I have to thank Tink Boord-Dill for introducing me to Kreinik metallic ribbon. Yes I had used Fyre Werks, but I had never tried this lovely thread.
She suggested it as an alternative to #12 braid and boy was she right!
The braid comes in three sizes: 1/4″, 1/8″, and 1/16″ I’m most familiar with thew 1/16″ ribbon and I use it all the time. It works perfectly for Tent Stitches on 18-mesh canvas where it is indistinguishable from it. You can see this in the mini-sock pictured above. Some areas used ribbon, some braid in the same color. Can you tell which is which?
It’s also wonderful for Straight Stitches, including Bargello. The flat construction enables the thread to fill up more of the soace than #12 braid does.
But where it really shines is to cover padded stitches. Because it is a flat thread, it creates a smooth coovering for padding that looks like appliqued fabric. I just love this look. Even a siungle layer of padding brings out this wonderful characteristic.
Not every stores carries 1/16″ ribbon, nor is every color available. But, whenever possible, try to find this thread; it will open new possibilities for using metallics in your pieces.
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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