Reddit mentions: The best sewing thread & floss

FYI: I sent you lots of amazon links as I am not sure where you live or if you have access to craft stores such as Hobby Lobby or Joann Fabrics. I know for certain that I have seen most of these items cheaper at the store than what I could find online.

1. Embroidery scissors. The good ones (I.e. generally not ones that come in sewing kits) are incredibly sharp and a must. They are used exclusively for cutting embroidery floss. They make some really pretty ones that come in all sorts of colors and patterns.
   
2. A hoop or two. I personally prefer the plastic ones as they are a bit more durable and good for multiple projects. I also don't typically display my finished work inside the hoop. If she plans on making wall hangings, I would go with the wooden ones. They are typically a bit cheaper when you buy them at a craft store (I believe I have seen them from between 1-3 USD.) They have a nicer finished look and isn't that big of a deal to buy a new one when you start on your next project. I would buy her two of the wooden ones in two different sizes (a 4 inch and 6 inch one)
   
3. a box for embroidery thread. this one on Amazon that I listed is nice since it also contains the bobbins as well. These boxes usually cost about 3 USD at the craft store and are great for holding all of your different colors of embroidery floss. they often have one larger compartment which is perfectly sized to hold needles and the embroidery scissors as well. The floss bobbins are great at keeping everything organized in the box as well.
   
4. about a yard of fabric. Muslin is generally pretty cheap. For a beginner, I might also suggest Aida cloth. It it woven in a way that there is a "grid" in the cloth which makes it easier to make straight lines. It is typically used for Cross Stitch but can be used for embroidery as well. The cloth is more expensive that the muslin, and I personally don't prefer the finished look of the fabric, but it makes it easy to make straight lines and practice stitches. Someone on here also mentioned buying Fabric quarters which is a great idea. They come in a whole bunch of designs, run around 2 USD a piece, and work pretty well for embroidery.
   
5. Needles. You don't need the golden eye ones like I have listed here. Just make sure that the package says it's for embroidery as the of the needle varies depending on the type.
   
6. Now here's the hardest part of the whole thing: Embroidery floss. Most stores offer DMC brand cotton floss by the skein for about 0.48 USD. The problem is that there are literally hundreds of different colors and picking out just a few might be a bit difficult. The sets that DMC does sell are a bit pricey and aren't often set up to give you a beginner's set of colors. You could however buy an off brand set of embroidery floss that does come in a nice variety of colors and is cheaper. However, I have found that a lot of these packs have low quality thread. It often can look dull when compared to DMC brand floss. (look how Satin-y this Flower looks with the more expensive floss!) I have also heard of some people say that the colors can run when they get washed. All that said, these packs are inexpensive and great for someone just starting with embroidery as there are so many colors to choose from. Its great when you are practicing or are not 100% sure of what you are going to make yet.
   
7. transfer pen: I bought a set of those Frixion Pens that someone else mentioned in this post and I love them. They are a bit pricey. I believe that I bought my set at Target for 6 bucks. It came with 5 different colors including pink and silver which work great on dark colored fabrics. These pens are used to plan out your design on your fabric before you embroider. These pens are special in that they disappear completely with heat (such as an iron). If you don't want to go that route, they also make Water soluble markers which serve the same purpose. They don't work quite as well in my opinion as they tend to erase themselves after a few hours/days. They have the advantage of being inexpensive and work fine for small projects.
   
   I hope that all of this helps. Good luck on the shopping. I know that whatever you end up getting her she will love.

I have an embroidery machine! With a price point of $2000 I would recommend the Viking Designer Jade 35 It has an MSRP of $1,799. Go into your local Viking store and see what kind of offers are going on. You just missed a 25% off sale that happened in November, and October had a 50% off trade-in machines so you could have gotten a very good deal on something pre-owned then too. I don't know what the December sales will be since I haven't gotten their email yet but that should give you a place to start negotiating- and you should negotiate. Viking stores operate on commission so no one wants to lose a sale if they can possibly help it. They really want to be moving these larger priced machines, especially at the holidays. Be clear in what you want and don't hesitate to press for having to get a manager's approval on a lower price. You should never be paying full price.

Software! If you have an embroidery machine, you need software for it. Embroidery software can be heinously expensive and very complicated. The Jade apparently comes with an 'Intro' version of their software for free but Viking stores will offer you their proprietary software for around $2000+. If your mother is moderately competent at learning how to navigate software on her own and wants to customize her designs at all then I would really recommend getting Embird It's a third party software and you can purchase it in individual modules to customize what she wants to do. I personally recommend the $164 basic program and Iconizer $20 to start with.

The basic program will let her resize (though you don't really want to resize a design more or less than 10% of it's original size or things go wonky), edit designs, split out pieces, convert from one file type to another, etc. Iconizer will let her open a folder with all of her embroidery designs and see what the designs look like without opening them up- it's a great QoL upgrade. My guess is that after that, she'd probably like the Font Engine upgrade. It is, however, another $145 and can take any computer font and digitize it for embroidery... more or less. Unless she really likes working on the computer and tweeking things in software, or needs to embroidery a lot of words onto things, I don't actually recommend the Font Engine for starting embroiderers. You can buy fonts for <$20 that are designed and tested to work.

In total... I bet you could get the machine negotiated down to $1500 or $1600 and maybe get them to throw in the small 120x120mm for free. + $180 for software and you're coming in under your $2000 budget. If you're feeling extra affectionate towards your mother, throw in some bulk stabilizer and Embroidery thread! (I do like that Mettler polysheen brand, I've always gotten great results from it with minimal thread breakage.) and you're probably still pretty close to or under budget depending on taxes.

I started out with dog collars so a few specific things you will want. If you don't want to buy a leather strap cutter, you can make due with a framing square, adjustable T square, or just a long ruler, its a measure 10x scenario but its not too bad. You will want a really sharp knife for cutting, I use my skiving knife because I can sharpen it, but I have used exacto knives and a rotary cutter and done a decent job with them.

You will want punches! Hole punches are obvious for the holes the buckle will use, but even the ends of the strap a punch can save you a lot of time and effort. Doing curved cuts is trickier than it seems and when there is a matching side to emphasize imperfections and stitching to further complicate things, being able to just use a punch and have it right the first time is fantastic.

As for hardware, get Welded D rings. They are a little more expensive but I'd rather not have a Dring bend and a dog get loose. Like $14 on amazon for 50 of them. I used these buckles was the cheapest I could find that style.

Pricking irons/Diamond Chisels are a must have, they just make the long runs on collars so much easier. That and a good thread and needles. I tried crap thread and tiger thread...I now buy only tiger thread. Its just so much easier to work with and looks a lot better.

here is one of the ones I did for my girlfriends dog
https://imgur.com/a/2y23Rdr


Post I made earlier for someone else, I would invest in:

• diamond awl like this
  
• diamond chisel(only really need the 2 prong and 5-6 prong) I use these
  
• good braided poly thread like this
  
• good needles John James
  
• Good skiving knife this ones a good starter
  
• Wing dividers I bought these
  
• Edge beveler Like this
  
• You'll also want a leather condition(neatsfoot oil is what I use) and a finisher(resolene, beeswax, snoseal, etc)
  
• Contact cement(Dap weldwood) helps keep things together before you sew them
  
• Dye if you want certain colors
  
  For ~$100 bucks investment and you've got most of the stuff you'll need to make good looking stuff, then you just need to buy leather. I highly recommend picking a project, watching some videos on it and then if you need a new tool for it thats when you buy it. My biggest mistake thus far is thinking I could bypass buying a hole punch, the quality using a punch is so much higher than trying to do it by hand.
  
  As for skills. Look up Saddle stitching, easy to learn and hard to master. With those chisels it makes it really easy to get a good looking product with saddle stitching. Wetforming leather, helps make those sheaths, holsters, etc pop out at you. I like watching Nigel Armitage and Ian Atkinson on youtube, informative and you pick up little tips here and there.
  
  You'll also need to learn to keep your knife sharp! So project 1 if you invest is make a strop and get some jewlers rouge to polish that edge to a razor! If you're REALLY in a pinch and have no leather you can use the rouge on cardboard but it does not hold up well.

Not sure how much you're willing to spend, but here's a few ideas based on you saying that you doubt she would want a kit.

Thread

I would get a bundle so she at least has different colors to get started right away:

25 colors - $8

or

100 colors = $25


Cloth (Aida)
These are sold in different colors, and various count (holes per inch). For a beginner, I'd probably go with a 14 count in a beige or white (easy to see the holes). Just linking an example here, feel free to buy whatever.

12 x 14 inches cloth 14 count - $3
Go nuts if you want, pick a few colors, whatever fits your budget.


Needles
I use what I have on hand, something like this.

Varierty Pack - $4

Kit
So I know you said no kit, but she needs to learn somehow. Is she handy with youtube? Google search to teach herself? Maybe you should get a beginner kit too.

Kit - $6

Hoop

Simple hoop set of 4 - $8

or

Q-snap - $11

Pattern
You might want to consider getting her a pattern. You know her well? What is she into? There's some free patterns out there, or paid ones. I would get a free or buy one and print it for her so it's all ready with your gift.

Just one example, pick something that suits her, but not too many colors and too complicated to start with
Example - $3

Learning Book
No real advice to offer, but would she read a book if you bought something, or will she go on the internet to learn?

Book sample - $7


Keep in mind that I linked random things for examples, but if you're into it, use these as basis for your own research. You know her best, and what your budget is. I think this is a super sweet gift, best of luck.

I highly encourage learning to cross stitch! It's so so easy and has been the most therapeutic thing for me. And there are literally endless options of things to create. I started a year ago after putting the stuff on an amazon wish list and got it for Christmas last year and it's seriously the best thing I've ever done. I had absolutely no interests or hobbies that stuck with me until I tried this.

It's also a very inexpensive hobby. Here are the things I put on my Amazon list, just for reference if you or anyone else needed it:

Set of 4 different sized wooden hoops- $11.99 Plastic ones may be easier for some people, I prefer wooden because they're more my style for framing.

Aida 14ct Cloth 12x18- $3.55 14ct Aida is easiest to work with for beginners. The size of this is good for practicing on, get a couple so you can use the other for your first project. You can also purchase large rolls of it when you start becoming obsessed with it. They also come in lots of different colors and easy to dye yourself.

Set of 150 different colored skeins of DMC floss- $15.98 This is a great amount to start off with. It'll last you a long time, and if you ever need more or want new colors, they are very inexpensive from any craft store and Walmart. Usually around $0.25-$0.50. FYI floss splits apart into 6 tiny strings. Start off using only 2-3 strands
Do all 6 and you're gonna have a bad time.

Needles!- $3.49 Can't stitch without needles!

Bobbins and a thread organizer- $6.49 You will need this. I waited too long to get one and ended up have to wind up hundreds of tangled skeins and it took HOURS. Do it before you start practicing. Also write the thread color number on the top of each bobbin with permanent marker. When you use patterns they will be based off the color numbers.

Julie Jackson's subversive cross stitch book- $12.99 If you like those snarky offensive cross stitchings, this is the best book for it. It's also an amazing beginners guide into cross stitching. It has brief instructions on how to start and very simple but adorably offensive patterns. You can also get other books or use YouTube to find instructions on how to get started. I'd also like to suggest going to etsy for patterns. They're pretty cheap and there's endless options.

So about $55 to get started plus shipping, but it'll last you a long time and could be used on many different projects and you won't spend nearly as much when you do need something else.


I realized I over did it with this post but I'm passionate about cross stitching as it's helped me so much to slow my mind down and to have something good and fun to focus on that doesn't take much out of me. If you want to see some of mine, they're floating around in my post history.

I've actually made starter kit recommendations for folks before. For years I used a Brother SE 400 which is available new on amazon for less than $300:
https://www.amazon.com/Brother-SE400-Combination-Computerized-Embroidery/dp/B003AVMZA4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487700696&sr=8-1&keywords=brother+se400

it will even dip below that once in a while - i've seen it for as low as $279 before!

The drawbacks to this machine are:

you cannot go back and fix a thing if something goes wrong. do not put anything you love in this machine. (i've had my viking eat things too, so maybe that's a good rule for all home/hobby embroidery machines...)

The size limit is 4x4, it cannot take any larger hoops


DST is not an issue because there are many free programs that will convert them. I like wilcom truesizer: https://www.wilcom.com/en-us/products/truesizerproducts.aspx

The brother takes PES files.

For threads at home, Amazon also has big thread packs that cost less than a dollar per spool:

40 spools: https://www.amazon.com/Polyester-Embroidery-Beautiful-Babylock-Husqvarna/dp/B0035DBUPS/ref=sr_1_5?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1487700876&sr=1-5&keywords=embroidery+thread

63 spools: https://www.amazon.com/Brother-Colors-Embroidery-Machine-Thread/dp/B005GYJZMY/ref=sr_1_8?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1487700876&sr=1-8&keywords=embroidery+thread

260 spools: https://www.amazon.com/Embroidex-Polyester-Spools-Embroidery-Machine/dp/B003ZSD5EC/ref=sr_1_19?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1487700876&sr=1-19&keywords=embroidery+thread (i have this one, it's the best deal and you get so many colors!)


I also buy these pre-wound bobbins for it because embroidery sure eats these up: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004JJSX1Q/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And finally, i like the pre-cut cutaway stabilizer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005NX5OQ4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hope that helps! It's a nice little machine and doubles as a regular sewing machine with a few fun stitches.

Frivole has videos that work well for me. If videos really aren't working, it may be worth asking around in any local craft/yarn stores to see if you can find someone willing to show you the basics? Or google your location and "lace guild" and see what you come up with?

I've actually had an easier time showing people how to start on chains than on loops. You can wind a shuttle with one color, tie it to a ball of another color and then follow a tutorial like this. If you're doing it right, the knots will be in the color of the ball thread, not the color of the thread on the shuttle. Being able to see if you're doing it right at a glance might help.

While everyone else is right that the kind of size 10 crochet thread you find at places like Michaels is perfectly fine, if you see something like Lizbeth or DMC tatting thread in the store (or if you end up ordering thread online anyway) it might be worth trying. It's often firmer than crochet thread, which means it doesn't come apart so easily if you have to pick out stitches over and over and the stitches slide a tiny bit easier. The kind of cord in that video I linked earlier might work too. If it's too big for your shuttles, just cut a notch in each end of a smallish piece of cardboard and use that instead. (Some of my great grandmother's shuttles are just H shaped pieces of wood.)

Hey I havent done any minis with leds (yet) but when I do I would most likely go with these as they're super tiny you can wire them with conductive thread and power them with something like a coin battery.

They are super bright and pretty affordable, the battery doesnt last super long if you have it in constantly but they're also pretty cheap.

Have you checked out pintrest? They have a lot of great ideas on there. I like those string art projects they look pretty nice and seem easy enough to do while personalizing everything. With the string/yarn you could also make your own dream catchers, plant holders, etc and string is relatively cheap if you buy it with coupons and look for deals.

This pack on amazon comes with 105 skeins of string for $13. Wood + the little pins can be bought for cheap at the craft store and I've seen some supplies that would suit it at the dollar store as well.

I like coloring in adult coloring books, it helps calm me down when I feel like I am starting to get stressed out.

I hope today goes better for you ♥️♥️♥️

I would love this thread so I can do more embroidery!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRF1LCM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_llvDCbMN4JFGV

This is really cool. I don't know if anyone has any recommendations for some of the materials he used here, but I tried looking some up. I did a quick look at the rules, and I don't think I'm not allowed to post links, but if I'm not, I'll take down the links. One last note is that these are the result of a quick google - if you know any better alternatives (and/or why what I've posted isn't good) just let me know!

Glue - I don't really know where to start here. I feel like there might be a lot to fabric glues that I don't know about. I don't know if these are suitable for denim but here is fray stop and fabric glue. In general, it seems that fabric glue is generally cheaper.

• Fray Stop
  
• Fabric Glue
  
  Basting thread - turns out this stuff is dirt cheap. Here are some links:
  
  
• Basting Thread 1
  
• Basting Thread 2
  
  Interlacing Fabric - This is pretty cheap stuff too. You can get lots of it but it looks like it comes on a board (and I think in general if you buy the larger quantities it becomes cheaper), but I don't have space for a whole board so here's a small one. The original one I found was pretty lightweight, so /u/raWorkshop offered a heavier alternative!
  
  
• Interlace
  
• Interlace (credit to /u/raWorkshop!)

Does it happen with other kinds of thread?The kind of spool your thread is on is contributing to the problem, I think. You could try flipping the spool of thread so it still feeds from the back, but the end you have on the bottom is the top. Or using a spool cap might help, but I don't know what size or brand to recommend for your situation.

Also, some thread likes to slip more on the spool than others. A thread net might help, it looks like this . I have improvised with small nets from the produce department at the grocery store. Scootch the net up a bit on the spool and let it feed out from underneath the net while you sew.

this is what I bought a month ago, pretty happy with it!! Some strands are SUPER easy, and some aren’t. I’m not sure if it’s my technique or just a lucky strand.

Here is my wish list i saved on amazon... I'm a beginner quilter as well...good luck!

Household Essentials Sewing and Ironing Accesory Pad, 16-Inch by 32-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002CSPVM0/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_T5rBwb8D6PH94

Simplicity SideWinder Portable Bobbin Winder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CE8JBU/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_47rBwbSTV38SP

Polyester Embroidery Thread - 40 Variety Spools, Beautiful Shiny Colors Perfectly Match to Brother Machines. 1100 Yard Thread Is Heavy Duty and Maintains Their Quality After Many Trips to the Washer and Dryer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K9UESEK/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_K8rBwbE4FRC3R

Clover Mini Iron https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CE73F8/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_q9rBwbZHZXQ08

Little Foot That Purple Thang- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ELBCFG/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_Y9rBwbR5NH5BQ

O'Lipfa 5-Inch-by-24-Inch Lip Edge Ruler https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WME77I/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_t-rBwbZAY6Y7M

Thank you for the reply, if you don't mind I have some questions on your comment:

1. >Get some beeswax for your thread.
   So this is just to pull the string though so it doesn't get tangled?
   
   
2. So in general, silk thread is the way to go? Any place where i can buy silk thread by the colour? Best I could find on Amazon was this one that has black and white. Is polyester fine too? Maybe like these?
   
   
3. what's stay stitch? Where do i find a bottle of it?
   
   Thank you for the help

If that one is perfect for you, I would just attach shoulder straps to it yourself. Then you can get the perfect bespoke strap with the exact padding you want, attached as well as you want. It's not hard at all to attach a couple swivels for the strap to clip onto. It won't be costly either.

straps

swivels

webbing to attach swivels to bag

heavy duty thread and needles

If you haven't sewn before, this is a super easy low-cost first project and you will end up with the exact laptop case you want.

If you like Amazon shopping i would recommend my basics/essentials that i use:

• a 40 color set of threads to get her started
  
• pre-cut stabilizer
  
  
• my FAVORITE is 144 pre-wound bobbins
  
  
• thread rack if she doesn't already have one
  
  
• extra needles for the machine
  
  
• oh and Definitely these scissors to snip threads without taking the hoop off of the machine.
  
  
• Not sure if she has enough projects already but maybe some things to embroider on? You can buy a pack of 1 dozen pillow cases on Amazon, hand towels are $3 at Walmart, etc.

I started making friendship bracelets and I would watch documentaries/listening to music. I have to do relaxing activities that require some attention and focus - its hard to just go from 100 to 0 for me. Plus side, you have things that you can give to your friends and you can feel accomplished when you complete it.

​

https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Rainbow-Color-Embroidery-Floss/dp/B016HUI756/ref=sr_1_4?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1538110547&sr=1-4&keywords=embroidery+thread

I've never seen the Gutermann basting thread, but I like that brand. Another great brand I found is Torre basting thread. It's a cotton, Italian thread that stays where you put it, doesn't fluff, breaks easily, and if need be, you can sew over it by machine and remove the basting stitches without disturbing the machine stitches. For $5.50, you get a big spool.

Easy fix. $6 spool of conductive thread. sew a few spots into the fingertips of your gloves, then your touch-screen works just the way you need it to. just make sure part of the thread touches your hand inside.

Thanks!! I got the floss off of amazon, they don’t have name from what I can tell. These are the ones I did the majority of the piece with:

Embroidery Floss Total 1920m 240 Strings 100% long-staple Cotton DIY Cross-stitch Thread friendship bracelet DMC colors craft floss https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3Q99NR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Jwz2BbZB5NVRS

Further to /u/SandyQuilter 's excellent advice, if you use thread magic, it really helps to reduce tangles and knots and makes the thread move more smoothly.

Oh no I hope you get some rest soon! Sorry I should've paid better attention I've been up since 3 myself I've got wedding jitters :-p

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002WE3VJO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=30T4C8MUVXJ5D&coliid=IHWYLT0KZ9HRD

A better way to go, if you need it be be conductive from point A to point B, and it does require flexibility...

1. Conductive Thread (used by knitters for making finger tips of gloves conductive.) I have used this and it worked well.
   
   
2. Softer conductive thread. I haven't used this.
   
   
3. Conductive paint in jar (seems flimsy) or Pen/tube.

How long is your ride?

I use these: REV'IT! Phantom GTX Gloves http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/revit-phantom-gtx-gloves

They are great gloves, I wear them year round.

They will start to get cold after about 40 minutes of riding - which is right around the length of my commute.

For liner, do not use silk. Not nearly as warm as wool liners.
http://shop.ibex.com/Wool-Clothing/Accessories-Hats-Gloves-Bags/Wool-Glove-Liner

If you want to use your phone, buy this:
http://www.amazon.com/CanaKit-Conductive-Thread-Bobbin-Bobbins/dp/B007R9UA4S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=undefined&sr=8-1&keywords=conductive+thread

You can sew a bit in to your finger tips on the gloves and this will let you use your phone.

In your FAK/ repair kit throw in a couple large pieces of tenacious tape, some duct or gaffer tape, small tube of adhesives (shoe goo and seam grip ), Leukotape, tiny spool of heavy thread, and 3 large needles. UL gear is great and you definitely dont need some ultra strong 1000D codura nylon backpack that weighs 9 lbs on its own, but it is fragile and a few multiuse repair items can go A LONG WAY.


https://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Clear-Contact-Adhesive-Waterproof/dp/B06WGSRM4Z/ref

https://www.amazon.com/BSN-Medical-BEI076168-Leukotape-Sports/dp/B000E59HXC/ref

https://www.amazon.com/Gear-Aid-Tenacious-Repair-Fabric/dp/B001949Z4I/ref

https://www.amazon.com/Gear-Aid-Outdoor-adhesive-Tenacious/dp/B000BRDDW4/ref

https://www.amazon.com/Gear-Aid-Outdoor-Repairs-Needles/dp/B003B678VO/ref

https://www.amazon.com/Upholstery-Naturel-150-Yard-Assorted-Needles/dp/B016C39XW4/ref

https://www.amazon.com/Shoe-5510110-Mini-Adhesive-Pack/dp/B01JCCKWZO/ref

This maybe? I hope you have prime, you can get it for chump change!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016HUI756/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ZXqazbSNCY3NB

In the spirit of DIY info sharing: The patches were sewn with whip stitches of Coats Extra Strong upholstery thread using a mid-size upholstery needle to punch through the denim. I've been holding things in place with quilting pins while working (and dumped a whole box of them on the floor at one point.)

Also, the Deathspell Omega patch at the top right of the back did not have any red in it when I got it, but I just used a red Sharpie to fill in the flames/tongue and balance the color side-to-side.

And if your gloves don't have that feature you can easily sew some conductive thread into the fingertips!

I've never used it. But have heard people rave about it. It sticks on your machine where the thread can pass through, and helps make the thread more manageable.

https://www.amazon.com/GHI-214033-Thread-Magic-Round/dp/B01EJ3TDGK/ref=asc_df_B01EJ3TDGK/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167137788233&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14023738133683955067&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032137&hvtargid=pla-307376087696&psc=1

get a conductive thread. something like this https://smile.amazon.com/Adafruit-Stainless-Medium-Conductive-Thread/dp/B00SK8M62Y/ref=pd_bxgy_201_img_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00SK8M62Y&pd_rd_r=95b44078-ef45-11e8-a029-3b664630e258&pd_rd_w=rTxDf&pd_rd_wg=wJhYI&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=6725dbd6-9917-451d-beba-16af7874e407&pf_rd_r=2B3PSJB0PS6V5CREVPM8&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=2B3PSJB0PS6V5CREVPM8

there are plenty of videos out there how to sew it into the tips.

I had a pair of heavier leather mechanics type gloves. Due to their tighter fit, I can still manipulate any buttons and what have you. Since I use an old touchscreen phone for GPS and music functions, I used some conductive thread to sew in touch points in various finger tips. Just keep in mind, you have to stitch all the way through so that your fingers actually touch the thread. And no, you don't even notice it is there.

https://smile.amazon.com/Conductive-Stainless-Steel-Sewing-Thread/dp/B01IED3KRO/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=conductive+thread&qid=1563233717&s=gateway&sr=8-5

You could try some thread netting

I use this for my work.

I use this upholstery kit as the regular thread was prone to twisting and breaking and the needles weren't sharp enough for some places when the denim was double or triple thick.

I bought the case here, I bought thread here, I bought needles here, and I traced this picture onto graph paper using my monitor as a light table.

Then I stitched it myself!

Here is a link to amazon with thread and needles you would need with the felt ornaments. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016HUI756/ref=gbps_img_s-3_0ee9_58fc97de?pf_rd_p=30c09623-33cf-4469-be4c-3e8293ae0ee9&pf_rd_s=slot-3&pf_rd_t=701&pf_rd_i=gb_main&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=GGQ2125H7Y1ZPAAB4JRM

It's listed on the deals list so it might get even lower in price tomorrow or so. As for the machine I'm not sure. I bought it at Walmart. I guess I should find out something soon. I'm going to call and see.