My relationship with metallic threads has not always been good. My first disasters happened because my LNS bought metallics on cones (very large quantities) and then reeled off the skein size but only looped them. I didn’t know enough then to put them in zipper bags after I had cut them, so I always had knotted messes.
Then there was my brilliant idea to do the all-metallic background. That glitzy bit overwhelmed the focal point. (If you’ve taken my stitch guide class you’ve sen this epic fail).
As a result I approach metallics with caution. But I have also learned some important tips that make stitching with metallics easier.
Metallics have different finishes. If you are using all metallic, take advantage of this. Use the shinier and brighter metallics in the focal point. Use matte, vintage, and dull finishes for the background.
I did this in the vintage dede canvas pictured above. The silver is 001HL, one of the shiniest Kreinik silvers. The gold is 221, one of the darkest and dullest golds. The contrast in texture keeps the piece from being dull in spite of the shine.
There are enough colors in metallics to use them for everything in a canvas but the background. With lots of white in this mini-sock, the bright finish of these Holographic metallics makes for an interesting focal point.
Softer colors of metallic play well with other threads. As you can see in this vintage Petei stocking, the mix of soft metallic colors with overdyes and bright cottons creates a very pretty result. This combination is especially good for ornaments because the metallics will pick up the tree lights nicely.
Take advantage of metallic ribbons. If you are stitching straight stitches, use metallic ribbons which are made by both Krienik and Rainbow Gallery. Regular metallic threads are round and typically cannot be plied down. By using a ribbon in a matching color you will get flat stitches that fill the space and cover the padding or canvas. I love metallic ribbons!
You can shade with metallics. Essentially it is needleblending so you will need to use thinner sizes. I use two strands of Kreinik #4 on 18 mesh.
Don’t use metallic exclusively in a background. Although you will see metallic gold backgrounds in oriental art, most of the time they do not work well on their own in needlepoint. If you do want a metallic background as is the case in the canvas above, consider an open technique, such as Blackwork, so that the stitching and the colored canvas has depth and texture along with a more subdued finish.
Using metallics as the main thread in a piece can be very exciting, but use these tips to create great needlepoint!
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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