Category: Threads

Definition Day: Thread Conditioner

1/18/2016

To condition or not condition, what is the answer? It's a question we're often asked -- "Should I condition my thread?" The answer is that there is no absolute yes or no, it's basically personal preference.

If it's something you want to try, here is some information to consider.

Thread Heaven & embroidery floss

The purpose of conditioning thread is to give it a protective coating and make it smoother to work with, reducing "thread drag".

Beeswax used to be the go-to conditioner of choice. The problem with beeswax is that it reacts to nature (freezing or melting), and because it's a natural product it degrades over time, degrading the thread with it.

Thread Heaven (TM) is now the staple of thread conditioners. (I've seen another brand mentioned, but I don't have any information about it.) It is not organic so it does not break down, freeze or melt. The coating helps protect the thread from the sun, mold and mildew, and it uses static electricity to help prevent tangling and fraying as you work.

Thread Heaven thread conditioner

Conditioning thread is simple: gently press the thread into the conditioner and pull it through. Then pull the thread through thumb & forefinger to remove any excess and create the static charge.

Pull thread while pressing with finger

What to use it with? Pretty much anything that's a thread. I have heard that people don't care to use it with Fireline, but other nylon beading threads, embroidery floss, or sewing threads can all apparently benefit from conditioning.

In fact, the Thread Heaven website has a surprising array of suggested uses, categorized under Around the House, Beading, Bookbinding and Paper Arts, Basketry, Fly Tying, and more. Click on any of the links or Thread Heaven images to go to their website and learn more about the amazing properties of this thread conditioner.

Clockwise from top: Fireline, Nymo, K.O. Thread

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Tool Talk: Thread Zap

8/24/2015

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Do you have a tool for this and a tool for that, and do you sometimes think you've collected more tools than you need?

We all have to decide for ourselves which tools we do, and do not need. One tool I decided I do need has become a favorite: the Thread Zap. Here's a little info to help you decide if this would make a good addition to your own collection.

Thread Zap II on the left, and the new Ultra Thread Zap on the right

Thread Zaps are simple enough: a wire element at the tip heats up and melts nylon (or other meltable) cords and threads. This keeps the melted end of the cord from fraying. It also creates a small ball at the end that makes it harder for the cord to wiggle out of place.

You can even finish some pieces by melting the ends without having to make bulky knots, depending on the cords and project, such as some macrame designs.

Holding the tip of the Thread Zap to the end of Chinese knotting cord

These images show the melted ends of Chinese knotting cord. And here's a tip some of us learned the hard way: when using the Thread Zap on light colored cords, be sure to first clean the heating element of any previous debris. Sometimes you just need to let it get hot to burn straggling bits, and when cool gently rub the tip to clean. You can see a little carbon residue on this lighter cord.

Chinese knotting cord with melted end

Chinese knotting cord, knotted and the end melted

I always use the Thread Zap for trimming threads in bead weaving. It works with any nylon thread such as Nymo, Fireline or KO. Note: I don't consider this a substitute for making sure the threads are securely knotted and tight within the piece. This is simply a way to trim the ends close to the work and avoids leaving that teeny tiny bit of thread that's too short to cut with scissors, but seems to loom large in front of your face every time you look at it.

Cutting through the end of Fireline

Small ball of melted thread at the end of Fireline

When using the Thread Zap with these thinner threads, bring your thread through the heating element and pull the thread against the tip. When the element heats through the thread you'll have a nice clean end right where you want it!

Thread Zaps have been around for a while and updated a few times. The newest version, the Ultra Thread Zap, is pretty nifty. It has a retractable tip that only heats when you push the button forward and hold it. It also comes with an extra tip that is stored in the battery compartment.

Feel free to ask for a demonstration next time you're in the shop. Happy Zapping!

Ultra Thread Zap with Tip exposed

Ultra Thread Zap

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Definition Day: Thread Conditioner

Tool Talk: Thread Zap

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