I learned the Gypsy Thread effect from one of Wayne Houchin's videos. I practiced a lot until I was ready to perform it. Everything went well during practice sessions. When I performed it, the thread TANGLED when I was pulling it apart to show the restoration!

Can someone help me on how to prevent it? I did the prep as taught in the method. I never failed during practice. Why do you think does this happen?

Any suggestions?

If you rush the set up, it will tangle. Also what type of thread are you using? That matters quite a bit as well.

The BEST thread to use is the Glo Thread that was made just for Gypsy Thread. It is bright yellow and shows up great. It's also UV sensitive, so it will show up great on stage.

I have not had it tangle on me in well over 10 years...

I use the 100% Mercerized Cotton for this effect. I also use the figure of 8 prep.

I'd like to perform this before I do the effect "Thread," and that's why I use the 100% Mercerized Cotton.

Thanks for the suggestions, Chris. I appreciate it.

The European guys, Fred Kaps, etc., all used BASTING THREAD. Breaks so easy. Marconic, in his book, showed a simple way to prep the thread. I haven't done it in years, but never had any trouble.

A thought... Did you get "sweaty" when you debuted it? Maybe you were a tad nervous?

Perhaps you didn't wind up the thread properly. On the WGM Thread DVD, there are a few methods shown which may help.

I did not get sweaty... I guess I just had a problem with the prep. Practice has been smooth, though.

I've used different threads, dental floss being my favorite. Billy McComb suggested using basting thread, but I haven't been able to find any except online; most folks in sewing shops around here haven't even heard of it. I forget the brand he used, but I don't think it's made anymore anyway. I use his set-up, which uses the figure 8. (A nice thing about dental floss is if you're short on time, you can just ball it up and the wax holds the bundle together.) He also had a great tip of not just pulling the thread to restore, but bouncing the thread up and down while pulling helps knots from forming.

Check out Dragon Thread by Mike Wong. Nice routine and you can get the thread from any fabric shop. It comes with a good instructional DVD.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0lZZaYtiZo

TC