Cross stitching is fine, detailed work and you need to use the proper thread or floss to produce the best results. Even then, the choices can be overwhelming. There are different brands to choose from, threads can be made from either silk or cotton, and then you have specialty threads that are metallic or glow in the dark. Don't worry; I'm here to help. Here's a quick guide to help you choose the best thread for your next cross stitching project.
First, let's start with the basics. Embroidery floss is the most commonly used thread when cross stitching. It is a cotton thread that has six strands, but usually you will only use two strands at a time for stitching and one strand for back stitching. Now let's look at the details of brand and specialty colours.
Brands of Thread
Most books and patterns suggest you use either DMC or Anchor brands, which are easy to find at your local craft store, but other brands do exist. If you do use a brand of thread other than what your pattern suggests, it is helpful to use a conversion chart. Conversion charts show what colours are identical between each brand. That way, if your pattern lists the colour by DMC number, you can use the conversion chart to buy the equivalent colour in the Anchor brand.
Thread Colours
Most patterns suggest using one colour at a time. Occasionally, a pattern will suggest blending colours together, where you will combine two or more colours for each stitch. But to really enhance a pattern, specialty threads can be used.
One type of specialty thread is variegated floss. Variegated floss is one skein of thread that has multiple colours in it. Usually the multiple colours consist of a single colour that changes from light to dark shades, but sometimes the floss has different colours in a single skein. The multiple colours produce a subtle colour change, which is revealed every few stitches.
Another type of specialty threads are ones that add or reflect light, such as metallic thread, glow in the dark threads, or threads with pastel tones. Metallic floss adds sparkle and shine to your design, while glow in the dark threads add a sense of wonder in the dark. Threads with pastel tones give a calm, reflective feeling to the final cross stitch design.
Taking Care of Your Threads
When buying thread, look for higher quality thread, as this will make for a more enjoyable stitching experience and produce a higher quality finish. Poor quality thread will fray easily, making it hard to thread through the needle and it will give your finished piece a fuzzy appearance.
Most commercial threads should be hand washed before use to prevent the colour from running. However, certain threads, such as silk or hand-dyed threads should not be washed, as the dyes are not colour fast. If these threads are washed, the colour will fade. Also, do not wash metallic threads, as these threads are more fragile and can tangle and break when washed. As a side note, do not wash any piece that has been stitched with hand-dyed thread, as the colours will run together.
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