Perle cotton help

I'm not sure about a substitute, but I'm wondering why ordering is out of the question? Most places will overnight, if necessary, so you could have it by tomorrow or the next day. It wouldn't be cheap, but depending on whether there's a good alternative, it might be an option.

Best wishes, Ericka

One - I'm too cheap to pay the overnight costs and two - more to the point - I've selected the variegated thread I'm using for the XS part of the pattern. I need to be able to see the colors in person to be sure they will match!

Also, occurred to me this information might be useful: I am doing hardanger type stitches (Kloster blocks, Algerian eye, satin and four sided stitch, but no cutting) on 28 count evenweave.

Hmm - maybe some one here has it on hand! or would pick it up for you! Hint, hint! Cheryl

Linda,

In reading the first post I was just wondering... is it for Hardanger? Thanks for answering that!

I got out my perle 8 and some stranded, and yes, I'd suggest that 3 strands of floss is approximately equal in thickness to perle 8. However, the look is quite different, but if you don't mind that, that's ok. If you start working and find its not as fine as you would like, try 2 strands instead.

For the kloster blocks and satin stitch you could quite successfully use perle 5, on 28ct that will provide good coverage. I would probably prefer that to No 8 on that count, actually. But I wouldn't use 5 for the eyelets or the four sided stitch - might look a bit too chunky.

HTH,

Yvette Stanton

Author of "Elegant Hardanger Embroidery" 2002, 2005, and "Mountmellick Embroidery: Inspired by Nature" 2004

I think Threadexpress has reasonable shipping costs and lightening fast shipping. If you are using DMC pearl cotton, you can check the colors by matching floss numbers. As someone else pointed out, you can use floss, but it will have a different look.

Elizabeth

I will look at the colors I need tonight and post tomorrow! Thanks for all the good ideas!

OK - here's my list: 3685, 3688, 930 and 367. Any help?

Linda

The major thing to consider for the substitition is the thread count on the fabric you will be using. If you are using a ground cloth finer than 26 tpi it rules out the use of #5. IMHO, you'd be happier using 3 strands of floss (twisted together) for the #8. Continually twisting the floss will end up taking a lot longer to stitch. I'd try stitching an isolated area this way, and ordering the #8 as fast as you can.

The craft thread is roughly equivalent to #5, but of a much poorer quality. It doesn't have the finish that pearl does, and begins to shread when used for repetitive stitching. You can use it to couch with, or in shorter lengths - just don't use it when it gets a lot of wear. It comes only in pre-packaged sets, which means that if you run short of a color, you have to purchase another complete set. The colors are just a bit off, when compared to #5, so it's difficult to make substitutions. I use it for Temari balls and embroidered cards, but that's about it.

Phyllis Maurer

Linda,

Mail me off list - I have some good news for you!

Cheryl