Tokens and Trifles ::: About Us

1: Getting Started
2: Stitching in the Center
3: Reading a Graph
4: Picking a Design
5: Center the Design
6: Stitch in the Edge
7: Finishing

STEP 1: Getting Started
Before working your project on Tokens and Trifles ™ sewing cards you must have the right materials and know where you want to start on the paper. These sections will answer your questions on materials.

Is There a Front and Back?
Tokens and Trifles™ Sewing Cards have slightly larger holes on the backside and a darker coloring to the paper. Choose the look that best fits your project, either the crisp white front or the antique back.

The Right Needle
Choosing a needle that passes smoothly through the holes will give the best results. That is why each package comes with a recommended needle so that you can start your project right away. A needle that has too large an eye will enlarge the hole in the paper. If mistakes need to be taken out, you might see that the holes are larger and more visible unless covered up. A #28 Tapestry needle or a #10 Beading needle is recommended.

Standard Design Areas
Tokens and Trifles™ sewing cards come in standard sizes to allow portability of designs across different styles. Therefore, any oval shaped Tokens and Trifles™ sewing card will have the same oval perforated center which is 49 squares wide by 29 squares high.

Choosing Threads
There are many wonderful threads available that look fabulous on Tokens and Trifles™ Sewing Cards. Because of the hole size, it is important to use the correct number of strands when stitching. We recommend one strand of thread for stitching. This gives both good coverage over the paper and slides through the holes multiple times with ease.

For those new to embroidery, threads either come as a 'single strand' or 'multiple strand' yarn. In a single strand yarn, the yarn comes off the spool ready to thread into the needle. In a multiple strand yarn, you cut a length of yarn and then divide it into the number of strands that you want to thread into the needle.

Typical single strand yarns are:
Au Ver a Soie Soie 100/3
Au Ver a Soie Goblin

Typical multiple strand yarns are:
DMC six strand cotton floss
Anchor six strand cotton floss