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I am quite new to the thred work. The only things I have are fersons floating cig which I havent done and also ufo-yo flying card which I can do well.

I was wondering what you think of Michael Ammar - Easy to Master Thread Miracles - Set (Vols. 1-3) - DVD and is it worth buying them.

Also if I did buy them whats the best thread to buy with it. It mentions a nomal real and a retracting one. Can a retracting one be used the same as a normal one or will I have to buy two different reals.

I want to buy a real but there are so many, I was wondering which one is really the best for close-up work and is a retracting thread one.

Also it mentions elastic thred should I buy that and loops with the videos if I buy it.

Your help will be much appreciated.

Thank you

Glenn

if your just starting using thread then theres no point in buying all the gimmicks until you know its what you want to do. I would suggest the best reel for you to start with is the mini indian reel which can be bought here for £5.95, this is the only reel i own and has been a very good buy in my opinion. this reel retracts but it is possible to lock it simply by using a little wax over the hole where the thread comes out, get wax here. I cant advise on the Ammar videos cos i havent seen them but the fearson flying cig is awesome, the hookup can be used for other items also

I also have to agree with MOG and Yankeetom the Indian Reel is a Great first time buy, even better with the price of just £5.95.

I have been using thread for over 10yrs now and can honestly say I still prefare the stripped thread, call me old fashioned but I think you cant beat it.

I have tried most thread devices over the yrs from the massive reels to the smallest hidden in all sorts of thinks like pagers, pens, phones and card cases.

The elastic loops are good but at first you will break them without trying. So buy a few packs and dont be put off.

As for the Armmar Vids they are pretty good too you can learn some great techniques from them because they go through all sorts of devices and different stripped threads.

Another good vid is the Jon LeClair Whos Affraid of Invisable Thread this is covers his 'hook-up' and some good effects.


Hope it helps and if i can be of any advise please feel free to contact me.


Paul

Thread for beginners

Here's my two penneth...

1: Regular thread or Kevlex Filament
This is a bit like fishing line. Regular thread is normally what you find in reels. Kevlex is the same, but a lot tougher.
Regular thread is like fine black human hair, and can be spotted.
If you get the choice, go for a matt finish, as it is harder to spot.
Not so good for closeup work, but strong and cheap.
Can be recycled, and relatively easy to handle.

2: 'Stripped' thread
This thread is VERY fine. It comes stranded together, and needs stripping into single fibres. The best I've owned is Kennedy's Z-Webs (reviewed on this forum by yours truly). It's awesome - easy to strip and easy to store.
Stripped thread is almost invisible to the naked eye, and is reasonably tough, although for effects using repetetive 'tugging' effects, this may not hold up to the job.
Very difficult to handle, has a 'sprung' quality and can be difficult to find the ends sometimes.
This stuff snaps without warning - so lots of practice is required. You'll learn the tolerances quite quickly.

3: Elastic thread
Now, here's my favourite! Elastic thread is great. It can be used to good effect, as it can be hooked up and basically concealed until needed. The loops system is great, and allows you to stay hooked up before and after the trick. This stuff stretches to on average 3 time it's original length (depending on the type you buy) and can be used to make gaff cards with special 'hinges' and things.
Elastic thread certainly my favourite thread, and I've been using it for about 10 years. It's not as invisible as the others, but there's so much more you can do with it.

Advice
As a beginner, probably the best advice I'd give you is to practice with REGULAR SEWING COTTON. It's far less likely to break, and is essential for learning the different methods of hook up.

Then, move on to regular IT. Get an Indian reel to start with. Reels are not everyone's cup of tea, and don't be tempted to let the reel do any 'winding' or 'retracting' work - they're not up to it - you'll need a more expensive motorised reel if you're going to do that sort of thing.

When you've got your confidence up, try stripped thread and/or elastic.

Thread work is not for everyone - and it's amazing how many people I've seen over the years who give it up because they keep snapping threads, or because they think it's easily spotted.

Hope this is of help. The Ammar thread work is great, but I'm sure there is a more basic introduction video or book at eMagictricks... email Laurence there for advice (he's the Moderator of this forum).

Happy threading!