A Mellor, also known as a laying tool, is a small, slender tool used in embroidery to manipulate threads and stitches. It typically has a pointed or rounded tip and a smooth, flat surface.
In embroidery, a Mellor is primarily used to lay or smooth down stitches, particularly when working with threads that have a tendency to twist or separate. Here's how it's used:
Laying Stitches: When stitching with threads such as silk or metallics that have a tendency to twist or kink, a Mellor can be used to gently guide the stitches into place and smooth them down along the fabric surface. This helps create a neater and more even appearance to the finished embroidery.
Taming Flyaway Threads: A Mellor can also be used to tame flyaway threads or unruly stitches by gently pressing them into place or guiding them back into alignment with surrounding stitches.
Creating Dimension: In techniques such as silk shading or surface embroidery, a Mellor can be used to manipulate stitches and threads to create dimension and texture in the embroidery design. By gently pressing or shaping stitches with the Mellor, embroiderers can achieve subtle gradations of colour and texture in their work.
Smoothing Fabric: In addition to working with threads, a Mellor can also be used to smooth down fabric or flatten seams when working on embroidery projects that involve multiple layers of fabric or intricate details.
Our Couture Quality Mellor are etched with the Hand & Lock crown.
