NOTES FROM LIZ WELCH POSTED TO THE FREE MOTIONS EMBROIDERY LIST
ABOUT STITCHING ON METAL.



Post 1.)  In my few snatched stitching moments I have been
playing around with stitching into different surfaces.   This
all started as result of Jean Mobbs Webb coming to talk to the
Embroiderers Guild and showing us her metal work.  I am not
talking Goldwork here, but stitching into sheet metal (albeit
very thin).  The results are like molten metal dripped and
poured onto fabric, it is really sensational.  



You need sheet copper (silver is expensive) or empty coca cola
cans  which you anneal over the gas flame  until they change
colour.  Cut it up, bash it about a bit if you want and then
stitch it onto velvet, net, silk  etc using a 90 needle or
bigger ( it depends on how big you want the holes to be).  So
okay you blunt the  needles, but you can stitch quite a lot of
metal before you get terminal needle fatigue!  Jean does the
most lovely  work and her metal stitching is fabulous, she
stitches onto empty teabags for a quick design  suitable  for a
birthday card etc.



Post 2.) Hello VJO and Suzanne, your machine won't be in the
least bit put out by stitching through thin metal sheet   which
has been annealed, it is no worse for your machine than
stitching through a few layers of denim, in fact  I find it a
lot easier!



The annealing softens the metal and makes it less brittle.  It
also adds the most glorious patina and shimmer  of 'oil slick'
colours.  You can anneal over any flame heat source, I just use
my gas ring as it is convenient  and safe.  What about a blow
torch or a candle (a big one), I wouldn't advise a flame thrower
though!!!



The annealing can remove the printing on the can, but I have had
some lovely results by using the printed side  face up and
stitching  into that.  If you are working on small pieces  1-2"
sq then the text on the can becomes  so broken up with stitching
that it is just extra colour.



Fine sheet copper, silver or aluminium are very stitchable, but
for economy's sake start with the empty coke  cans.  Different
makes may react differently, and some cans are not suitable at
all.  Aluminium cans are the  sort you need.



Start by doing a few anchor stitches and then slowly nibbling at
the edges of the metal slowly working in  towards the centre of
the piece and back out again.  The effect will be to "melt" the
metal into the fabric.   Needles do get blunt, and you do have
thread breakages  but the effect is well worth persevereing with.

Remember that this is Jean Mobbs-Webb's  technique that she has
developed and if you get the chance to go to  one of her
classes, jump at it.  I believe that she will be over in the
States next year. 



 Post 3.) Annealing means to temper the metal.  It has the
effect in this instance of softening it and changing it's
colour.  In the glass industry it means to cool slowly in an
oven, gradually decreasing the temperature which toughens the
structure and prevents it from shattering.



The thread I use is the regular rayon embroidery thread, usually
Madeira, I also use metallics ( the smooth sort - madeira
again).  My favourite  effect are obtained by stitching with a
thread colour that merges with the background material.  This
heightens the effect of melting the metal  into the fabric. 
Sometimes I want big holes and then I use a jeans or 110 needle,
but otherwise I use a regular 90.  Smooth and steady movement 
is the best as it is with most fme.  Modern sewing machines are
designed to stitch through many layers of heavy fabric, much
tougher than thin  sheet copper or aluminium.



The teabags are yet another of Jean's wonderful suggestions for
quick samples that can be turned into cards etc.  Use the tea
bag, slit very  carefully one end and empty out the contents and
leave the bag to dry.   You can use Avalon or Solvy  as a
stabiliser if you wish, but it is not  essential.

Stitch in a meandering sort of way into and out of the metal so
that you end up with an ink splat shape of metal unstitched. 
The rest of it  should be stitched over until it merges with the
background.  At least that is how I do it, you can do it any way
you want to, and develop your  own unique style.