Replies

1. 
   Josefly | Feb 11, 2009 03:34am | #1

   I think cotton embroidery floss looks shinier before stitching than it does in a finished project, especially after it's been laundered. Hand-embroidery floss is most common in cotton, silk, and rayon, with cotton being the least shiny. But there's also a linen embroidery thread - have you run across it in your searches? I would think it would be more matte-looking, but I haven't seen it anywhere, just read about it here:

   http://www.dmc-usa.com/majic/pageServer/03010000c0/en_US/Linen-news.html

   Perhaps a store-search at this DMC site will help you find the product. Good luck.

1. 
   Claudiam | Feb 12, 2009 09:29pm | #4

   I will check out the linen threads and maybe distressing the cotton threads will work.

   Thanks for replying.

   Claudiam

2. 
   ThreadKoe | Feb 11, 2009 10:19pm | #2

   It is possible that the post finishing process to distress the garments is what gives the threads the uneven and distressed look to the embroidery. Uneven thread would be hard to work with! Try stitching a sample with regular cotton thread, then gently rub it with some sandpaper, then wash it in the washing machine, and put it in the dryer. I suspect this will give it the look you are after. Cathy

1. 
   Claudiam | Feb 12, 2009 09:28pm | #3

   Well, gee, I should have thought of this and this might be the answer. I will try it out. I think it would work in some cases and might be my best chance. I suspect, however, that the designers just have access to suppliers that we don't-- probably from sources in countries where they don't finish off the threads as we do. I'll try your idea, however.

   Thanks!

   Claudiam

1. 
   ThreadKoe | Feb 17, 2009 05:54pm | #7

   I know what you mean by different sources. The manufacturer can often custom order special finishes or matte finished flosses by the batch because they order so much. Perhaps, the next best thing is what we can attain at home. Good luck! Cathy

3. 
   Palady | Feb 12, 2009 10:10pm | #5

   Floche (flow- shsh) may fit your need.  It's a thread used for smocking because it is "softer" than embroidery cotton.  Price is higher, but once you see it, the quality is clearly discernable.

   This next URL has a very wide on-line offering.

    http://www.elegantstitches.com/Floche.htm

   me

    

   
   

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   Edited 2/12/2009 2:13 pm ET by Palady

1. 
   Claudiam | Feb 12, 2009 11:01pm | #6

   Thanks. I will give it a try!

    

   Claudiam

4. 
   KharminJ | Feb 19, 2009 03:11am | #8

   Hi Claudia!You've gotten some excellent suggestions already - here's another idea ~ Try using raveled threads from fabrics. I've gotten some really exciting "floss" from the edges of my stash! My favorite is a bulky raw silk in screaming orange - I've passed it on to several embroidery mavens of my acquaintance, and they love it too. I've also used remnants, cutoffs, even "inchage" of the most extravagant fabrics. A 1/4 yard of fabric will yield yards and yards of the stuff.This increases your color and texture options exponentially, too - look at home-dec fabrics, especially. Happy stitching! Kharmin

1. 
   ThreadKoe | Feb 19, 2009 05:58am | #9

   Kharmin you have a wonderful imagination! What a great idea! A Whole New World of Thread for Embellishment that I had seen but never realized! You should put that idea into the magazine tips! Cathy

2. 
   Claudiam | Feb 20, 2009 12:48am | #10

   What an incredible idea and why didn't I tinik of that! Thank you so much for responding.

   Claudiam

5. 
   thanhminh | Nov 02, 2017 10:09am | #11

   Thread for hand embroidery

   A full website on hand embroidery will help you, It is 100% cotton thread, after washing them will be more beautiful.

   http://www.embroideryviet.com,