Embroidery Threads and Ribbons

Oct26

Lets talk about the types of threads and ribbons that you can use in your embroidered creations. Embroidery threads come in a variety of materials, weights, and colors, in both twisted and flat threads. The choice of thread should be determined by the design of the project, and the stitches that you choose to include in your work.

For traditional stitches, I suggest perle cotton, floss, and metallic threads; silk embroidery ribbons can also be used for many of those stitches. For raised and textured stitches I suggest perle cotton, though floss can be used for a few specific stitches. For silk ribbon embroidery, use a silk ribbon that is specifically designed for these stitches.

Perle Cotton

Perle cotton is a two-ply twisted cotton thread that comes on a ball or in a twisted hank in sizes #3, #5, #8, #12 (the lower the number the thicker the thread) and is worked as a single thread. It comes in a variety of solid, ombre, variegated and hand-dyed colorways.

Here are some companies that offer a wide variety of threads:

Stranded Floss

Stranded floss is a flat thread that comes wrapped in a skein of six-strands (usually), the embroidered design is worked with 1 or more strands. It can be found in a variety of fiber contents such as cotton, silk, rayon and linen in a variety of solid, ombre, variegated and hand-dyed colorways. Cotton floss and silk floss have a subtle color and texture; linen floss has a soft color but coarse texture; rayon floss and some silk flosses have a shiny supple texture.

Here are some companies that offer a wide variety of threads:

  • Waterlilies silk floss
  • Presencia Finca Mouline cotton floss
  • Valdani (3-strand floss)
  • Kreinik Silk Mori silk floss
  • DMC and Anchor cotton floss (check your local quilt, embroidery, or craft store)
  • DMC rayon floss (check your local quilt, embroidery, or craft store)
  • DMC linen floss (check your local quilt, embroidery, or craft store)

Silk Embroidery Ribbon

Silk ribbon is a soft pliable woven ribbon with a finished edges that comes either on a spool, reel, or loose depending on the company. There are a wide variety of solid and hand-dyed colors available, and it comes in sizes 2mm, 4mm, 7mm; 13mm and larger can also be found.

Here are some companies that offer a wide variety or ribbons:

Metallic Threads

Metallic threads come in a variety of weights, finishes, and textures. Most commonly available colors are gold, antique gold, silver, antique silver, copper, and a combination of any of those colors. You can also find red, green, blue, purple, blue and black.

Here are some companies that offer a wide variety of threads:

Happy Stitching to you! ~Christen

PS: If you are looking for inspiration or ideas, check out my PDF Classes and books.

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