Needlepoint 101 – Selecting Threads for Needlepoint
Monday, August 8, 2011
Needlepoint is a fun, hot trend, and last week I explained a bit about needlepoint canvas, and today’s topic is thread!
Threads selected for a needlepoint project depend on several factors including the mesh size of the canvas used, the desired thickness of the finished stitch, and the stitch itself.
Do you want the stitch to be open and airy, or dense? Do you like a shiny thread, or a matte finish? These are all important considerations when selecting a thread for a needlepoint project.
I like to stitch a small stitch sample using a selected thread before I tackle a needlepoint canvas. This ensures that I am getting the look I want without having to pick out the stitching and make changes later.
To illustrate these points I’ve worked a small square of Reversed Scotch Stitch in several types of thread on mono canvas with a mesh size of 13 holes per inch (hpi).
To enlarge the sample to see the details at any time, double-click on the photo to the right.
In the first example, I used DMC Size 8 Pearl Cotton (color 3689) balls.
Notice that the stitch is open and airy, and that quite a bit of the brown canvas shows between the individual stitches. This is fine if an airy stitch is what you’re looking for, but if it isn’t, it’s time for a change of threads.
The second example shows the same stitch worked in DMC Color Variations Pearl Cotton (color 4190), which is a size 5 pearl. Less canvas is showing, and the finished stitch looks neat and tidy.
Sample three was stitched using DMC Size 3 Pearl Cotton (color 760) and has good coverage, with little (if any) canvas show-through. however, the stitching seems just a bit crowded for my liking.
I’ve change to DMC Embroidery Floss (color 3689) in the fourth sample. All 6 strands were used to work the stitches on the canvas. the spacing is good, with no canvas show-through or crowding. The mercerization process given to the cotton thread gives the stitching quite a bit of shine. I didn’t use a laying tool in the sample, but if I choose this thread, I’ll use one to make sure the stitches lie flat and smooth.
In the next example I’ve changed fibers and have used DMC Medicis Wool to stitch the sample. The coverage is excellent, and the stitching looks neat without being crowded. This thread has a matte finish, so there is no shine.
The final example is stitched in DMC Tapestry Wool (color 7151).
I love the matte finish, but the stitching felt a bit tight while working, so I will need to use this thread on canvas with a smaller mesh count – around 10 holes per inch would be better.
There’s a huge universe of embroidery threads suitable of needlepoint, and this blog is just the tip of the iceberg.
I hope you’ll consider stitching a similar sample to help you select the perfect threads before beginning your next embroidery project. A test such as this can save time in the long run, be ensuring you get exactly the look you want.
Happy Stitching!
~Emma
