What kind of floss/thread for redwork?

[Betty J.]

I would really love to do some redwork hand embroidery. I used to do a lot of embroidery and kept up with the best threads and all, but it's been so long I'm sure there have been some advances now. What is the best embroidery floss that those of you who do this work use?

[Betty J.]

Betty Jo, I use "DMC" embroidery thread.

[Betty J.]

Thanks Margarita. That's what I used to use. Glad to know it seems still good.

[Hannelore N.]

I use DMC or Anchor for redwork and for blackwork. But I have to admit that I prefer Anchor. It's well known that I'm not just relaxed, but almost horizontal and don't stress about little things, like type of thread, seam allowances, pre-washing fabrics or not, etc. But....... if I look very,very closely at work I have done with DMC (and I use a lot of DMC for all sorts of needlework) and work done with Anchor, the redwork or blackwork with the Anchor thread is just a very little bit more 'crispy'. The DMC thread seems to be a bit more fluffy along the edges. But it actually doesn't make much difference.

If you really want to treat yourself then you'll look for a silk thread. Soie Cristale by The Caron Collection is excellent. It's a 12-ply 100% Italian silk (I normally use 2 strands) and is lovely to work with.

I use more or less strands of yarn depending on what sort of design I'm stitching. I tend to use more strands for outlines and less for filling in shapes.

And don't feel that you have to stick with the red. It may be called redwork, but it can look stunning in a dark green or purple, or a very light grey on a navy background.

And then there are all the space-dyed and variegated threads..........

You may have guessed that this is one of my favourite subjects.

[Betty J.]

Lorchen,

Thanks! That's very helpful. I think I'll start back with cotton and maybe treat myself to silk after I get back into it. It's been decades, really, though I used to actually win ribbons on my embroidery in local shows in my youth. Funny how I dropped it altogether somewhere along the way. I didn't wear glasses then. 8) I like the idea of light on dark or other colors. I think I"ll start by using Alex's Beautiful Bouquet pattern and make it into a pillow.

Cheers

BJ

[Betty J.]

Thanks Lorchen, I will have to try Anchor. I have always used DMC.

[Sherry B.]

I use 2 strands of DMC. I've never seen Anchor - will have to check that out.