Choosing Threads
Here are some points to consider when picking threads.
- How suitable is its color and texture for the area you will be stitching?
- Will the thread work for the stitch you will use? Will it give sharp stitch definition? Is it strong enough when you need long working lengths? Should it look like fur?
- How much do you enjoy stitching with it? Some threads are a pleasure to stitch and others just aren’t.
- How well will a thread stand up in its intended use?
Sometimes the last point is the one that matters most. If your piece will get extensive wear, like a chair seat or church kneeler, then it needs to be done all in basketweave with Persian or Tapestry wool.
If your piece is a work of art to hang on a wall, most anything goes. Exercise your creativity by using interesting threads and stitches.
In between these extremes are projects such as pillows, purses, vests, eye glass cases and the like. You have to decide what is your individual wear tolerance. Is the piece for fun? Just for show? Or one that will seldom be worn? Then use whatever threads and stitches you like. However, if it is going to get wear and you plan to keep it for years, and perhaps pass it on as a family heirloom, that is a different matter. Then use tightly spun wools and silks and keep decorative stitches to the minimum. Avoid heavily raised stitches, such as the Rhodes. Also avoid very long stitches as they invite snags.
Consider whether your piece could be snagged by pet claws or other things. If so, avoid Flair and Frosty Rays. They can run like nylon stockings. Since it is so wonderful to stitch, Silk & Cream is a favorite for purses, pillows and such. However, it can pill. So there is a trade off to think about. Would you rather use a thread you enjoy stitching with, or something less likely to pill that has a worse hand?
Rainbow Gallery threads are hand washable with mild detergents, such as Ivory Snow or Woolite. (Never use soap or bleach, or machine wash.) They can also be dry cleaned by a quality cleaner, one who is used to handling fine needlework.
If you must iron your needlepoint, do it with a warm setting. Place stitching face down on a towel. Put a dish towel on the back and then iron
Color fastness is seldom a problem with our threads, but it is always safest to test them first. Thoroughly wet a small length of thread and place it in the middle of a paper towel. Fold the towel over it. Pinch and pull the thread out. Inspect for color stains. If you try this with Very Velvet you may see some color which is probably just fuzz that can be flicked off.
There are many gorgeous hand dyed threads on the market. Unfortunately they are considerably more likely to run than ones commercially dyed. So be sure to test them. If they do bleed, and you decide to use them anyway, your piece must then be dry blocked. Be sure your finisher is told this.
