Guide to Using Threadworx Threads

Threadworx makes a large and varied line of threads. While most are multi-colored, they also make shadow-dyed (semi-solid) and solid colors. Knowing what threads work on what mesh sizes of canvas can be difficult.

Here’s a guide to what to use:

Accents only in Needlepoint

Threadworx’ finer threads will work for needlepoint only if you use multiple strands or if you use them for accents, multi-layered stitched (i.e. Hilton stitches), or overstitching techniques. The thinnest size of Pearl Cotton (12) and metallic (4) are used as accents in needlepoint.

Single-strand Threads

There are several threads this company makes that come as single strands. Depending on the thickness of the thread, you can use them as is on some canvases or use several plies on other mesh.

Expressions
A single-strand combination of one ply of rayon with one ply of cotton, this thread has a great matte/shiny look. It’s my favorite Threadworx thread. On 10 mesh-canvas, use 2 strands. Mesh sizes 14 and 16 use a single strand. I find it a bit thick for 18 mesh. 13-mesh canvas uses 1 or 2 strands.

Legacy
Legacy is a fuzzy thread that is great for accents. Most of the time you will use a single strand for needlepoint. On larger mesh, however, you may want to combine it with a second strand or with a strand of another single-strand thread.

Single-strand Silk
Threadworx uses Vineyard Silk as the base for this thread. Because so much air is spun into the thread during manufacture it can be used as is on many sizes of canvas.

When stitching on 10-mesh canvas double your strands. A single strand works on meshes from 13 to 18. If you find a single strand to be too thick on 18 mesh, switch to a larger needle. If this does not improve things, switch to a different thread.

Crewel Wool
Bella Lusso, an Italian wool, is the base thread for these overdyes. Use the overdyed thread as you would a solid-colored wool. On 10 mesh use at least 6 strands of wool. On 13 and 14 mesh, use three strands. 18 mesh takes two strands of crewel wool.

Kreinik
The two most common sizes of Kreinik for needlepoint, #12 (Tapestry) and #8 (Fine), are also available in overdyed colors from Threadworx. Use #12 on meshes from 13 to 18. Use a single ply of #8 on 18 mesh. Double this thread for 10 mesh.

Pearl Cotton
Threadworx dyes four sizes of pearl cotton: 3,5, 8, and 12. You can use #3 pearl easily on 10 mesh canvas, many folks find it too thick to look good on 13 mesh. #5 pearl is the most versatile size. It can be used on any mesh from 13 to 18. Pearl 8 works on 18-mesh canvas.

Stranded Threads

Silk
This thread uses Au Ver a Soie as its base and has seven (7) strands. Use a full strand + 1 on 10 mesh. Use 6 strands on 13 or 14 mesh. You can also use 5 strands on 14 -mesh canvas. Use 4 or 5 strands on 18 mesh.

Cotton Floss
In general use this as you would any solid cotton floss. This means 8-9 strands on 10 mesh. 7-8 strands on 13 mesh. 6-7 strands work on 14 mesh and 4 strands work on 18 mesh.

Will this Work for Me?

Remember these are only suggestions of the THREADS to use. While these sizes will work for most stitchers and on most diagonal stitches, the stitch you use and your stitching tension may give you different results. Until you have stitched with a thread and know how it works for you, consider these list suggestions only.