3.4 Techniques for Making Thin and Long Velvet Strips

Q: What are the standards for thin and long velvet strips?
A: Based on extensive teaching experience, a velvet strip with a thickness of 3mm or less is generally considered a thin velvet strip. A strip with a length reaching or exceeding 5.5cm can be regarded as a long velvet strip.

The key to making thin velvet strips lies in adjusting the spacing between the brass wires. The narrower the spacing, the finer the resulting strip; conversely, wider spacing produces a thicker strip. While it is technically possible to gradually trim a thick velvet strip down to a thinner one, this method is time-consuming and wasteful of silk thread, and is therefore not recommended.

For making long velvet strips, the focus is on changing the width of the silk row. A wider silk row yields longer strips, while a narrower row produces shorter strips. Additionally, creating long velvet strips presents the challenge of gathering and securing the wide silk row, a topic that will not be elaborated on here. Below is a demonstration of the methods for making thin and long velvet strips.

Thin Velvet Strip (Short Version) Production Steps

01. Prepare the silk row as shown in the image: 8 bundles of thread, with a silk row width of 3.5cm.

02. Comb the velvet, arrange it neatly, and secure it. (Some steps are omitted here. Please ensure you have thoroughly learned all steps from the previous chapter before attempting this.)

(Image caption: Brass wire too long (Incorrect); Brass wire length appropriate (Correct))

03. Take out one prepared brass wire and check if it is too long. Typically, these fine strips require relatively shorter brass wire. It is best if the width of the silk row occupies about one-third of the wire's length. Excessively long wire will hinder subsequent operations. If the wire is too long, cut it shorter before use.

(Image caption: Try to achieve a brass wire spacing of 3mm)

04. Set the spacing between brass wires to 3mm. (If beginners find 3mm too narrow and difficult to achieve, they may increase it to 4mm.)

05. Tie the brass wires one by one, then cut them sequentially. (Note: If the brass wire was left too long previously, cutting downwards at this stage will be laborious and the wire may easily slip off. This is why wire length has been repeatedly emphasized.)

06. Proceed with the normal steps of aligning the velvet fibers and twisting the strip.

Tips for Thin Strips:
① Try to control the brass wire spacing precisely. Keep both ends of the wire straight; otherwise, the velvet may shed during cutting.

② Adjust the brass wire length promptly as needed.

③ Scissor quality is crucial when making thin strips. If you find cutting thin strips very strenuous, consider sharpening your scissors or switching to a pair of higher quality.

④ Shedding during the initial stages of making thin strips is normal. Beginners should not be discouraged.

Long Velvet Strip Production Steps

01. Prepare the silk row as shown in the image: 20 bundles of thread, with a silk row width of 6.3cm.

02. Comb the velvet, arrange it neatly, and secure it. (Some steps are omitted here. Please ensure you have thoroughly learned all steps from the previous section before attempting this.)

03. Making a long silk row is more challenging. It is recommended to first focus on practicing the securing technique with short silk rows. Only after mastering that skill should you gradually attempt to handle longer rows.

04. Set the spacing between brass wires to 4mm.

05. Proceed with the normal steps of cutting sequentially, aligning the velvet fibers, and twisting the strip.

Tips for Long Strips:
① The longer the silk row, the more difficult it is to tie the brass wire. Remember to always keep the wire taut and securely fastened.

② The gathering and securing of the long silk row are very important. Avoid any looseness or slackness.