Color pin counting system

Abstract

The Color Pin Counting System allows needle workers who stitch by hand, and are working on a large design (with 32 to 40 threads per inch) to start and maintain a method of keeping track of threads. The method utilizes 10 pins with jeweled or colored tops. Each pin represents ten linen or canvas threads. After outlining the design area with basting stitches or a marking pen or pencil, one can easily count the threads in the design to find a starting point for stitching. The Color Pin Counting System solves the dilemma of losing place. The primary advantage of the invention is to allow a needle worker to complete a large design while keeping track of the many threads.

Description

This application claims priority to provisional application No. 61/206,490 filed on Jan. 30, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

For many needle workers, large needlepoint and counted thread designs have been difficult to start, by hand. The project may be large, the chart and base linen small, i.e., perhaps 32 to 40 threads per inch. To begin stitching, most people need to determine where they would like to start stitching on the base linen. Usually the purchased or original design will show the center of the design, and list the number of stitches (length and width), as well as how many threads per stitch. Sometimes each stitch goes over two fabric threads, sometimes over one fabric thread. In order to start at the center of the design (or anywhere for that matter), the stitcher/embroiderer needs to count threads from one point to another on the blank linen or blank needlepoint canvas. Counting tiny threads is difficult to see and keeping a place almost impossible without a pointed object. This technique requires intensive concentration and no interruptions. The Color Pin Counting System solves this problem. By using the Color Pin Counting System, the stitcher/embroiderer can put down the fabric, and pick it back up and not lose count of the threads.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

When a needlework stitcher (or embroiderer) begins to work on a new design, it is necessary to count linen or base fabric threads to find a selected starting place. In a larger design it is difficult to know where to begin. Tired eyes also make it difficult to keep a place when counting tiny threads. After outlining the design area with basting stitches or a marking pen or pencil, the stitcher/embroiderer can easily count the threads in the following manner.

METHOD

The Color Counting Pin set (sold under the name “Stitcher's Dozen”) contains thirteen pins with either jeweled or colored tops. The first ten pins represent ten linen or canvas threads each (see numbers below). These ten pins will allow the stitcher/embroiderer to count up to 100 threads, with each one representing ten linen or canvas threads. The Stitcher's Dozen set contains thirteen pins. The first ten are different colors, and the last three are Amethyst/purple (representing 100 threads each). This set of 13 will allow the stitcher/embroiderer to count up to 490 threads with the following method.

• Crystal/White—10
• Aquamarine/Sky Blue—20
• Topaz/Yellow—30
• Olivine/Jade Green—40
• Jet/Black—50
• Hyacinth/Orange—60
• Ruby/Red—70
• Peridot/Light Green—80
• Sapphire/Royal Blue—90
• Amethyst/Purple (4)—100

To find the selected starting spot on a design, that is 110 threads from the left hand side of the chart, begin on the left at the outline/basting thread, and count 10 threads, and insert a Crystal/white pin. Next, count 10 more threads, and insert an Aquamarine/sky blue pin. Continue in this fashion up through the Amethyst/purple pin. One hundred threads have now been counted. Remove all pins except for the Amethyst/purple pin (100 thread pin marker). Begin from the Amethyst/purple pin and count out 10 threads, and insert the Crystal/white pin. The stitcher/embroiderer now has counted out 110 threads (Amethyst/purple pin—100 plus Crystal/white pin—10). The stitcher/embroiderer would continue in this fashion to the desired starting point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING

FIG. 1A

Each line on graph represents one fabric thread. The Crystal-topped pin represents 10 fabric threads that have been counted. The Aquamarine-topped pin represents 20 fabric threads counted, and so on up to the Amethyst-topped pin which represents 100 fabric threads. To count above 100 threads, remove the first nine pins, leaving the Amethyst pin in place. This pin represents the 100 threads that have already been counted. Continue on after the Amethyst pin using the first nine pins. Count out 10 threads, and insert a Crystal-topped pin. Continue in this fashion to the desired number of threads. If there are more than 200 threads, count out to the 200 thread, insert an Amethyst pin. Remove the previous nine pins, and begin counting after the second Amethyst pin to the exact number of fabric threads that is required.

This method keeps track of counting threads when interrupted, and must stop the counting process on the needlework. The color pins will always keep the exact location on the linen or canvas fabric. The pin set will be available in colored pin tops or in colored jeweled pin tops. Each set will allow the stitcher/embroiderer to count up to 490 threads. If more than 490 threads are required, extra Amethyst/purple—100 pins can be utilized. So that makes the counting system endless.

Claims

1. The Color Pin Counting System allows needle workers who are working on a large design (32 to 40 threads per inch) to start and maintain a method of keeping track of threads. The method utilizes thirteen pins with jeweled or colored tops. Each pin represents ten linen or canvas threads.

2. The purpose of the invention is to allow a needle worker or embroiderer who is stitching a large design on linen or canvas to find and keep track of the many threads in the design

3. The ten pin counting system allows easy recognition of position on linen or canvas fabric.

4. The system can be used by counted thread stitchers (on linen) as well as needlepoint stitchers (on needlepoint canvas).

5. The method allows the worker to determine a starting point for stitching a design on linen or canvas material.

6. The system provides a method to keep track of counted threads after determining a starting point on linen or canvas material.

7. The system will allow the stitcher/embroider to count up to 490 threads.

8. If necessary, more than 490 threads may be utilized by using extra Amethyst/purple—100 thread pins.