Cross stitch - new stuff I'm excited to use but don't know how

[Graphista]

I'm a self taught stitcher but have been doing it for ages. Although I'm out of the habit at the moment

Have treated myself to a big accessories kit and a new pattern

Kit includes some items I've never even heard of and I'd like to use the kit to its best advantage

First off hoops - never used a hoop before, looking forward to doing so but no idea which size to select, and how does it work in terms of the hoop being on already stitched areas.

Line wax - again never used before tips appreciated.

Untangling tool - tangling is a problem at times this seems to be something that can be used mid stitching but no idea how

I even finally have a wrist pin cushion and a thimble!

So weird how excited I am by all this!

A hoop should ideally be big enougj for the whole embroidery to fit in. But you can jse a smaller one and mlve it carefully as you go. If you are doing tjat then wrap the inner hoop which will minimise anu potential marks. Traditionallu bias binding in a lihjt colojr is used but I use rolls of the white loosely woven cotton bandage - it does fray a bit but not too badly.

Not sure what you mean by line wax. You can wax thread (normally with beeswax) to make it stronger but I have been embroidering for many years and formerly taught textiles and have never heardbof cross stitchers using wax!

Also no idea what an untangling tool is. Is there a picture?

OK I googled. The untanglers I found are for machine embroidery (still never come across them before) so I think the kit has a lot of things you won't need for cross stitch!

Here’s a piece on a hoop. The screw at the top loosens or tightens it to hold the Aida cloth in place. You want it tight enough so all your stitches are even, but not so tight it stretches the fabric. This is going to be a large piece and I didn’t want to purchase a large bar unit as I don’t cross stitch often anymore.

Thanks for the replies

A hoop should ideally be big enougj for the whole embroidery to fit in

I have a pattern I'm going to start this weekend - a hoop big enough to contain it would probably be almost hula hoop sized!

Shame I was looking forward to using a hoop, looks like I need to get a smaller pattern to do that. But I still need to do this one first as it's a gift

But hey nice to have an excuse to buy more cross stitch stuff!

Like the tip about a bandage I wouldn't have thought of that.

Re wax I hadn't heard of it either but googling it is apparently a thing.

I'm attaching a pic of the wax and the untanglers

so I think the kit has a lot of things you won't need for cross stitch!

Possibly, I still love it though. Also included a neat little tape measure (I have a standard one) and even I'm not sure what I'd use it for in terms of cross stitch. Ditto the wheel of dressmaking pins.

Ugh pic didn't work. Gonna try on site I'm on app at the moment

Ugh pic won't post!

The wax is a thick circle

The untangler is much harder to describe

The central part is almost but not quite triangular a long narrow triangle with the top flat and a small hole near the top too, extending from either end are two differently sized hooks that sort of look like the top of a lower case f?

Off to do a post about not being able to post photos!

But @Graphista, you can use a hoop. Just don’t overstretch it. You loosen it and move it around as you progress with your piece.

I've used wax as a cross stitcher. It's great for the bastard that is a metallic thread 😂😂

Cool so I can use a hoop great.

I've a fair amount of metallic thread to use in this pattern thats for a gift.

When I'm in the zone I can be quite a speedy stitcher, I'm not a sporty person but I've always been dexterous

I'm self taught as it were but I'm interested in learning how to do it properly - if I've been doing anything wrong I don't know that I have of course

My projects always look good to me and apparently to those who've received as gifts

Wax will certainly help with metallic thread . Metallic thread makes the most patient person swear and possibly cry!! Good luck and have fun x

@Boredof2020

My current project is just standard thread but it has certainly involved lots of swearing.

My next project involves lots of metallic thread. I had been ooh-ing and aah-ing over how beautiful it is but you have made me worry now!

If it makes you oohing you need to stitch it. My advice use a size 24 needle as it has a bigger eye. Use shorter lengths of metallic thread, it frays really quickly so a Wax will help. My other advice which sounds very strange, but put metallic thread in the fridge. Stitches a lot easier when cold. Strange but true!!

Cos I'm nosey what kit is it?

Thanks @bored - might be useful to know

It's a Klimt one - I'll try and dig out the link for you.

I've never used metallic thread before - now you're scaring me 

@Boredof2020 thanks for the tips I'm totally on board with "weird" advice that works, give it out myself (on other subjects)

My kit is this one

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B07QB31QLR?psc=1&ref=ppxpoppmobbbasin_title

The pic of the lot laid out shows the untanglers just to the left of the measuring tape

The metal things left to the tape measure are needle threaders. Usually they are cheap quality ones, what break , these are heavy duty, I've personally not used them, if you love the kit, stitching it will be easier! X

Sorry meant right not left!!!

Actually on a closer look the metal things left to the tape measure are also needle threaders!

So I have 4 needle threaders now? Cool!