With regard to the thread to work with : The coarser kinds of flax are best waxed before using. The crewel to be preferred is that not too tightly twisted. Filoselle is well adapted to couching, and may be laid double (24 threads). French floss is smooth, and does well for laid work; for fine work bobbin floss, or what is called " church floss," is better; the slight twist in filo-floss is against it; very thick floss may be used for French knots.