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Understand tambour equipment and direction
Tambour uses a fine hooked needle with fabric supported in a frame. Confirm whether the chosen method is worked from the front or reverse; methods differ.
Related lessons and tools
Tambour uses a fine hooked needle with fabric supported in a frame. Confirm whether the chosen method is worked from the front or reverse; methods differ.
Before you start
Prepare a small offcut of the intended ground with the intended needle and thread. Mark the practice area lightly and support the fabric without stretching its grain.
Try this example
Practice a short unembellished chain line first, marking the hook opening direction. Inspect both faces before adding prestrung beads or interpreting a reversed design.
Check your result
- Release the frame and inspect front and reverse. The thread should lie as intended without distorting the ground; shorten a stitch or change the sample before pulling harder.
- Coverage and tension depend on the actual ground, thread and stitch length. A diagram shows the route, not a universal thread quantity or tension setting.
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