Embroidery thread

Embroidery thread, left to right: No. 5 perle cotton (coton perlé), matte cotton embroidery yarn, tapestry wool, cotton stranded embroidery floss

Embroidery threadisyarnthat is manufactured or hand-spunspecifically forembroideryand other forms ofneedlework.Embroidery thread often differs widely, coming in many differentfibertypes, colors and weights.

Threads for hand embroidery include:

• Crewel yarn(also known ascrewel woolorFrench wool)is a fine 2-ply yarn ofwoolor, less often, a wool-likeacrylic.Strands may be separated or combined; it is commonly used for delicate embroidery.
• Embroidery flossorstranded cottonis a loosely twisted, slightlyglossy6-strand thread, usually ofcottonbut also manufactured insilk,linen,andrayon.Cotton floss is the standard thread forcross-stitch,and is suitable for most embroidery excluding robust canvas embroidery.Extremely shiny rayon floss is characteristic ofBrazilian embroidery.The strands of embroidery floss can be separated, and may be used alone or in combination with one another.Historically, stranded silk embroidery threads were described assleavedorsleidedin the 16th century.
• Filoselleis a historical term for embroidery floss made using the leftover waste from reeled silk.
• Matte embroidery cotton(or its French name,coton à broder) is a matte-finish (not glossy) twisted 5-ply thread.
• Mediciorbroder mediciis a fine, light-weight wool thread formerly manufactured byDMC Group.
• Metallic embroidery threadsare threads with metallic elements; these may be synthetic orreal metal.Metallic threads range from a synthetic yarn with metallic elements worked in, to real precious metal threads that do not feature any yarn at all:
  • Bullionis a hollow metallic thread consisting of wire coiled into a spring, which does not retract when stretched. It can be cut into short lengths and worked like a large bead, and is not pulled through the fabric.
  • Gimpis similar to passing thread, but is of a heavier weight.
  • Lurex threadis an imitation metal thread available in a wide range of colours and finishes. It is soft and easier to work with than real metal thread.
  • Passing thread(orJapanese gold/silver thread) is a yarn that features a round metallic thread (which may be real silver or gold leaf, or imitation) wound around a core of silk, linen or cotton thread.
  • Plateis a flat, ribbon-like strip of metal that is couched onto fabric using regular thread.
  • Purlis a finer, more closely-twisted version of bullion; it can also be cut into lengths and applied like a bead.
• Perle cotton(also known aspearl cotton,or by theFrenchcoton perlé) is an S-twisted, 2-ply thread with high sheen, sold in five sizes or weights (No. 3, 5, 8, 12 and 16 (Finca), with 3 being the heaviest and 16 the finest). It is suitable for many different types of embroidery.
• Persian yarn(also known asPersian wool)is a loosely twisted 3-strand yarn of wool or acrylic, often used forneedlepoint.Each individual strand is 2-ply; the yarn can be separated or combined as required.
• Silk flossis available in two different types: flat, which has no twist, or only the slightest amount,and twisted.
• Tapestry yarnortapestry woolis a tightly twisted 4-ply yarn that is relatively hard-wearing. The strands cannot be separated, and it is similar in weight toworstedyarn.

Threads formachine embroideryare usually ofpolyesteror rayon (less often cotton or silk).

Threads, liketextiles,can contain compounds that may be harmful to humans. Manydyeshave been shown to beallergenicand in some casescarcinogenic.Testing for the presence of these dyes, and otherresidual substances,can be done at many commercial laboratories.

Certification to theOeko-tex standardmay also be applied for. This tests the component for over 100 different chemicals and certifies the component according to human ecological safety.

References

Bibliography

• Reader's DigestComplete Guide to Needlework.The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. (March 1992).ISBN0-89577-059-8