Fuck Yeah Needlework Advice #27: On Thread
When youâre just starting out with embroidery, it is tempting to think that all kinds of thread are the same. âItâs just thread,â you say. âThread is thread.â
There are lots of different kinds of thread that you can use to do embroidery with, and they all have different effects! You can have threads that are shiny and smooth, or that are rough and scratchy, or fuzzy or sparkly (or fuzzy AND sparkly). There are threads that look like a rabbitâs soft fur and threads that look (and act) like gold. SO MANY CHOICES!
If youâre just starting out with embroidery, youâre probably using cotton thread. Thereâs nothing wrong with that! Cotton embroidery thread (like DMC, Anchor, or Sullivans) is readily available, comes in lots and lots of colors, and is reasonably cheap. You might also find variegated or overdyed cotton thread, which has several colors in a single skein of thread (whether they are similar hues or a wild riot of all kinds of colors). These overdyed threads can give your embroidery piece a lovely rich look, depending on how you use them.
Silk has been used for embroidery for hundreds (and possibly even thousands) of years. Itâs a versatile material that takes dye very well, so you end up with lots and lots of colors. Silk threads are often shinier than cotton threads and are VERY strong. Seriously - if you have a piece of silk thread handy, try and pull it hard enough to break it. It probably wonâtâŚand if it does, you are a mighty warrior. Get down with your bad self.
Anyway, silk feels lovely in your hand, and itâs very nice to stitch with. The only drawback is that it can be expensive, especially if itâs overdyed and variegated. But sometimes, you just have to treat yourself.
Wool is a great thread for needlepoint and crewel work, especially when itâs done on things that are meant to be used. Think chair cushions, pillows, and even church kneelers! Wool comes in almost as many colors as silk, and I have found it to be very forgiving when you stitch with it. Something that would really stand out in cotton thread can blend in when stitched with wool thread.
Metallic thread is the bane of many an embroiderer. Yes, it is super, super sparkly, and yes, itâs super fun to have lots and lots of sparkles. But metallic threads are often comprised of many, many smaller threads braided together, and these braids have a tendency to unravel while youâre stitching - especially if you like to stitch with long lengths of thread, like I do. The only remedy for this problem is to use short lengths of thread and lots of them.Â
There are many other kinds of specialty threads out there. If you have the time, you can go to your local needlework store and feel up all the threads to decide which ones you like best. Try stitching some different techniques with different threads and figure out what makes you happy.Â
As always, my friends, feel free to ask me questions through the ask box on this blog!
stormborns
janainaart
yousharknotpass
vaporwave
dailybridgerton
2087
