The variegated threads are gorgeous, but I think you would need the right design to showcase the thread. What designs have you been successful with this fabulous thread? (And if you wouldn't mind sharing what brands of variegated threads you adore most, that would be lovely also!)

Interesting question. Thank you. H&*

I love the variagated threads, but it is very iexpensive here. I bought a reel of Madeira (1,000M) the other day and it cost me R99.oo per reel. IF I had to put that over into dollars, you can work it out. Our Rand is about 7.OO to R8.oo to your 1 dollar. a Lot of money !!!!!!!

1 comment

by joann13100 20 Jun 2010

Ouch! You really have to plan on how you would use variegated at that price.

Has anybody else tried the designs for variegated thread?

Here is the picture to go with the post below - for some reason I couldn't put two pictures in one post.

1 images:[1]

I've now stitched out the free sample rooster mentioned earlier. I'm not sure about it - in some places it looks as if the tension has changed and the bobbin thread is coming through.
I also stitched some lettering with the striped thread and I think I prefer plain! (The font is from the free software for text designs at http://www.embroiderydesigns.com/...)

1 images:[1]

4 comments

by marietta 20 Jun 2010

I think this is beautifull, love the "rough" image the cotton gives

by pamconno1 20 Jun 2010

I just love it - even where the bobbin thread is coming through - it looks like art. Beautiful.

by spendlove 20 Jun 2010

The bobbin thread isn't really coming through - its the white part of the variegated thread!

by joann13100 20 Jun 2010

I think it looks good. I'm realizing that the selection of variegated to achieve the right effect is going to be the tricky part of the planning.

Joann, I love to do fsl designs, bookmarks,keyrings,angels,fairy,butterflies. I have tried embossed designs, with the 2 colours and they came out great. I aslo have used different brands. You never now how they will stitch out. I use 1 of the colours in the bobbin to match that of the veriegated thread.

Hugs Yvonne

I love to use green varigated when doing grass or vegetation.

I have only used to sew intials on key rings as gifts. I use a bright rainbow type on a celery poka dotted ribbon. The letters really stand out.

I have found the twisted thread is better,you do not get the stripes,thinking of using up the variegated thread doing lots of FSL hopeing that by using it in the bobbin aswell as the top it may have a better look. cheers

Good question, I love the look of variegated and will try it on anything. Sometimes it surprises you and does not look half bad. Maybe personal preference.

I have don FSL angels, christmas bells and eggs with it. As long it is in one color like redwork it is oke.
Yvonne

I like variegated thread, I think it well appropriate to redwork, and more generally for right stitches. On full surface, it makes stripes which are not always good.

I have used it on RW butterflies and love the result

I've done feathers on curtains and it really came out beautifully - not sure what type of thread it is. I noted that the site Shirlene referred to is also feathers. It isThe thread comes in bigger cones and I've pulled of the initial covering. I understood from the lady at the embroidery shop that roses are beautiful in the red/black thread haven't tried it though.

I love the concept of variegated thread, but have been disappointed that some I have bought is just striped with a colour and white. Useful in their way, but not truly variegated.

Yes I have a few varigated threads which was a gift from a friend that they got in the States on one of their visits. I tend to use it most when making cards and embroidering fonts

I too like variegated thread and found a web site that has wuite a lot of designs dedicated to it, check some of these out, there is a free one or two to try as well.
http://www.needlepassionembroider...

3 comments

by asterixsew 17 Jun 2010

Thanks there are some good designs here for using the thread

by maryanns66 17 Jun 2010

Thanks for the site. I downloaded the rooster to try.

by spendlove 17 Jun 2010

Thanks - I've downloaded the sample as well!

Good question. I haven't tried it yet but would like to soon. I learn new things here everyday!

I love variegated threads, too! Like others, I've used it for FSL, leaves, flowers, butterflies, sea shells, and more. I've never purchased designs specifically digitized for variegated threads,though. I love the set from Metro. The picture on the site doesn't do them justice. They are so beautiful and shiny.

4 comments

by joann13100 16 Jun 2010

I feel a shopping binge coming on at Metro Threads! Thanks,
Joann

by psssst 16 Jun 2010

I have several spools of Metro thread, none of them are variegated... I too feel a "shopping binge" coming on!

by maryanns66 17 Jun 2010

You both will love Metro's variegated thread! It's so beautiful. Mine was a gift from my brother and SIL. They bought the whole package that included the variegated and we were in shock at the difference in the site picture and how pretty they are 'in person'. So about a week later, they surprised me with a box.

by joann13100 20 Jun 2010

You lucky duck!

I use for lots of things, flowers, leaves, stems, animals on childrens things(they wind up being striped & so cute. I love to do the outside border of things with varigated. I like doing blanket stitch with it around baby things. *4U

1 comment

by joann13100 16 Jun 2010

Blanket stitching--that's a great idea!
Thanks,
Joann

Joann, I have a few designs that are made just for variegated thread - I love them - I got them at Emblibrary, too. I purchased some variegated thread at Metro Thread.

1 comment

by joann13100 16 Jun 2010

Thanks Shirlene! I'll check them out. I really like emblibrary designs.

I use it for the stitch in applique and they are beautiful. Specially hot pink applique and white and black thread.

1 comment

by joann13100 16 Jun 2010

Ahhh, a classic 50's look! Love that idea---

I love love love variegated thread, I just wish there were more "design specific" for it. So far I have found it works great for fsl, text and RW. Unfortunately sometimes (the best times) it is random and other times (not so great) it is striped.

1 comment

by joann13100 16 Jun 2010

Yup, that's what I was afraid of. That's why I'm guessing that the design choice would be critical.

I like variegated thread in some lace designs. I just bought mine at the Viking Store.