The best thread to use for turkey work is either a heavy-duty polyester or nylon thread. Threads such as these are strong enough to hold up to the weight of the turkey as it is being processed, and also do not tend to break easily.
Polyester and nylon are also not as prone to absorb salt or moisture as cotton or linen, which makes them ideal for food processing. If a stronger thread is needed for heavier turkeys, industrial-grade nylon or polyester threads can be used.
These types of threads can be found at specialty stores or online, and are designed to hold up to the pressure and weight of a large turkey.
Table of Contents
What is turkey work stitching?
Turkey work stitching is a type of decorative embroidery technique that involves using large overlapping stitches to create an overall pattern. This type of stitching was originally done from the 14th to the mid–17th centuries and was used primarily to decorate items such as clothing, hangings, and bedspreads.
The name “turkey work” comes from the shape of the stitches, which resemble the bird’s feather. They are composed of a series of evenly spaced, looped stitches, with a raised lower edge and a flat top, and a sharp return with a twist.
The shape of the stitch can be varied, from a flat fan shape to a form that is more elaborate and ruffled. Turkey work stitches can be combined to form a variety of intricate patterns, creating a three-dimensional effect.
Historically, bright colors were used to bring out the texture of the pattern, as were luxe materials like silk or velvet. Today, these decorative stitches are seen in heritage crafts such as embroidery, quilting, and rug-making, and modern art and jewelry designs.
How do you make a Turkey work stitch?
Making a Turkey Work stitch is a form of traditional embroidery that has been around for hundreds of years. It dates from the Medieval era. It is a form of counted thread work and uses a small stitch with multiple types of thread that is often used to mimic the feathers of a turkey.
The materials needed to make a Turkey Work stitch are a fabric piece, needle, thread, scissors, and a ruler. It is best if the fabric is an even-weave like linen, cotton, or Aida, as this makes counting easier.
Begin by marking a line on the fabric to act as the stitching guide.
To make the stitch, you will need to use a thread that is more than five times the length of the work area. Start by threading the needle and making a knot at the end. Take the needle from back to front of the marked line.
This forms your first stitch.
Next, make a stitch just below the starting point and work to the right in horizontal lines up and down until you reach the other side. Stitch upwards and make a stitch before the starting point and then thread the needle through the line one stitch over from the beginning point forming the vertical side.
Continue making vertical and horizontal stitches, like a weaving pattern until you reach the end. End by taking the last stitch to the back of the fabric and thread it through adjacent stitches to secure.
Trim off excess thread.
A Turkey work stitch is a beautiful and intricate embroidery pattern that can bring a unique and classic look to any project.
Why is it called Turkey work?
Turkey work is a term used by quilters to describe quilting techniques that involve long, continuous straight stitched lines that are often used to form various shapes or designs in the quilt top. This type of quilting was developed in the mid-19th century by the Amish community in Europe, who adopted the technique in the hopes of preserving their quilts for longer periods of time.
The Amish would use various techniques to create intricate designs within the quilts, and this was often achieved by stitching in a wavy line, known as a ‘turkey feather’ stitch. Over time, people began referring to this type of quilting as “Turkey Work”, in reference to the “feathery” motif of the stitch work.
The technique is still highly popular among quilters today, although many modern quilters are now using the computerized quilting machines to create these kinds of patterns and motifs with much greater precision.
How to do turkey stitch needlepoint?
The turkey stitch, or tent stitch, is a popular needlepoint stitch that is perfect for adding texture and detail to canvases. The stitch is made up of two straight stitches that create a ‘tent’ shape, and it can be worked either vertically, horizontally, or as a diagonal stitch.
To do the turkey stitch, gather your supplies: a needlepoint canvas with the pattern on it, thread, and a needle.
Begin by threading the needle with your needlepoint thread. Start from the backside of the canvas and bring the needle up through the hole in the fabric and then through one of the holes in the pattern.
Make your first stitch by pushing the needle down through the canvas, right next to the hole it just came up through. Bring the needle up again through one of the other holes in the pattern and then push the needle down into the canvas at the same height as before, next to the first stitch.
Continue in this manner until you reach the end of the design, making sure each new stitch connects the previous one.
Once you reach the end of the pattern, reverse the direction of your stitching, bring the needle up through a hole and then down through the canvas, to the left of the stitch before it. Repeat this process until the design is complete.
When finished, tie off the thread on the underside of the canvas. The result should be a neat, uniform pattern with two parallel stitches, which together form the classic ‘tent’ pattern. Happy stitching!.
What is the most commonly used stitch in needlepoint?
The most commonly used stitch in needlepoint is the tent stitch, also referred to as the continental or continental tent stitch. This stitch is the least conspicuous of all the needlepoint stitches and is used for most backgrounds and large area stitching.
The tent stitch is a simple diagonal stitch which alternates between the upper left and lower right intersecting threads of a canvas. It is easy to learn and produces a uniform, flat and sturdy surface.
Needlepoint projects, such as floor cushions, seat covers, wall hangings, purses, and belts, can be stitched with the tent stitch. It is also widely used to finish edges with a corded effect. The tent stitch is versatile and is widely used as it produces a symmetrical and uniform pattern and brings out the best in your needlework projects.
What is the thread for turkey work needlepoint?
The thread for turkey work needlepoint is typically a heavier weight thread, such as pearl cotton. Pearl cotton is a blend of cotton and metallic threads which has more loft than other types of embroidery thread.
The metallic threads give a unique shimmer and look to the stitches. A size 8 pearl cotton is often recommended for traditional turkey work needlepoint as it is a slightly heavier thread and will give the most looseness to the stitches for a softer look when finished.
When stitching, the pear cotton fills in nicely and pulls the thread smoothly through the fabric. Since this type of thread is thicker than most other threads, it is important to ensure that your needle is large enough to accommodate it.
What is the easiest needlepoint stitch?
The easiest needlepoint stitch is a straightforward tent stitch. Tent stitches are simply a series of uniform horizontal and vertical stitches, which create a woven look resembling a mesh. This type of stitch is perfect for beginners because it’s easy to work and not as intimidating as more complex patterns.
It’s a great way to practice your skill and technique without investing a ton of time and energy into a more complicated pattern. Tent stitches are also ideal for smaller projects due to their compact size and versatility.
When combined with a variety of other stitches, tent stitches can create an intricate and delightful design.
How do you truss a turkey step by step?
Trussing a turkey is an important step when roasting a turkey. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to truss a turkey:
1. Place the turkey, breast-side up, on a clean cutting board or countertop.
2. Tuck the wings under the back of the turkey so they are secure.
3. With a pair of kitchen shears, trim off any excess fat or skin that is hanging off of the turkey.
4. Bring both sides of the legs together and tie them with kitchen twine or string. You may need to use two pieces of string or twine for this.
5. Place a long piece of kitchen twine or string across the turkey, starting from one side of the legs and wrapping it around the wings and breast of your turkey.
6. Tie the piece of string or twine into a knot at the other side of the legs to secure the turkey.
7. Place the turkey in its roasting pan, breast-side up.
8. Roast the trussed turkey according to your recipe instructions. Enjoy!
How do you do the Nobuko needlepoint stitch?
The Nobuko needlepoint stitch is a form of needlepoint that uses an embroidery needle and thread. To begin, select a piece of fabric that is suitable for needlepoint, such as a finely woven cotton or linen.
Gather all your supplies, including the fabric, your needle, thread, and embroidery scissors. Cut a length of thread that is about 18 inches long and thread your needle. Make sure there is a knot in the end of the thread to prevent the thread from coming out.
Now you can begin your Nobuko needlepoint stitch!.
To start, locate the center of the fabric and, with the wrong side of the fabric facing up, begin inserting your needle, making a small loop at the top of the fabric. Pull the needle through to make slack and go back down at the beginning, 1 stitch below.
Pull your needle up at the same place your first loop was made and, like the first stitch, make a tiny loop at the top. Now, take the second loop and put it through the first loop, creating a knot at the top.
Pull your needle and thread through until there are no more knots. This is one stitch.
Repeat this process until you have the desired pattern or design you are looking for. Secure the end of the thread with a few knots and the entire piece with a small zigzag stitch. To finish, trim excess threads and turn the fabric over to the right side to admire and enjoy your Nobuko needlepoint stitch!.
Why is bullion stitch difficult?
Bullion stitch is a complex embroidery stitch which involves wrapping the needle and thread multiple times in a tight “spiral” around a stabilizing base. This technique is quite difficult because it requires patience, skill and precision.
When executed correctly, it creates a beautiful and intricate design. However, it is very easy to make mistakes, as the tension of the stitch needs to be uniform in order for the final design to look as intended.
In addition, this stitch requires multiple passes of the needle, sometimes with each stitch forming a kind of loop to the next. This makes the process time consuming, and if any mistakes are made during the process, the whole design needs to be redone.
The biggest challenge of the bullion stitch is the tension; too much and the loops pull too tight, while too little leads to sloppy work that not only looks bad but can be difficult to repair.
Do you use single or double thread for embroidery?
It depends on the application and the desired effect. Generally, for detailed embroidery, double thread should be used, as it helps create a full, vibrant appearance to the design. For satin stitch and outlining, single-thread may be used.
Generally, wool is the best thread material to use for embroidery, as it is flexible, resists fraying and unraveling, and is easy to knot. The thickness of the thread should also be taken into consideration – you should select a thread that fits the size of the design.
A thread too thick or too thin will change the overall appearance. Additionally, you should use the appropriate needle for your embroidery project, as the wrong needle can affect the integrity of the work.
How many strands of thread do you use for embroidery?
The number of strands of threads you use for embroidery depends on the type of embroidery you are doing as well as the stitch you are using. Generally speaking, heavier fabric is better suited to more strands of thread, while lighter fabric can be used with fewer strands.
It can also depend on whether you are using a simple or a more elaborate stitch. For basic crosses, satin or stem stitches, using 2 strands of thread can give a good finish. More complicated stitches, such as chain stitches and cable stitches, are best suited to using 3 or more strands.
It’s also a good idea to experiment with different numbers of strands to see which effect you like best. Remember, too, that thread thickness will also have an effect on your finished work, so make sure you check the thread specification before you start stitching.
What does 2 threads mean in embroidery?
In embroidery, two threads (also known as “strands”) of floss, thread, or yarn are used to create a design. This is known as two-thread embroidery, and is the most common type of embroidery used. The two threads can be the same color, or different colors to create interesting patterns and effects.
By combining two threads, the embroidery can create a more dimensional, interesting design with interesting textures. Two-thread embroidery is also easy to do with just a needle and thread, making it a popular choice for many embroidery projects.
What is the embroidery thread for beginners?
For those new to embroidery, the best embroidery thread for them to start with is a polyester/cotton blend. This type of thread has an extra twist when compared to regular polyester, which provides added strength and makes it much easier to use.
It also comes in a variety of colors, allowing the beginner to experiment and see which colors they prefer. Additionally, the polyester/cotton blend is less likely to fray or break while stitching than regular polyester thread.
Finally, polyester/cotton blend embroidery thread is relatively inexpensive, making it more affordable for beginners and measures longevity of the thread. All of these qualities make it the perfect thread for someone who is just starting out in the world of embroidery.
