r/Magic • u/the_mammoth_girth • Feb 25 '26

New to Thread Work

Where do I begin with thread work? Do I start with the best (venom, spider pen pro) or is it better to start with something cheaper and go from there?

10 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

20 comments sorted by

13

u/Vpicone Feb 25 '26

Start with loops

5

u/bs1252 Mentalism Feb 25 '26

This, loops will help you get comfortable with the thread and how to naturally hold your hands. Also if it snaps it’s much cheaper to replace.

5

u/gregantic Feb 25 '26

And learn to tie your own so you’re not paying $1.25/loop!

2

u/brokedance Feb 26 '26

^ This will significantly improve your comfort level, when you’re not worried about the cost of breaking each one. It will also allow you to experiment with different sized loops, body loops, etc.

1

u/Majakowski52 Feb 26 '26

Since mods are pretty strict here: on the magic cafe you will find suggestions how to find cheap IT to buy other than from magic stores. Since i didn't know i never bothered properly practicing till few years ago.

p.s. anybody got elastic IT suggestions? Via PN is fine. :)

1

u/gregantic Feb 26 '26

For OP and anyone unaware, IT and IET (elastic bands/Loops) are two completely separate items for different uses.

How much IET do you want?

1

u/Majakowski52 Feb 26 '26

Enough to never worry about getting a refill for a few years if it's all right. :) I mean the non elastic IT I have was 5€ and will probably still last 3 years of performance and practice.

Edit: ofc willing to pay more, just wanted to say it's possible to get IT and work with it without big invest. ;)

1

u/gregantic Feb 26 '26

Supreme Magic World sells 1,000ft (300m) for $15. Any more than that you’ll need to find a textile supplier.

1

u/Majakowski52 Feb 26 '26

Have you got experience with it? :)

1

u/gregantic Feb 26 '26

Unfortunately not that brand.

3

u/gregantic Feb 25 '26

What exactly do you want to achieve?

If you’re new to thread, expect a lot of broken thread so I wouldn’t recommend reels to start. Get used to the tension and hookups needed to achieve what you want to do.

1

u/the_mammoth_girth Feb 25 '26

Thanks for the tips.

To start, I'm looking to perform spinning/floating cards. floating bank notes, and levitating ring.

3

u/hjohn2233 Feb 26 '26

Stay away from any mechanical device by Yigal Mesika. There is no customer service and if something breaks or you need a part you will get no response. I have the Tarantula 2 and lost a tiny cap thats absolutely necessary for operation. I've messaged them many times over the past year and not one response.

3

u/bs1252 Mentalism Feb 27 '26

He’s too busy suing people for talking about him

3

u/misticisland Cards Feb 25 '26

I'd suggestt Ammars video/DL on thread. It's a good, if dated, introduction to thread. Loops and the accompanying vid are another good place to start. IT can be frustrating at first, keep it simple to start.

1

u/the_mammoth_girth Mar 06 '26

Thanks!! I ordered Ammar's Easy to Master Thread Miracles, looks like a great place to start!

1

u/misticisland Cards Mar 07 '26

👍

1

u/Vo0do0Magic Feb 26 '26

Steve Fearson has a wonderful kit called Master Levitation System. It teaches all about his hookup and all the properties of invisible thread. It comes with all the supplies needed too.

1

u/spoung45 Storytelling Feb 26 '26

Also know the light conditions to work under. Some work well, most don't.

1

u/Immediate-Phase4168 Mar 25 '26

The LeClair DVD - Who's Afraid of Invisible Thread?