For some canvases you want a thread where there are obvious differences between the plies. We call these tweeded threads because of their resemblance to tweed fabrics, which have different colors in the warp and weft.
Sock monkeys are a great example of this. The socks used for them were originally made from ragg wool, wool made from two ply yarn where one ply is undyed (cream) and one dyed, usually brown. This gives ragg wool items a distinctive look.
If you want to replicate this look in your needlepoint, there are only a few yarns that have two plies in different colors. Most shades of Oriental Linen from Thread Gatherer are this way to some extent. Being a silk and linen blend, this thread won’t look much like wool.
Burmilana makes several shades that are tweeded, although the color change in them is not so extreme. Because you will need to use several strands here, the ragg wool look will be muted.
& More’s Heather also has tweeded colors, but only two have a cream strand. Like Burmilana you need to use multiple strands, so the tweed will be muted.
With nothing out there to replicate this look, how do you create it? You’ll need to make your own tweed thread. This will be easy to do – just replicate the progress used to make the yarn. Take two solid threads, one of which is white or cream and use both threads in the same needle.
For the Sock Monkey, from The Meredith Collection, I used two colors of Pashima for the darker color of brown on the monkey. I love how effective it is to create the look of ragg wool!
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
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