I am so glad to offer a fully kitted option for most of my designs to make starting your project as easy as possible. I think this is a great way to introduce a new stitcher to the hobby, help you build your confidence with stitching, or just make needlepoint more convenient.
I also love using different threads for different effects on canvases. This is a great way to make your projects more personal. Below I have listed some of the threads I like to work with and I’m always inspired by seeing how you all stitch the designs for yourself. Please keep tagging me on Instagram and TikTok @cocofrankstudio so I can see your creativity!
Pictured: Silk & Ivory
Classic options:
Perfect for any project, these are great foundational fibers to use again and again.
- Silk and Ivory: A 50/50 silk and wool blend, this is my favorite for stitching on 13 mesh. The colors are beautiful and the thread is so soft and a dream to work with.
- Pepper Pot Silk: This is a versatile thread that can be used on 18 mesh or 13 mesh. I prefer to use it on 18 mesh, the colors are vibrant and even come in some variegated shades that are great on sky, grass, and fur. I love using these for the Playing Card series.
- Vineyard Merino Wool: My favorite wool, this is one of the more durable threads if you’re stitching something that will get wear and tear, such as a keychain or belt.
- Essentials: I love using Essentials on 18 mesh projects! Essentials comes on cards with 10 yards of thread, so this is a great option for travel rounds where you may not need an entire skein of one color. (They also make 30 yard skeins now for bigger projects.)
- DMC Cotton: A more economical option, this thread comes in different sizes for 13 and 18 mesh. It’s also perfect for making custom cording on ornaments if you’re trying out self finishing.
Pictured: Silk Lamé Braid in tent stitches on rainbow; Kreinik in French knots for stars
Metallic options:
Perfect for adding shimmer and shine to projects.
- Silk Lamé Braid: Made in multiple sizes, this is a great metallic to start with if you’re a beginner. It comes in many different colors and I often use it on canvases for water, stars, or architectural accents.
- Fyre Werks: A bolder metallic, this ribbon-like thread can really pack a punch! I used it on my Hot Air Balloon canvas to make the initials and date pop.
- Kreinik: A braided metallic option that comes on a spool, there are different thicknesses available to achieve the look you want. I like using gold Kreinik on my playing cards.
- Fuzzy Stuff: A metallic fuzzy thread, this makes the perfect fur on all my dog canvases. I recommend doubling up the thread for 18 mesh for full coverage.
Specialty options:
Perfect for certain decorative stitches or techniques to achieve specific effects.
- Treenway silk ribbon: A personal favorite, I use these to make ribbon flowers on my Cupid, Love Bug series, and Paris round. I’ve got a tutorial here on creating ribbon flowers, but it’s also beautiful to use for French knots. If you are looking to purchase these beautiful ribbons, Novella Needlepoint has a wonderful selection.
- Straw silk: This thread gives a perfect organic look and texture that is so unique. I used it on my stocking for the goose nest using long stitches.
- Bella Lusso wool: A strandable wool that is great for shading. Use two strands on 18 mesh and three strands on 13 mesh in smaller areas.
- Eyelash: A fluffy option I used on my swan and turtle dove wings on my stocking. This is a great option for some fuzzy texture without being metallic. I recommend doubling the thread to get a fuller look.
- Frosty Rays: A thread with some sheen that is perfect for voluminous ruching in your canvas. I have a tutorial here where I stitched pieces for my daughter’s nursery.
Pictured: Treenway Silks, stitched in French knots for flowers
There are so many other threads on the market and I’m always eager to try new things. I find that some threads work better for me than others, but that doesn’t mean you might not enjoy them! What are your favorite threads to work with?
