This month there is new addition to the Vineyard family of threads, and it’s a real winner. Vineyard Merino strandable is a perfect answer for those folks who aren’t happy with the current selection of wool threads.
The thread comes in 18 yard skeins, dyed to match the same 230 colors as Vineyard Silk Classic and Vineyard Merino. Because Vineyard Shimmer comes in 21 of those colors, you can now have up to four different textures in the same color.
A single strand of Strandable Merino is about the same width as a strand of crewel. The general stitching guidelines recommend 2 strands on 18-mesh and 3 on 13 mesh. I found this guideline to be true for me as long as the canvas color was close to the thread color. Where it differed I needed 3 strands on 18 for good coverage. You will need 3 strands on 18 for straight stitches and Bargello as well.
I loved how easy it was to use this thread. It has a smooth tight twist that’s rare in wool threads. It’s so smooth that it almost looks like a matte cotton when stitched. For those who like this weight of wool, but who miss the lovely smoothness of pre-DMC Medici, you’ve found the perfect thread.
Because it’s stranded, it will make padding of exceptional smoothness, adding a new texture to those doing 3-D techniques. Needless to say, it’s going to be amazing for Bargello.
Unlike other companies that make more than one wool thread, Strandable Merino and Vineyard Merino do not have similar textures. With Appleton, for example, a stitcher can happily blend Tapestry and crewel and they will be indistinguishable. Vineyard Merino, however, has a definite twist, making it almost a wool
“perle.” That’s an unusual texture in wool (one I like). The smooth Strandable Merino creates a nice contrast to this.
I tested it on two different canvases and loved the results. The thread was easy to handle, stitched evenly and covered well when I used the right number of strands. As a coverage test I tried two strands of dark covering white. When I found I needed an extra strand I had no problem stitching with a single strand over the already completed stitches. This is not always easy to do with most threads.
With its ability to be used in so many ways, it’s smooth texture and the lovely color range, Vineyard Strandable Merino is a wonderful thread.
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
How many square inches does a 30 yard skein of Vineyard Merino Wool cover on 13 count canvas?
Thank you
It actually depends on the stitch you are using, but a good rule of thumb is to figure about 1.5 yards to cover a square inch in Basketweave. Remember though that somestitches use less & some more, and that your tension will affect this amount.
Asumming this, the 30-yard skein would cover about 20 square inches. This is true for a thread where you are using it as it comes from the manufacturer.
When buying thread alwas add 20% to this amount and round up. This gives you ample amounts without running out of the dyelot. So, figuring this, unless your area is 18 square inches or less, buy 2 skeins.
Keep stitching,
Janet