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Icing Tubes and Screws

The choice of tubes by the home-icer is an all-important subject. Poor tubes give poor results. Metal tubes and screws are recommended, but it will not be necessary to purchase a large number at first. Rather have a few, master their use and become competent with them before investing in any more. Examine each tube carefully to see that no surplus solder on the inside impedes the easy flow of icing. See that the join running the length of the tube is secure, and that the opening is cleanly and deeply cut and free from burrs, otherwise the icing will not run freely.

The minimum number of tubes required by the beginner is six. These are, a fine writing tube; two star tubes; a leaf tube; a petal tube and a basket weave tube. Two screws and two waterproof bags are sufficient for this number of tubes.

Care of Tubes.

Wash the tubes immediately after use, using a feather or brush to clear all crevices. Rinse in cold water before drying and putting away. Never use a sharp metal point such as a skewer or pin to free dried icing from a blocked tube. Soaking in warm water for a short time will remove any blockage.

Icing Bags

To use the tubes recommended it will be necessary to have a bag to hold the icing. This bag may be made of either greaseproof paper or a thin waterproof sheeting. For the paper bag no screw is necessary. but the waterproof one must have a metal screw with a thread corresponding to that in the end of the icing tube. The inexperienced icer will find the waterproof type of bag easier to handle.

To make the Greaseproof Paper Bag

Take a piece of strong greaseproof paper about 22cm square, and cut it diagonally to make two right angle triangles. Each triangle forms one icing bag.

Hold one triangle of paper with the longest side A-B in a vertical position. Now hold the middle of the edge with the first finger and thumb of the hand. With the left hand, take the top corner A, and bring it down to meet C, twisting it inwards to make a cone. Holding the two corners A and C take the bottom corner B between the fingers and thumb of the right hand, lift it up, and arrange the cone so that the three points A, B and C are on top of each other. Hold firmly and then fold them over to a depth of about 2.5cm. Cut a small piece front the point of the cone and insert the metal tube.

Waterproof Icing Bag

Thin waterproof sheeting is used for making icing bags. If possible buy a sheeting known as jaconette, which is thin and easily handled; 25cm making four bags. Cut the material into four 22cm squares. Fold, with the waterproof side to the inside, to make a triangle. Make two rows of' machine stitching down one side. With a pair of scissors, cut off the pointed end about 0.8cm up the bag. The metal icing screw is tied to this opening with the thread to the inside. Turn inside out for use.