For those of you who aren't familiar with this tool, it can refer to any object that helps you manage threads, or ribbon - anything material you want to lay flat (which is how it got it's name). Basically, you lay the tool UNDER the floss / ribbon or braid, as you pull the material tight, and use the tool to gently stoke the underside of the floss etc., which makes it spread out and lay flat, or smooth. It is especially useful for canvas work, and Kreinik recommends using a laying tool when working with their silk threads.  Keeping the stitches smooth and even ensures a "maximum degree of uniform light reflection".

However, I was surprised to learn that QUILTERS use this tool (though they may call it a Stylus, Awl, or Stiletto) as well! When they are feeding fabric under the foot of the sewing machine, they use this tool to push the fabric (keeping chubby fingers out of the way of stabbing needles!!),  or when they have tiny pieces to hold in position when doing applique, the tip of these slender tools is perfect - again, no chubby fingers blocking your view.  And when there's a tight corner to be poked out... laying tool to the rescue!

But the laying tools we carry are so pretty that KNITTERS were buying them as well - to use as shawl or scarf pins. All in all, a very use tool indeed!

We used to carry some beautiful wooden LAYING TOOLS, which became unavailable for a time, as they were made by a family in Germany.  Recently they came back on the market, so I am pleased to say we have them in stock... however, when they were unavailable, we began looking at alternatives, and created some cute metal laying tools with a small decorative cabochon and a dangling angel ornament!  Both these styles of tools are now available on our website here: WOOD / ANGEL, and will soon have their own link under ACCESSORIES, on the top left side of our website.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR USING A LAYING TOOL (note: some of these tips come from NORDIC NEEDLE's very informative Stitching Guides, as well as various YouTube tutorials I visited to gain insight into this interesting and useful tool!):

CROSS-STITCH / NEEDLEPOINT: Bring the needle/thread up from the back of the fabric as usual, but don't complete the stitch / leg.  Lay the thread to the left, on top of the fabric.  Keep the laying tool in your left (or non-dominant) hand, and use the side of the laying tool to stroke the thread AWAY from the starting hole, making it lay flat and smooth.  This pressing motion may also spread the fibers slightly, giving you better coverage.  Leave the laying tool pressed on the thread, an inch or so from the starting position, as you complete your stitch.  Carefully pull the thread to the back of the fabric, forming a small loop around the tool.  Keeping the tool firm against the thread, move it with the thread as you finish the stitch, removing the laying tool at the last moment, as the thread tightens.

Repeat for each stitch.  Once you get a rhythm going it's pretty easy to do!

RIBBON:  Another use for the laying tool is to slightly open the hole the ribbon will pass through, to help prevent wear on the fragile ribbon edges.  When ribbon pulls through an opening it wants to curl, either in (concave) or out (convex).  To prevent this, insert the laying tool in the loop formed by the two ends of the stitch, and again use the flat side of the tool to firmly stroke / hold UNDERNEATH the ribbon as you tighten it.  If there is a twist in the ribbon, flatten the part you want to remain on top of the fabric, use the laying tool (underneath) to apply some pressure, and allow the twisted portion of the ribbon to pull through the hole first.  Be sure that if the ribbon has a 'good', or shiny side, that this side faces UP (and does not lay against the fabric).

While many things can be used as a laying tool (large needles; or even plastic pick-up sticks in a pinch, LOL).  However, be sure the item you use is sturdy (so you can apply pressure), and smooth (so your thread does not catch).  It really might be worth investing in a proper tool to ensure you have one that is durable.