Here is Part 2 of "Threads I Use a Lot." There are so many wonderful threads for needlepoint these days. Just because a thread isn't listed here doesn't mean I don't stitch with it or that I don't like it - these are just some of my "go to" threads. I most often stitch on 18 count canvas and there are many wonderful threads not listed here that are more suitable for 13 count canvas.
Alchemy Silken Straw. This is an over-dyed 100% silk thread. It looks like a ribbon and can be laid but it can also be twisted to create texture. I have been using it on brooms, tree branches, and pine needles. The colors are fantastic.
Website: http://www.alchemyyarns.com/yarns.html
Amy's Burmilana. These are wool/acrylic blends in a variety of colors not available in other thread lines. They are great for nature themes, particularly animals, birds, leaves, and trees. The brighter colors are good for a knit look on sweaters, scarves, and hats. On 18 count canvas I usually stitch with two strands but you could use 1 strand for a lighter look. The gently variegated colors of this thread can creates realistic-looking animal fur when worked in interlocking gobelin.
Website: www.amybunger.com
Caron Collection threads. The Caron Collection has a number of wonderful threads for needlepoint (and cross stitch). I use Impressions frequently for backgrounds - it sinks into the canvas, stitches smoothly and doesn't overwhelm the foreground design elements. It comes in solid and variegated colors. Watercolours (Pima cotton), Waterlilies (silk), and Wildflowers (cotton) are also variegated threads that stitch nicely on canvas. A lot of counted needlepoint designs use these threads. Some of the colors are available in all of these threads, so you can do a counted design with the same colors but get different textures. Many of the variegated colors are great for sky and water backgrounds.
Website: http://caron-net.com/threads.html
Kreinik. Kreinik is the leader in metallic threads designed for needlepoint. It was the first metallic I used on needlepoint and I am very grateful that it is still available. I use a lot of #12 Tapestry braid in my stitching. I particularly like the variety of colors in gold and silver, which is very useful on Christmas ornaments that have more than one shade of those colors. You can use #4 braid color 032 on snow that is painted in blues and whites - the canvas painting will show through so you can simply basketweave with a single thread. I have also used #8 braid in an open stitch for a snow or sky background. There are more uses for this thread than I can list here.
Website: www.kreinik.com
Petite Peluche by Fabulous Fibers. This is my new favorite thread for sheep and any other animal that needs a bit of "fuzzy." I use 2 strands on 18 count. This works best with long stitches. Once you fuzz the thread after stitching (run the eye of a large needle over it gently), the stitch pattern almost disappears. For that reason you can use almost any stitch. For maximum fuzziness and fast stitching, I like to use a Byzantine that is at least 3 threads by 3 threads, Nobuko, or Triple Diagonal Parisian. The white would also work well for Santa's beard, hat, and suit, and for fuzzy scarves, sweaters, and hats.
Website: www.amybunger.com
Pepper Pot Silk. I am so glad that Planet Earth makes this thread. This is a 100% twisted silk that is used as it comes off the skein on 18 count canvas. The colors (and their names) are delicious. This is a great background thread - it covers well so if you want to change a color slightly from what is painted, this is a good thread to use. Planet Earth makes a wide variety of needlepoint threads and they are all great.
Website: http://planetearthfiber.com/
Renaissance Sprinkles. This is one of those threads that can be tricky to use unless you handle it gently. I think it's well worth the effort. It's hard to find metallics that have a medium shine and this thread is available in a variety of colors you can't find anywhere else. It really does look like sprinkles in a sugar cookie. I like the golds and yellows for suns, moons, and flower centers. Many of the colors work well in Christmas and Halloween designs. Renaissance has many other thread lines, this just happens to be my favorite of theirs.
Website: http://www.renaissanceneedlepoint.com/thread/t-sprinkles.html
Soft Sensations by Fabulous Fibers. This is a fuzzy nylon and rayon thread that has soft sparkles. I like white for Santa's hat, beard, or fur trim; black for Halloween cats and spiders, and Garden (bright yellow green) for caterpillars and Halloween designs that need a shocking green with texture.
Website: www.amybunger.com
Twinkle by Gone Stitching. This is a metallic rayon thread that I discovered when I stitched two Arizona state flag ornaments. The Arizona flag star is a particular color orange and Twinkle had just the right color. I have since used this thread for a number of canvases. Many of the colors are named after gemstones and that is the effect you get with this thread. I love to find metallics like this, that give some shine but don't overwhelm the surrounding areas.
Website: http://www.gonestitching.net/new/index.php/supplies/threads/twinkle-threads.html
Vineyard Silk. This is a 100% silk twisted thread that is used as it comes off the skein on 18 count canvas. It comes in solid colors, threads spun with metallic, and tone on tone (gently overdyed) colors. This works well on 18 count canvas. If used as a background thread in a decorative stitch, make sure the foreground elements are stitched to stand up higher, otherwise they will recede against this thread. I do a lot of backgrounds in darker colors for a dramatic look and this thread covers very well. Vineyard also makes threads from 100$ Merino Wool.
Website: http://vineyardsilk.com/
