Title: Laying tools [Print this page] Author: Hamsteren09 Time: 2009-6-22 16:30 Title: Laying tools Laying tools or tekobari or stroking needle has been developed by the Japanese for use in their exquisite embroidery techniques. They are hand-made and imported from Japan. They are very sharp tools, measuring about 4" long, and are used to lay threads (particularly flat silks), twist silk, etc. The handles are squared off so that they do not roll when laid down.
I use it to lay the stitching flat when I stitch with:
- more than 2 strands of cotton threads
- 2 strands or more of silk threads since I never railroad with 2 strands of silk.
Here are some pictures on how to use and hold the laying tool.
This how I hold it against the fabric.
Here's what it looks like from 'underneath'
Here's how I'm holding it when I'm not using it.
I kind of tuck it in my palm, holding it mostly with my little finger
I hope that gives you an idea.
Author: csc0312 Time: 2009-6-22 16:36
This is another to prevent the flosses from twisted, right?
I had learned new things!
Thanks! :DAuthor: Hamsteren09 Time: 2009-6-22 16:48
Yes, it is.Author: liz0222 Time: 2009-6-23 15:22
I oftem get my floss twisted when i am stitching. I will begin my sal project later.Author: nadinex Time: 2009-6-25 03:38
I never saw this tool. it is a great idea. thanks a lot for showing us :)Author: MACA Time: 2009-9-30 21:22
Very interestingAuthor: StitchAndi Time: 2010-1-6 08:21
Thanks so much for the phots. A friend gave me a laying tool as a gift this past Christmas and I wasn't sure how to use it until now :)Author: Topcho Time: 2010-6-1 06:00
This is very interesting. But I'm afraid I haven't seen such tools in the local craft magazines :(Author: MichelleB Time: 2010-10-11 06:58
does it take a while to get used it it?Author: ginga Time: 2010-10-24 14:17
thanks for that. I have wondered how to use itAuthor: vinjason Time: 2010-10-24 16:32
Interesting ... never heard of this ( learn something new every-day).Author: jamie1 Time: 2010-10-24 16:43
[color=SeaGreen]very nicely done great info very well done pictures:victory:Author: Alexis Time: 2011-3-11 00:51
Just started using one myself, and it was very easy to get used to. Doesn't really slow my stitching down at all any more.
It's also useful for nudging thread out of the way so you don't accidentally split threads on already sewn stitches. :)Author: xsmom214 Time: 2011-3-14 02:16
If you don't have access to a laying tool, you can also use an extra needle. I always keep a magnet on my work with a couple extra needles on it, this way I don't have to hold anything.Author: scaredy-cat Time: 2011-3-27 17:17
It looks like a lot of hassle to me. I just let my floss spin back ever so often. That works for me.Author: koorkoor Time: 2011-6-9 14:29
this is a great tool indeed!Author: threadbare Time: 2011-6-10 22:57
I made my own laying tool from a cheap metal adjustable childs ring, a long slightly blunted pin and a leather thimble. It fits onto my third finger of left hand when I sew. Simply solder the pin to the top of the ring, use all purpose glue to stick the leather thimble over the pin and voila... a laying tool. You wear it with the pin under the finger :) Author: persa Time: 2012-1-16 02:41
Thanks! :)Author: druidique Time: 2012-1-31 22:11
Good idea, thanks!Author: diddle84 Time: 2012-2-1 13:47
I didn't know this use thank youAuthor: Fan_of_LK Time: 2012-2-4 00:26
I do not understand its usefulness:o:o:o:o:oAuthor: AmyLynn Time: 2012-3-8 00:15
Thanks for the demonstration. I always wondered how to use one of these!Author: riverrat Time: 2012-4-1 12:45
learning new things today thanks for hte infoAuthor: rosebud Time: 2012-4-2 00:44
I use these, too! In fact my mini-collection of laying tools are my very favorite stitching aid to have in my bag! They are especially good to use with hand-dyed silks that come out of the skein very crinkly and twisted.Author: karriboo Time: 2012-5-28 06:36
thank you very much! Author: 120605 Time: 2012-5-28 07:12
I like very much use a laying tool ... mine is very very simple but helps me a lot !!
Thank you for your tip and pics. !!Author: belle2105 Time: 2012-5-28 11:38
i have never seen this tool before.
as for me, to keep the thread from twisting, I stitching using the method called "railroad" which is to put the needle between the two strands of thread when stitching. this will help to keep the stitch flat.
if it become too twisted, just release the tension by letting go the the needle and let it unwind itself. it works for me.Author: funda Time: 2012-5-28 14:38
thanks a lotAuthor: LouAnna Time: 2012-5-29 02:14
I untwist and use the railroad method too! I also have an extra needle sz 24 that I use to separate the strands if they should wind themselves around.Author: panda_rama Time: 2012-6-28 14:18
I agree, it will take time to get comfortable using the laying tool. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. I love it! It gets the job done nicely.Author: Spookytooth Time: 2012-6-29 22:16
Nice one, It would be more useful than railroading, which I've tried, but cannot see the benefit.Author: kakkikak Time: 2012-7-3 04:05
Wonderful pictures. Very helpful. Author: EvilPoptart320 Time: 2012-7-16 09:49
That's pretty darn cool!Author: alicegale Time: 2012-8-5 21:03
Very good explanation and pictures very helpfulAuthor: loki2012 Time: 2012-8-20 16:16
Wow I need to buy oneAuthor: Rainbows Time: 2012-8-20 21:41
Thanks for the good information and especially the pictures. I wanted to try one but did not know how to use it. Very good tip!Author: chaos557 Time: 2012-8-21 07:31
I just hold my thread as I pull it through, this way I don't need to mess around with the tool. Im happy with itAuthor: bigred Time: 2013-7-25 11:13
I have a laying tool but never have used itAuthor: Mary.Jane Time: 2013-7-30 05:51
I have a laying tool too, and have never used it. I have an upcoming project that is using flat ribbon, so I guess I'll have to learn .... ;PAuthor: MichelleB Time: 2013-8-6 09:54
might have to think about thisAuthor: cute.panda.sue Time: 2013-8-6 10:18
OMG :O That is awesome. I've been using another needle to do the same thing, but this would work so much better!Author: pandora76 Time: 2013-8-7 20:14
I used to use "My Perfect Laying Tool" and I got pretty stitches with it, but then I started doing two-handed stitching (one hand above my stitching, one hand below) so I stopped using the laying tool and instead railroad the stitches.Author: GrannyNeedle55 Time: 2013-8-12 05:52
I saw one in our local store, but it was made of wood and very fancy. Just what you need as a gift I guess. I have not been stitching with silk yet.:$Author: MichelleB Time: 2013-8-12 19:17
I made my own laying tool from a cheap metal adjustable childs ring, a long slightly blunted pin and ...
awesome thank youAuthor: misia2 Time: 2013-8-14 00:07
Przydatne informacje,dziękujeAuthor: pandora76 Time: 2013-8-26 19:38
A cheap stilletto used for quilting can be used as a laying tool (cost about $6) and that should give you an idea if you will use one long enough to want to invest in one that is prettier but more expensive. I've seen some really gorgeous ones over the years but couldn't justify the expense balanced with other financial needs.Author: happystitching Time: 2014-1-31 14:13
that looks interesting Author: tintin71 Time: 2014-2-2 13:45
thank you! :)Author: Veronik Time: 2015-3-25 03:22
Thank you for this postAuthor: kathyhase Time: 2015-7-19 12:25
I use a laying tool with my cross stitch. I got it from a local fabric craft store. It was in the sewing accessories. It has a round handle on it that fits very nice in my hand. My stitching looks much better since I started using it. Author: dbdmsgod Time: 2015-7-25 21:35
I want one of those fancy laying tool..! like one of those wooden ones but it's quite hard to find it Author: Cherbarina Time: 2015-8-29 20:05
I'd love to use a laying tool - but I'm not sure how to go about it when I stitch in hand. Author: Margosha1971 Time: 2015-8-30 15:12
Very interesting and useful! Thank you for the lesson!:DAuthor: u1sunny Time: 2021-3-16 16:58
Very Nice!!Author: TheOraclePatter Time: 2021-3-17 13:21
It looks like the results would be worth it.Author: htsear13 Time: 2022-2-10 23:21
Following this threadAuthor: manolimu Time: 2023-9-4 03:59
¡Muchas gracias!Author: manolimu Time: 2023-9-5 04:28
¡Gracias por compartir!Author: viky Time: 2023-12-10 08:16
I like this idea. Thanks for showing us how to do this!Author: Knitpurlsm Time: 2024-4-9 02:00
Thanks for the info!Author: Whisper whisper Time: 2024-4-19 16:27
Thanks for sharing Author: Lu278 Time: 2024-4-19 22:33
Спасибо за информацию!Author: Lu278 Time: 2024-4-19 22:55
Very nice!Author: Світлана Світла Time: 2024-4-19 23:28
Дякую, дуже пізнавальноAuthor: Stitcher98 Time: 2024-4-20 01:02
Thank you so much. Very useful Author: tatsumi696 Time: 2024-4-22 17:08
Thank you!Author: Olgaleks Time: 2024-5-10 17:56
Спасибо большое за информацию!