Yes, I must be mad! I'm doing a cross stitch embroidery using metallic threads in various combinations. Not only that, I am working on a dark background- sheer masochism, I hear you say.
Section of Christmas stocking (sorry the sheen doesn't really show up well!)
So why am I torturing myself this way? Well, I am trying to achieve an illuminated manuscript look to a Christmas piece I am doing, as part of a Christmas present. Last year, I managed to do two and a half Christmas stockings (one did not quite get finished in time), but that was in lockdown, and I wasn't using metallic thread much. This year I will be happy if I finish this one.
So for those who have not yet worked with metallic threads, I shall briefly outline why they are difficult to work with.
- the threads are stiffer than normal floss
- they fray
- they tangle
- they wear very easily, so lose their sheen quite quickly
Just some of my metallic thread stash (I really must get it organised!)
A few years ago, I went on a Goldwork course with Helen McCook. Now Helen is a graduate of the Royal School of Needlework, so knows what she is talking about. The main tips she gave us on working successfully with metallic threads (apart from being an amazing embroiderer) were:
- use shorter threads than you would with ordinary thread/floss
- wax your thread
- finish off the thread when it starts to wear
I have followed two of these rules religiously, and they pay off. I have to confess that I do not always wax my thread, as some of them get a bit gungy when you do.
The other point to note is that metallic threads are not really designed for intensive cross stitching. They are really threads designed for surface embroidery, and there are many techniques which work better for these types of threads, for which there are many dedicated great courses and books. (I recommend Sarah Homfray's introduction to metallics on You Tube. She covers an extensive range of embroidery techniques and is very down to earth and clear.)
Gutermann metallic thread Colour 235
I am using a variety of threads, including: Gutermann metallics, DMC Diamante, Madeira metallics, Superior threads, and various metallic flosses from my stash.
So far the Gutermann metallics give the most blingy finish, and are not so bad for fraying and wear. The downside is that there is rather a limited colour palette.
Madeira Metallic thread Art 9842 Gold-5
Another thread I quite like is the Madeira Metallic Art thread. This is a fine single thread, which I am using in groups of four in the needle. It gives a nice shiny finish and does not fray. I think I bought it as a machine embroidery thread many years ago, but hey-ho it works!
More info to follow as I progress!
