April's Review	Catherine' Review	Rebecca's Review	Karen's Review	Renee's Review

Review by April

I love the look of sewing on craft projects, however, using a sewing machine is simply not something I do well...so when I read "Thread writing made easy" in the description of the Kreinik Threadster tool, I got excited! I thought the idea of being able to write with thread, was not only unique, but also sounded like fun.

For this review, I received:

• The Kreinik Threadster Tool
• Kreinik Finishing Touches Fusible Iron-On Threads in Pearl and Baroque - each with 2 meters of thread
• Red Liner Tape - which is super-strong double sided craft tape, and comes in two 4" x 6" sheets

The Threadster tool is fairly easy to load, because it comes with a threader that's stored in the pen itself. What's really neat about this tool, is that you can use any thread or fibers you have, and it allows you to create detailed designs by simply writing on the tape! You have the option of drawing, stamping, or tracing a design to use with the double sided tape, and then using the Threadster tool to outline the design so that the finished result looks like it was sewn.

For my first project, I tried free handing hearts with the Threadster on the Red Liner Tape. Because you use the tool basically the same as a pen, I felt like I had greater control in designing my image. I also cut out hearts from the left over pieces of the original card, placed them on the Red Liner Tape, and then used the Threadster to line them with the Pearl thread. I cut out all the hearts, added glitter to the ones I had free handed, peeled the adhesive off the backs and then decorated the layout with them!

Title: Crayon Love
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Prismatics: Intense Pink)
Threadster Tool (Kreinik Threadster)
Threads (Kreinik Finishing Touches Fusible Iron on Threads: Pearl)
Double-sided Craft Tape (Treasure Tape/Distributed by Kreinik: Red Liner Tape)
Crayons (Crayola: Razzberry Jam)
Pen (American Crafts Precision Pen)
Other (Hallmark Card, Glitter from personal stash)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

I wanted to try outlining a word with the Threadster, so I stamped the word "Family" onto some kraft cardstock, and then laid the Red Liner Tape over top of the image. I peeled off the top side of the tape and then used the Baroque thread to outline the word. Then I poured glitter over the top and trimmed it. To finish the card, I made a border out of buttons and flowers.

"Family" Card
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Prismatics: Suede Brown Dark)
Threadster Tool (Kreinik Threadster)
Threads (Kreinik Finishing Touches Fusible Iron on Threads: Baroque)
Double-sided Craft Tape (Treasure Tape/Distributed by Kreinik: Red Liner Tape)
Buttons (Autumn Leaves)
Flowers (Prima)
Brad (Karen Foster Princess Brad)
Glitter (source unknown)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

After easily outlining a stamped word with the thread, I was hooked! I enjoyed being able to draw and trace designs with thread, and I look forward to experimenting more with the Threadster tool. The only thing I had a hard time with was my skin sticking to the tape ocassionally, but other than that I thought it was a really creative tool. I mean why spend hours sewing or stitching when you can just write it on!

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Review by Catherine

Kreinik Threads is a company and product that the Scrapfriends Review team has become very familiar with in the past. I have had the opportunity to review Metallic Ribbon and Iron-On Threads in the past. One of the problems that I’ve encountered when using the Metallic Threads on Double Stick tape is getting the thread to stick where I want it to be, without having my fingers stick as well. The addition of the Kreinik Threadster Tool to the Kreinik line of products is the solution to that problem.

The Kreinik Threadster tool is the shape and size of a large ballpoint pen. It has an opening on both ends for threading the ribbon, fiber, or thread of your choice through. One just needs to feed the selected thread through the back end of the threadster, through the pen-like tool, and out the front. I have to admit that I did have little bit of a problem threading my ribbon through the Threadster a couple of times. This was alleviated by first cutting the end of the thread at an angle to ensure that no frayed edges would get caught within the tool. Additionally, Kreinik includes a large needle threader with the Threadster tool for getting any caught up threads to go through easily. Using this threader, it soon became much easier to get my threads and metallic ribbon loaded into the Threadster.

For my first project, I wanted to create some freestyle swirled flower embellishments to use on a layout that I had in mind. After threading my Threadster with some Metallic Threads from Kreinik, I cut a sheet of red line double-sided tape into circular shapes. Starting in the middle, I began drawing my swirls. I was incredibly impressed by how easy this task was using my Threadster tool. I was able to get the threads where I wanted them to go, and I didn’t have to worry about pushing the thread into the adhesive with my fingers. It was so much easier and faster to use the threadster than to use an iron or to use my fingers to move the threads into place.

Discover

Products used:
Cardstock (Prism Exclusives – Bianco, China)
Patterned Paper (Scenic Route)
Metallic Thread (Kreinik)
Threadster Tool (Kreinik)
Red-Line Tape (Kreinik)
Chipboard (Scenic Route)
Writers Block (Heidi Swapp)
Stamp (October Afternoon)
Brad (Imaginisce)
Rhinestone Border (Heidi Swapp)
Dottie Ann Mesh (Magic Mesh)
Adhesive (Adtech Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

For my second project, I wanted to create a card to give for Halloween. I drew a witch’s hat free hand onto a piece of paper. I placed my red line tape onto my drawing, then drew the outline of the hat with the Kreinik threadster and Metallic Ribbon. A little bit of glitter added, and I have a simply easy and simply spectacular embellishment for my card.

Halloween Card

Products used:
Cardstock (Prism Papers - Black)
Patterned Paper (Junkitz)
Stamp (Autumn Leaves)
Embossing Powder (Ranger Antiquities)
Metallic Thread (Kreinik)
Threadster Tool (Kreinik)
Red Line Tape (Kreinik)
Glitter (Making Memories)
Adhesive (Adtech Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

I have gotten away from using most types of fibers in my crafting, simply because it is so hard to figure out how to get them to adhere to a page. Working with red line tape is a wonderful way to make sure that anything sticks to a scrapbook page. Now with the invention of the Kreinik Threadster, getting fibers, threads, and ribbon to stick to red line tape, exactly where you want it, has become incredibly easy. If you like the look of thin ribbons, threads, or fibers on your projects, then you need to take a look at the Kreinik Threadster.

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Review by Rebecca

It is not often that I see a crafting or scrapbooking product that I need to read the directions for. But when I received the Kreinik Threadster for my review I made sure to read the directions! This product looks like a pen but with some unexpected twists that definitely makes it stand out!

For the Kreinik Threadster review I received the Threadster, two packages of Kreinik Finishing Touches Fusible Iron-On Threads and some Treasure Tape. The Threadster tool has instructions on the backside of the packaging insert. Honestly, even after reading the instructions I was not completely sure how to use the product so I did refer to the Kreinik website for additional instructions.

The Threadster looks like a ballpoint pen. The purpose of the Threadster is to run thread through the pen and then start "writing" like you would do with a pen. Treasure Tape is a two sided tape. So I first used the Autumn colored thread to draw a star. The threads come on a card with three different widths. I used the 1/8" ribbon to draw the star. With the space inside the star shape I decided to put a little bit of glitter. The ribbon and the glitter stuck well to the tape. I trimmed out the star shape. Then I pulled the cover off the other side of the tape and adhered the star to my page.

Fly Album Star Page
Products used:
Tool (Kreinik Threadster)
Thread (Kreinik Finishing Touches Thread, Autumn)
Tape (Treasure Tape)
Album (Maya Road)
Patterned Paper, Finery (Tinkering Ink Botanical Bliss)
Ribbon (Tie One on Ribbon Club)
Flowers (Prima)
Ink (Tim Holtz Distress Ink)
Pen (Pigma Micron)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

For my next project I decided to try a more complex design. For this one I used the gold #8 braid and the 1/8" ribbon. I started with the smaller braid and started to do a "swirl". I then used some embroidery floss and finished off the swirl with the thicker ribbon. I loved the end result!

Fly Album Swirl Page
Products used:
Tool (Kreinik Threadster)
Thread (Kreinik Finishing Touches Thread, Gold)
Tape (Treasure Tape)
Album (Maya Road)
Patterned Paper (Tinkering Ink Botanical Bliss)
Flower, Sticker (Heidi Swapp)
Ribbon (Tie One on Ribbon Club)
Ink (Tim Holtz Distress Ink)
Pen (Pigma Micron)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

Fly Album Swirl Page Detail

I enjoyed using the Threadster, unfortunately, the hole at the end of the Threadster (where the thread comes out of) is wide so there was a little bit of difficulty in getting the threads exactly where I wanted it. Also, the threads are iron-on and I did want to try that technique; however, it requires the use of a Teflon Presscloth which I don't have. Also, that tape is very tacky and so it does get stuck in scissors and if you aren't careful you'll end up with tape on your hands and threads all over the tape!

Kreinik Threadster is a tool with a very unique purpose. Unfortunately, I feel that the directions were not as clear as they could have been. Also, while it is possible to write with thread I didn't think detailed writing could be done with the wide tip. I do enjoy the look of the thread designs on my pages and I am sure this is a tool and a technique I'll continue to use in my scrapbooking!

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Review by Karen

I wasn’t sure what to think when I was asked to review a new product by Kreinik called Threadster. I was told that it is basically a pen that you can write with using any kind of tread or thin ribbons. To say the least I was intrigued. When my box arrived with the Treadster in it, my intrigue grew. This product looks like a large pen that is missing it’s center ink part.

To use the Threadster, you need thread or thin ribbon, red line tape in sheets and a shape or word that you want to write. Threading the tool is very easy, since it includes a “treading” needle. This is really the part that worried me, getting the tread into the tool and it not falling out. I am happy to report that even my 7 year old could thread the tool and the thread doesn’t just slip out.

I started by punching shapes out of the sheet of red line tape. For my first project I punched out hearts. Once I had my shapes , I peeled back the red covering to expose the adhesive. With the Threadster loaded with a red thread I traced the shape moving in toward the center so that the whole shape was covered. Here is a close up of the heart:

Once I had all three hearts complete, I added them to my layout.

Title: David
Products used:
Patterned Paper: Botanical Bliss, Tinkering Ink
Die cut letters: Quickutz
Thread: Kreinik Finishing Touches Iron-on Threads
Pen: American Crafts
Punches: EK Success
Other: Threadster by Kreinik, Red line tape
Adhesive: Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner

My second layout uses the Threadster to write a cursive letter to create a monogram. Again I started by punching out a circle from the red line tape. I then used a yellow DMC floss to write my letter. I then filled in all the other space with the Finishing Touches Threads.

Title: Lilo
Products used:
Patterned Paper: Tinkering Ink
Punches: EK Success
Thread: Kreinik Finishing Touches Iron on Threads, DMC Floss
Pen: American Crafts
Other: Threadster by Kreinik, Red line tape
Adhesive:Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner

I enjoyed the challenge of working with a new product. I like how easy the Threadster is loaded and how easy it is used. In the design of the product, Kreinik even added a small “lip” to the end of the tool so that pressure can be applied to the thread as it attaches to the red tape. I look forward to trying different threads and ribbons as my crafting projects call for them.

The Threadster is a very interesting product. While I can honestly say that I had never thought about writting with thread, I am still very intrigued by the possiblities that the Threadster offers. With a retail price of around $7 this product is definitely one that can be puchased just to play with. That with the idea of using any thread that you have really makes this a product worth trying. I think that the Threadster really fits a niche that isn’t being considered.

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Review by Renee

The Threadster is a new product designed by Kreinik to help crafters make intricate designs on tape. Kreinik is a company that specializes in threads, beads and needlework products of all types, including the Finishing Touches line of fusible Iron-On threads and Mrs. K's Dimensional threads. The Threadster was designed to work with these threads and other types of fibers.

The Threadster comes packaged in a cellophane wrapper with a cardstock sheet also enclosed which contains product information. The threadster itself looks much like a ball point pen. It is designed to allow threads and fibers to run through the clip, into the barrel hole and through the tip of the pen. Product packaging indicates that the threadster allows you to "write" on red line tape to create detailed designs, with greater control and no sticking fingers.

For this review, I received on threadster pen with it's accompanying threader loop, as well as two packages of the Finishing Touches fusible threads, one in bronze and another in green. I also received two sheets of red line tape to use for my embellishments. I started by using the supplied metallic bronze thread to create a simple stitching design. I then used the tool with a thinner ribbon fiber to see whether other fibers would work with the tool.

For my first project, I used the included bronze metallic fiber to create a simple accent ribbon for my layout. Initially, I had a very difficult time loading the fiber into the threadster. The loading process is not intuitive, requiring that you read carefully the directions (something that I usually do not do). However, once I read the directions thoroughly, I was able to easily load the threadster. I made a simple zig zag design and then made by own ribbon by using glitter on both the front and back of the result was an intricate ribbon accent that added sparkle to my swap page from a recent scrapbook retreat.

Title: Sistuh
Products used: Cardstock (Kiwi Cardstock)
Threadster and Fusible Thread (Kreinik Mfg Co.)
Glitter (Crystal Snow by Stampendous )
Red Liner Tape (Kreinik MFG Co.)
Patterned Paper (BasicGrey)
Ribbon (Michael's)
Paper Flowers (Prima)
Large Brads (Making Memories)
Small Brad (Paper Salon)
Squares to Share Inspirational Card (Hallmark)
Stamps (Technique Tuesday)
Ink (Ranger)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

For my second project, I decided to use a different brand of fiber in the Threadster. I chose a ribbon like fiber from Basic Grey. My initial thought was that it would be considerably more difficult to get this fiber through the Threadster's tip. However, I was able to easily thread the threadster and get the larger fiber through the tip. I also chose a more intricate design, this time making a script "W" for a monogram note card. I was able to make the more intricate letter and did not get any stickiness from the tape on my hands.

Title: Monogram Note card
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Prismatics Herbal Garden Medium and Black)
Patterned Paper (Junkitz)
Fiber (BasicGrey)
Ink (KI Memories)
Threadster (Kreinik MFG Co.)
Glitter (Crystal Snow by Stampendous)
Red Liner Tape (Kreinik MFG Co.)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

In closing, the Threadster is an interesting tool to use. With a little practice, it is very easy to use. With this tool, you can create unique embellishments and accents for your scrapbook pages.

For more information visit Kreinik