When starting a new embroidery project, most of us reach for the good 'ol 100% cotton DMC in our floss box. But if you're looking to try something new, give some of these other fibers a go. The results might tickle your fancy!
Silk floss is a beautiful, lustrous thread that is finer in diameter than most cotton threads. It's been used for many years for projects such as religious vestments and tapestries. Although it is more expensive than cotton floss, it usually comes in 5 meter lengths (about 5 1/3 yards). Because it's fine, you may made need to use more strands for certain stitches. Great for heirloom projects that need a special something-something.
Linen thread is the newcomer to the stitching party. Due to the recent surge in crafting with linen, DMC has come up wtth a pretty palette of 24 colorfast colors made from 100% European linen fibers. Linen floss is springy and can be uneven in diameter. (Take note, perfectionist stitchers!) But the matte look and tonal qualities are de-lovely.
Rayon Floss is super-shiny. A smidge more expensive than cotton floss, rayon is used for highly textured, 3-D projects such as Brazilian embroidery. No bikini wax involved. Check it out here. Amazing stuff involving a lot of crewel-like buillon stitches and knotting. This kind of floss has a reputation for being a little difficult to work with for traditional embroidery, such as cross-stitch, due to its tendency to curl, snarl and stretch.
Overdyed Cotton Floss is the boutique-y floss on the market. Many of these are hand-dyed and variegated in color along the skein. Unfortunately, the colors may run a bit when washing. So be careful with caring for your projects. Some brands recommend a gentle pre-washing to remove excess dye. The up side is you'll find unique colors you won't see in your DMC bin at the craft store. It's very pliable, making for great punch-needle embroidery or for use on wool penny rugs. Love those.
These are just a few additional types of fibers--I apologize if I've skipped over your favorite. Tell us about them! Enlighten us! And last night I just discovered the coolest one of all....glow in the dark. All together now: "Ooooooh. Ahhhhh..."
ooooh aaaaah indeed! The glow in the dark thread is just what I need to make a starlit ceiling on my kids cubby house.
Posted by: katie d | September 25, 2008 at 02:21 PM
I think you forgot about wool... I didn't even know they made wool embroidery floss... 2 issues ago in BUST they had a BEAUTIFUL pillow stitched with wool... it was fab!
Posted by: Brook Owens | September 25, 2008 at 06:42 PM