Hand embroidery does not need elaborate equipment or supplies; you can do it with a good enough fabric, embroidery thread, and a suitable needle. But when you get into the world of embroidery, you get to explore a lot more – Several embroidery tools and fabric and needles and threads that change the way you embroider altogether. Out of all these, threads make the most difference.
Believe me, it makes a lot of difference in your finished work if you know the different types of embroidery threads available and know which is best for your current project.
Different types of Hand embroidery thread
The most frequently used embroidery threads are 6-strand embroidery floss, (single color and multi color) Pearl cotton, Wool thread, rayon (satin thread), Tapestry wool thread, and metallic embroidery thread.1. Stranded Embroidery Cotton/ embroidery floss
Stranded embroidery cotton thread is the most preferred thread for doing embroidery work .You may be calling it by the name ‘Embroidery floss’. This is the most common thread used for most embroidery work including cross stitch. Also called 6 strand embroidery floss.
It has 6 strands of thread throughout the skein. You can thread your needle with the whole 6 strands or separate the thread depending on the effect you want on the work or the material you are working on.
For fine lines and delicate work, you will use one strand on your needle. For example for a needle painting work you use one strand and for cross stitch two strands and for needlepoint the full 6 strands. The embroidery floss is available in different fibers – cotton, rayon and silk.
2. Perle cotton/ Pearl cotton
This is a slightly more heavier thread than the single strand of Stranded cotton thread. The pearl cotton thread is available in many weights . Buy a pearl cotton medium for most of your needs.
This thread comes in one single strand. If you look carefully at each of the single strands you will find that it is made of two fibers twisted together. Do not separate this – it is meant to be used so
If there is a number on your embroidery thread they mean something – higher the number lighter the thread.
The textured effect of this thread makes it great to be used in Hardanger embroidery, cross stitch, redwork etc. You can use this thread to make beautiful tassels.
3. Rayon Floss (Satin embroidery thread)
Hi please disregard my last question on the abbreviated embroidery floss from Europe . It is not a floss but a Persian wool.
Thanks
Debbie
Hi, could you please tell me what these abbreviations stand for in regards to embroidery floss.? Pater. Prsn
I ordered a cross stitch pattern from Europe and they are using the above brand.
Thank you
Debbie
Looking forward to your insight,
Thanks!
Hi Angelina
In machine embroidery I have read of a product called topping – specifically “Floriani Embroidery Color Keep Topping” which enhances contrast colors. In hand embroidery the only thing that comes to my mind for your situation is to ensure that all the extra colour in your t-shirt is settled before you embroider on it. Wash it several times, washing it with salt solution to make the color settle, and then after embroidering, not washing it further with other colored clothes to reduce the probability of the color transferring on to the thread.
These posts may help : How to prevent color bleeding ; Garment and fabric care
Best wishes
I would like to do some embroidery on my transparent bag. what would be the appropriate thread and needle to use?
Thank you for helping in advance.
Hi Jeanny
You mean plastic transparent bag? I am afraid I have not done that. One tip I can tell you is to use a very thin needle lest it leaves holes.
Hi Elyse
Because of your comment I have added one more type of thread to the above list -thanks. I think you can have a look at Sashiko thread. I have added some details in the post.
I have no experience stitching on canvas but my common sense tells me to advice you not to use a too thick needle for the work; you will leave holes in canvas which may not mend as it would on normal fabrics.You can use thin needles with a large eye to accomodate the thicker thread you will be using. Hope this helps.
Hi Nicky
Have you read this post on embroidering letters
About bleeding, it depends on the quality of embroidery thread you have – you can wash a piece of it and see if it will bleed. Most good quality thread do not bleed, in my experience. If you have a suspicion with dark colour you can set colors by washing the thread in salt solution or vinegar solution to set colours.
Usually a thin needle with a large eye is used for embroidering – because the embroidery floss ( 2 or 3 or more thread) has to go through the eye and the body should not be too thick that it will leave holes in your fabric. Read about sewing needles here. and best fabric for embroidery
Hope all this will help you
Best wishes
Hi Camille
Why don’t you embroider with regular polyester thread – it is compact and thin with some gloss and strong and no bleeding at all
Hi JSD
I think you might want to check out the lustrous Rayon thread (maybe labeled silk thread /artificial silk/art silk) – this is the one most people use for jewelry making, or very thin Nylon thread
Hi Alyssa
Congrats on your first project and best wishes. If you buy a good quality thread (like DMC in US) usually they do not bleed. You can take some length and wash to see with very bright colours like red. some pre-wash thread in cold water with a little salt as a fixative.Some thread specifically come with this instruction – pre-soak all the floss in a mixture of water and vinegar to prevent the colors from running
Rayon embroidery thread may run so be careful if using that.
Hi Victoria
If your primary concern is about bleeding thread you can (should) prewash the thread and see – many people do this( professionals) with even the reputed brands. Fabric is precious. Otherwise you can use as much colour as you want 🙂 If you are asking about brand recommendation – my suggestion is – do not buy cheap thread. That shows. Best wishes
Hi
For denim stitching, you will need Heavy duty thread – use denim thread or topstitching thread or even two spools of ordinary thread. Maybe you would like to read this post on sewing machine thread //rosettanreedlaw.com/selecting-sewing-threads/ or on sewing denim //rosettanreedlaw.com/how-to-sew-denim/
For tshirts you can use a strong polyester thread with stretchy stitches – hope this helps
Hi Shelly
I think you got old stock of embroidery floss with your kit. It is a problem if you donot have some extra to complete – the colour rarely matches when you go out to buy more.