Let's Talk About Threads!

Tags:

When we first started stitching over 10 years ago, we were exposed to basic cotton threads that came kitted with our projects. As we have upped our needlepoint game over the years as stitchers, we thought we would share some of our favorites, as well as some tips & tricks we have learned stitching with these different fibers. Some we have used more than others, so our hope is to share our knowledge as we come across new tricks and continually update this post as we try other threads.

Cotton Threads

Durable, inexpensive, and great to have in your stash for areas that don’t need a lot of thread or to DIY your own cording!

DMC Perle Cotton Size 5

-18 mesh with a single strand

-Great thread for beginners

-DMC threads are easily found at your local craft store if you don’t have an LNS. Our local LNS in college kits all of their belt/keychains with DMC.

*Use on any type of canvas, very durable, sturdy and pretty indestructible, but doesn’t have a lot of stretch! *

DMC Perle Cotton Size 3

-13 mesh with a single strand

-DMC threads are easily found at your local craft store if you don’t have an LNS. Our local LNS in college kits all of their belt/keychains with DMC.

*Use on any type of canvas, very durable, sturdy and pretty indestructible, but doesn’t have a lot of stretch! *

DMC Floss

-18 mesh with a single strand

*Use on a canvas that won’t get a lot of wear such as something going into acrylic or an ornament. *

Decorative Threads

Spice up your project with one of these colorfully festive fibers. We love to use these on ornaments, statement pieces or canvases that involve textured items, such as an animal.

DMC Metallic

-18 mesh with a single strand

-Another sparkly thread option if you need to grab something quick and aren’t by an LNS

Flair

- Can be used on 13-18 mesh with a single strand, double up for 13 mesh for fuller coverage

-Gives off a great glisten, fun when stitching water or lights

*Reinforces the color underneath and adds depth to your canvas*

*Make sure to watch the “tail” of your thread for fraying and cut end as needed *

Fuzzy Stuff

- Can be used on 13-18 mesh with a single strand

-For 13 mesh pair with another strand of similar plain color, such as Perle Cotton, to give more coverage

-Great French knots when strands are doubled up

*Use on your holiday scene or animals for a glow up*

*Make sure you watch your tension since the “fluffiness” is light with this thread*

Kreinik

- Can be used on 13-18 mesh with a single strand, several sizes available

-13 mesh use Kreinik 16 braid (full coverage)

*Make sure to watch the “tail” of your thread for fraying and cut end as needed*

Neon Rays

-Can be used on 13-18 mesh with a single strand

-Vibrant colors, great sparkle and lays flat next to other threads you mix with.

*Great to use for decorative stitches*

Splendor

-Can be used on 13-18 mesh with a single strand

-13 Mesh use 6-7 ply

-18 mesh use 4ply

-Variety of colors, silky look, great coverage

*When stitching lightly painted 13 mesh, you can use the thread as is, you just have to pull harder through the holes. *

Straw Silk

- Can be used on 13-18 mesh with a single strand

-Can be mixed with other threads to add dimension

*Use this on any canvas that could use a straw effect*

Silk Lame Braid

- Can be used on 13-18 mesh with a single strand, two sizes available

-A go to for sparkly accents, endless color options

*Some people like to put a knot at the end of their strand, so it doesn’t fall out of the needle*

*Great for open background stitches where you want the painted canvas to show*

Very Velvet (Petite)

- Can be used on 13-18 mesh with a single strand, two sizes available

-Super durable and hold up very well

*Don’t let it get too close to the end of the strand before anchoring. *

*Don’t cut your strands too long as the tail in your needle will eventually start to fray/break as you’re pulling through the canvas. *

Silk Threads

A go-to favorite for all stitchers and what we use in most of our PLD kits! Silk blends are the perfect, luscious addition to any project. You’ll want to keep some of these in your thread stash for safe keeping!

Pepper Pot

-18 mesh with a single strand

-Great thread for beginners

-Can be used on 13 mesh if the canvas is heavily painted, make sure to use a looser tension

-Endless choices of vibrant colors and even has some variegated options

*Use on any type of canvas, as PP is durable, smooth and withstands the test of time! *

Planet Earth Silk

-13 mesh with a single strand

-Double up on strands is stitching on 10-12 mesh

-It glides effortlessly through the canvas and makes beautiful stitches every time

*Use for pillows, belts or anything that will see a lot of wear *

Vineyard Silk

-18 mesh with a single strand

-Can be used on 13 mesh if the canvas is heavily painted, make sure to use a looser tension

-Great thread for beginners

-Stitches so smoothly that this thread will become a quick favorite!

*Great to use for decorative stitches*

*Use on any canvas, durable, smooth and withstands the test of time! *

Silk/Wool Threads

Use on projects that will see a lot of wear or on backgrounds as they cover a lot of space. This is your most durable option for long time wear/use.

Planet Earth Wool

-13 mesh with a single strand

*Use for belts, pillows or anything else that will see a lot of wear*

Silk & Ivory

-13 mesh with a single strand

-Great thread for beginners

-While frowned upon by some, this thread can be used on 18 mesh and covers your stitches heavily

*Use on heirloom pieces that you plan to have for a lifetime*

*Make sure to use a fresh needle and to not cut your strands longer than 12” as strands can start to fuzz/pill*

*If stitching in basketweave, anchor your thread horizontal instead of diagonal to avoid weird lines showing on the front of your canvas. *

Vineyard Silk Wool

-13 mesh with a single strand

-Comes in loads of colors, vibrant considering how durable and forgiving the thread is

*Use for belts, pillows, wallets or anything else that will see a lot of wear*

Other Tips & Tricks

How to prevent “fuzziness” on any type of thread

-Make sure your strands are no longer than 12”

-Sweater Shaver

-Press and seal, found in the aisle where you find foil/saran wrap

-Put your canvases on stretcher bars

-If your thread looks “twisted” release the needle and let it unwind

How to make Basketweave not look like a line is going through it?

Don’t run your ends diagonally under your stitching when anchoring your thread down when you’re at the end. Sometimes it’s that your needle is too rough and needs to be switched out. It is recommended that you only use your needle for 1-3 projects, then discard. Also, monitor the twist and your tension of any single strand threads such as Pepper Pot, Perle Cotton or Vineyard Silk.

Why is my large canvas look distorted?

It could be the way you’re holding your canvas. It is recommended for larger canvases to be blocked before being finished into its final shape. Blocking is a method used to re-shape your canvas. You can do this yourself (thanks You Tube) or have your LNS/Framer do it for you. If it bugs you during your stitching process, you can also put your canvas on a frame to help keep its shape.

Hope you all found this helpful! We would love to hear some of your all's tips & tricks you've learned along your needlepoint journey! Knowledge is power as they say!