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Home > Working with DMC Threads
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If you don't hand embroider, you may not be familiar with how to prepare and handle embroidery threads. Moreover, some non-stitching techniques for paper require you to handle your DMC threads differently than you would for embroidery on fabric. This is true for wrapping, looping and tying techniques where you will need a longer piece of thread to work with.
This section will also provide some background on DMC Threads for the "uninitiated" |
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Thread Types for Paper Crafting
All types of DMC threads can be used for paper crafting - they are acid free, color fast and fade resistant.
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DMC Embroidery Floss and Color Variations Embroidery Floss
The most popular thread is DMC embroidery floss, which is 100% cotton and available in over 450 colors colors. DMC also offers Color Variations Embroidery Floss that is overdyed to have subtle color variations and perfect for creating blended colors.
Both of these threads are availble in 8.7 yard skeins. To keep your floss organized and tangle/knot free, it is helpful to wind the thread onto a bobbin or use a Stitch-bow organizer before working with the thread.
DMC cotton flosses are divisible into 6 separate strands. You can use all 6 strands for a full look, or you can separate the strands and use in any combination for more detailed work. You can also double or triple the strands for heavier details.
For stitching on paper, it is best to cut a length of floss between 12 - 18" and then separate into strands. After separating, combine the number of strands you want to use.
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DMC Pearl Cotton and Pearl Cotton Variations
DMC Pearl Cotton and Pearl Cotton Variations are twisted, non-divisible lustrous 100% cotton threads available in size 3 or size 5, with size 3 being thicker. Size 3 comes in a 16 yard twisted skein and Size 5 comes in a 27 yard twisted skein.
To work with the thread, take off the paper labels, untwist the skein, separate it into a circle. Then cut the knot off and start winding the thread onto a bobbin with one end. This will keep the thread organized and keep it from tangling.
Alternatively, if you are only going to stitch with the thread, you can cut the skein in half at one end for 36" long threads or cut it at both ends to have 18" threads. You can loop these threads through a hole in a piece of cardstock and label with a number to keep them organized. |
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DMC Specialty Threads: Light Effects and Satin Floss
DMC Satin Floss is silky soft, lustrous six-strand divisible fiber in an 8.7 yard skein. The long, clear label helps keep the thread organized, so winding it on a bobbin is a matter of personal choice. DMC Satin Floss is excellent to add beautiful luster and shine to your paper crafts.
DMC Light Effects are metallic, six-strand divisble fibers in 8.7 yard skeins. They are available in solid colors as well as beautiful blended colors. Light Effects are perfect to use to add sparkle to any project. Winding on a bobbin is a matter of personal choice. To keep your thread tidy, it is helpful to tape together the ends of the strands before cutting them.
For stitching on paper, you may want use a thread conditioner, such as Thread Heaven, for both DMC Satin Floss and DMC Light Effects. Separate the threads into individual strands and condition each strand, then recombine. |
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