The Stitching Thread

There are so many beautiful colors to choose from when selecting fibers and flosses for your needlework. I suppose I have favorite brands and companies that I have become accustomed to using when designing. It is because I look for certain qualities in the products and I want to use those qualities for maximum effect in my stitching and designing.

I use swatch cards and floss samples extensively when designing. What I gain from using them is knowledge of color gradations and color families, insight into the properties of the fibers such as shimmer, lustre and textural effects, to name a few. Are they easy to separate into individual strands for blending, are they easy to combine and use with other products such as blending filaments or metallics? What are the specific shades or colors used to create the variegated flosses - are they bold and colorful or are they subtle. Having the knowledge of the characteristics of the fibers and flosses helps me to plan my designs with an idea of what the end result will be.

I also collect samples, photographs and product information for needlework embellishments for use in my designing. I can flip through my brochures to see samples of buttons, charms or various sizes and colors of beads. I like to be able to see colors and sizes to see if they are appropriate for the design I have in mind or if they would detract from it. Sometimes less is more.

The last aspect I like to take a look at when exploring my creative options for a design are the wide array of specialty stitches. Depending upon the design I have in mind, I might consider using some specialty stitches for added effect. They can be used to separate design elements or motifs, they can add texture and drama, they help to provide stable areas within the compostition for our eyes “to rest” or provide a focal point to the design. Plus they are fun to do!

I like to educate myself on the creative options available to me. I find that my needlework and cross stitch designs are enhanced by making thoughtful decisions about specialty stitches and fibers.

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