate them. Another effective way to reach your potential customers, is word-of-mouth advertising. Also, putting notices on bulletin boards will attract and direct people to your business location.

Keeping accurate, easy-to-understand records is very essential for tax purposes, and it tells you how your business is doing.

The crafts business is a lucrative business. Shouldn't you be getting your share of the fortune?

Be sure to check the laws to know which, if any, apply to you, and what your responsibilities are. Contact the appropriate office in your area to find out if any laws will affect you.



Conleth C Onu is an Internet marketer and the author of "How To Sell Your Crafts For Big Profits." This ebook shows you how to start your own profitable crafts business. Visit: http://www.publishinglink.com and http://www.conlethonupublishing.com

Custom LovePlusOne for Christmas!

Here are a few beautiful drawings sent to me by a customer in Idaho who ordered 5 custom shirts for her whole family (grandma too)! These snowflakes were drawn by each of her children, and all three will appear in a vertical row down the front of the shirt, included in the original design will be the words, "let it snow" and "christmas 2006". Too cute! I will get an "after xmas" picture so you can see how they turn out.





Here are a couple of other "soon to be patterns" from a Michigan family --- a fun christmas surprise for mom!