Can somebody point me to good information about metallic threads. I am cross stitching some xmas ornaments and would like to add some sparkle and glitz. The problem is that I don't know which weights and types are used for what purposes. I've run into terms like blending filament and braid but not an explanation of the term. I've thinking about adding some gold beads to one project and would like to use gold shiny thread too. Please help!
metallic thread
Mar 15, 2005
3 Replies
Kreinik filament is a single strand of metallic, usually wound with some kind of carrying thread so it winds on the spool better. Kreinik braids are that number of filaments braided in a flat braid (#4 is 4 strands of filament, etc). More info can be found on
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Rainbow Gallery also makes metallics. Many of them are chainettes or other type of braids. Their website is
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-- Jenn Ridley : snipped-for-privacy@chartermi.net WIP: Art Stitch Rose Trio, Emperor's Coat, Carousel, Romance Most recently Finished: Halloween Circle, Always be a Wildflower, FrankenFlora
I just bought a collection of Accentuate by Access Commodities and I think its better than Kreinik. And they have prettier colors I think. I got them at Wonderful Stitches.
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You only need 1 strand and they don't loose the glitter or fray out. Some braids are thicker and more difficult to use. Blending is probably what you want. With Accentuate you don't have to add other floss.
Donna
I learned a tip I use a lot, on rctn many years ago. Most patterns for counted cross stitch I have seen, suggest you use things like blending filament and floss together in the same needle. I find blending filament and floss tend to "fight" when used this way. What I do is to stitch the floss in the usual way, and then add the metallic just as the top cross. To me this adds enough sparkle, the metallic tends not to get hidden too much, and it is much quicker and easier to stitch. However, it is a good idea to try it out first, to see if you like the effect. HTH.
-- Jim Cripwell. From Canada. Land of the Key Bird. This creature of doom flies over the frozen tundra in winter, shrieking its dreaded call; "Key, Key, Key, Key rist but it's cold!!"
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