Back in the 1970’s most of us stitched needlepoint with only one thread — Persian Wool. We never stopped to ask ourselves “Why Are Threads Different Sizes?” because our thread came in only one size. If we were adventurous and also used embroidery floss, the question didn’t come up here either. That’s because both threads have multiple strands and so the thread as we bought it remained the same size even though the number of strands we used changed.
This changed as stitchers started to use a wider variety of threads, particularly ones that are round and have a single strand. All of a sudden you could have mismatches between the thread and the canvas. Too big and it distorted the canvas or, even worse, wouldn’t even go through the holes. Too small and your canvas showed through, sometimes everywhere.
Thus the need for stitchers to use different sizes of threads. To be sure threads in different diameters proceeded the change in needlepoint, but often we weren’t aware of it. As needlepoint changed throughout the 1980’s so did our threads.
Two things drove this change. First, we began to stitch on more and smaller mesh sizes. When I began needlepointing in the early 1970’s you stitched on 10- or 12-mesh canvas. 18 mesh was considered “petitpoint.” Since the mid-80’s 18-mesh canvas has become the standard. The large meshes of 40 years ago are rarely seen. This made thinner threads more useful.
Second, thread manufacturers began marketing a wider selection of threads. With this came a wider variety of sizes and, for some threads, availability of one type of thread in several sizes.
Not all threads come in different sizes. In addition, not all companies call the different sizes of the same thread by the same name. Take Rainbow Gallery’s silk pearls for example: Grandeur is a #5 pearl, Elegance is a #8 pearl, and Subtlety is a #12 pearl. The same number is the same color in all, so they match.
Uses for Different Sizes of Thread
This abundance in thread sizes opens up many possibilities for us. Here are some ways you can make different sizes of thread work for you:
- Match the thread size with the canvas size for complete coverage. Many threads will tell you the recommended canvas mesh. Use this as the starting point for trying out the thread.
- Combine strands of thinner threads for needleblending. This can be a great way to shade your threads.
- Use thinner threads when doing open techniques such as Blackwork. Thinner threads with this technique more closely mimic the look of Blackwork on cloth.
- Use thinner threads to make open stitches look more open. Because the threads are thinner more canvas will show. Many stitches these days have open threads and using threads thick enough to cover the canvas often hides these threads. Using thinner threads preserves the open feel.
- Use thinner threads for Hilton, Rhodes, and Eyelet Stitches. When many threads go into the same hole or cross each other, the result can be uncomfortably bulky. Using a thinner thread solves this problem.
- Use thick threads for couching. If you want a line that is thinner than Tent Stitch but still solid, you could use a thicker thread and couch it down with a thinner thread. It will still be thinner than the stitched line and is less work than wrapping a line of stitches.
- Use thinner threads for overstitching. By doing this you will allow some of the stitching underneath to show through.
- Add variety to French Knots by using threads in various sizes. One way to change the size of knots is to change the thicknesses of the thread. Doing this in matching colors will keep your knotted area from looking too uniform.
- Create your own “new” threads by combining two different thin threads in the same needle. If the thread you want doesn’t exist — make it by doing this. I’m planning on starry night sky in space by combining black silk with a dark silver metallic. No one makes this color combination.
As you can see, threads in different sizes are not only a need for different canvases but a springboard to your creativity.
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
Mb says
I don’t think the Elegance has been discontinued. My shop has just checked with RG and they are adding 11 new colors this fall.
Janet M Perry says
Thanks for letting me know, I’m so glad. I’ll correct that now.
Keep stitching,
Janet