The art of embroidery is very old. It is known to be a delicate craft which does not have a long life. It requires special care to preserve it from deterioration. This traditional sewing art has come a long way from using ancient gold threads to modern specialty fibres.
Different types of threads are used for making embroidery stitches. If the embroidery of ancient and modern age is compared, one can find a huge difference in the threads and the techniques used in creating them. Earlier, only hand embroidery existed but as time passed, machines were introduced and today computerized embroidery has captured the hearts of the designers and people.
There are some factors one needs to consider before selecting the thread for embroidery. The type of fabric, embroidery technique, kind of stitch, needle type, etc. needs to be considered. A variety of embroidery threads are available in the market in different colors, types and weights. One can select the threads according to one's requirement.
To begin with is the embroidery floss which offers wide range of colors. One of its advantages is that the six strands of the embroidery floss can be separated. Hence, the thickness of the thread can be changed according to the requirement.
A heavier yarn compared to the embroidery floss is the crewel yarn. It is made of natural or synthetic wool and is mostly used in tapestry work or for embroidery on heavy fabrics. Matte yarn is similar to embroidery floss with the only difference being; it is five-ply thread without shine giving a matte finish to the work. Persian threads are three-ply threads made from wool or synthetic fibres.
Pearl cotton threads are renowned and are used for many embroidery works such as lacework, black work, cross stitch, cutwork, knitting, etc. Silk threads are lustrous, elastic and durable natural fibres which gives a unique touch to the embroidery work. Silk threads are available in embroidery floss, pearl, ribbon and in different weights but can be expensive compared to the other fibers.
Few types of silk thread used for hand embroidery are silk belle, silk mori, silk serica, etc. Lightweight silk threads are used to sew on delicate fabrics whereas; heavy weight threads are used in making button holes and hand or machine stitching. Metallic threads are manufactured by keeping the thread in the centre and wrapping it with a metal foil.
To add color, a polyester coating is applied to the foil and sometimes silver alloy coating is done to make it stronger. Metallic threads are available in different thickness and colors like silver, gold, platinum, copper and some antique colors. They are expensive but the outcome it gives to the embroidery work cannot be achieved by any other thread.
Satin and rayon threads are very fine synthetic threads with luster. They are usually used for writing small letters or making fine embroidery designs. It is also available in thicker weights and are used making large designs or lettering on jacket backs. Further, one can see overdyed threads which are produced in cotton and silk embroidery floss.
It shows more than one shades of a color in a single strand, but it should not be mistaken to be multicolored threads. Wool threads are also used for embroidery and are available in various weights like fine crewel wool, divisible Persian wool and tapestry wool.
In recent times, new inventions have developed specialty threads. Fire resistant embroidery threads have been introduced which normally uses nomex thread. It is an expensive thread used for embroidery on racing fire suits or fire fighting suits. It is abrasive proof, self extinguishing, durable and has a long life. Monolon or transparent nylon threads are used for invisible sewing and hemming.
Monolon threads are especially used for stitching on ribbon, lace, machine quilting, or applications which requires blind stitch. Smocking thread are 100% polyester threads which reacts to heat. If smocking thread is used on a fabric and warm iron is run over the stitched area, the threads will create an organized gathering without harming the fabric. This wavy and crumpled effect looks amazingly beautiful.
This shrink embroidery does not need any special needle. It can be created with any embroidery or simple sewing machine. Also, color changing threads are available in the markets nowadays. They are also known as thermo-chromics that change the color with the change in the temperature. For example, the color will go from colored to colorless when the temperature changes and returns back to its original color when exposed to original temperature.
The threads contain thermo-chromic pigments that are responsible for the color change. This new technology helps the embroidery designs to change the color when exposed to sunlight. Lastly, fluorescent embroidery threads, made from polyester/rayon threads are used for making embroidery designs, logos, motifs or lettering that shines in the dark.
Fluorescent threads are useful on clothes used for safety purposes. Such clothes can be seen in the dark even if there is no light. Novelty threads are another type of embroidery threads that adds fun to stitching. It is available in many textures, styles and materials. Like a fuzzy thread is used to make hair or beards. It can be furry, metallic, textured, leather, plastic, etc.
In addition, wired threads are seen in the market. They are not used for normal stitching but to give the surface finishing on the design or add dimension and detailing to the work. Wire is hidden in the thread; therefore it can be bent, twisted and curled to hold a shape. Also, gold work embroidery threads are produced. United Kingdom is well-known to manufacture the best gold or metal threads in the world and still follow the traditional method of manufacturing the gold threads.
Lastly, embroidery threads can be made from natural and synthetic fibres. Synthetic fibres like PET, nylon, nomex, viscose rayon are much in demand for embroidery work. With new technology, specialty threads are being used for special purpose application.
References:
1. Embroidery.about.com
2. Wisegeek.com
3. Indiantextilejournal.com
4. Berlinembroiderydesigns.com
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