Memory Thread

DMC Memory Thread
3 yards of soft fiber wrapped copper wire

Memory Thread is applied to the surface once the project is near completion. It is not intended to be threaded in a needle. Rather, Memory Thread is couched or tacked down to the project. The ends can be pushed through to the back side (through an enlarged hole) or they can be crimped back on themselves and stitched down on the front.

Step 1. Determine Length Needed
Determine the length of Memory Thread needed for each area of the design, allowing an extra inch for shaping ease.

Step 2. Shape Memory Thread
If you are working from a printed design, follow the diagram and bend the Memory Thread into the desired shape. Use jewelry tweezers to achieve tight bends and curves.

Step 3. Insert End at Starting Point
If you want the ends of Memory Thread to be secured on the back of the project, enlarge a hole where the Memory Thread application begin. You can use a larger tapestry needle or an awl. Then insert the end of the Memory Thread through the front of the project. You can bend the end of the Memory Thread close to the back of the project and tack down to hold in place.

Step 4. Couch Memory Thread into Place
Using a single strand of coordinating DMC floss, couch the Memory Thread into place (see diagram at left for couching stitch). For script words and multi-pieced areas, the Memory Thread should overlap slightly.

Step 5. Secure End
To finish the end of Memory Thread, you can enlarge a hole and push the Memory Thread through to the back of your work. Bend the end back and trim. Secure by tacking into place.

Or if you prefer, you can leave the end on the front of the work, but you will need to crimp it back on itself and attach to the project.

For 3-dimensional effects (such as bows and curly vines), you can leave the end loose. Be sure to handle the piece carefully and reshape the loose end as needed.

Sample Applications from the DMC website:

	Create Curly Hair Accents Create 3-D curly hair accents by attaching a length of Memory Thread and secure one end on the back. Twist the loose end on a skewer into tight curls. Shape curls as desired.
	Bows Tying Memory Thread into a single or double bow with two strands is an excellent embellishment for a package or clothing or to top off an ornament. Simply tie a bow and tack it onto your project with matching floss. The ends of the bow can be shaped as desired.
	Coat Hanger Detail A coat hanger was shaped and couched down. The straps of the dress were stitched after the Memory Thread coat hanger was applied.
	Coils for Flower Centers Flower centers can be embellished with a tight coil of Memory Thread. Start at the center and insert Memory Thread through an enlarged hole. Coil the Memory Thread tightly around the center until the desired size is achieved. Couch down the coil periodically to hold the coil together and in place on the project. At the end, the Memory Thread can be tucked under the coil or the end can be brought to the back through another enlarged hole.
	Create Shaped Flowers In this picture, an intricate flower with 3 different colors is shaped and added to embellish a flip flop.
	Create Shapes These adorable flowers and shapes are created by shaping Memory Thread with tweezers and then attaching them to the project. A small drop of glue can be used to hold shapes together before attaching to the project.
	Wrought Iron Details Create the texture and look of wrought iron details by using black Memory Thread shaped embellishments. This is also a great technique for creating dimensional architectural details for doors and windows.
	Santa Beard Memory Thread is a great way to add texture to a Santa Beard. You can create swirls and couch down.

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