Embroidery threads

Embroidery threads are the be-all and end-all for embroidery work, what makes its beauty and vibrancy. Keep your eyes peeled, there’s a lot to find! Here we present you threads that you can buy in the Painters Shop. We also give you tips on where to buy the threads in solid colors.

There are two basic types of embroidery thread

  • several strands
  • loosely twisted or intertwined
  • can be easily separated
  • are to be processed individually
  • can be processed together in any number
  • Examples: Stranded Cotton (Mouliné), Soie d’Alger(R), Soie de Paris (TM), Braided Rayon, Braided Cotton
  • consist of 2 or more threads
  • these are tightly twisted or braided together
  • cannot be separated
  • Examples: Flower Thread, Cotton á Broder, Soft Cotton, Pearl Cotton, Gimp, Braided Metallics

Processing tips

If you work with several threads of a strandable thread, all threads must always be separated. For example, with Soie d’Alger (R), all 7 individual threads have to be pulled out individually. Then the desired number of threads is joined together again. This is the only way the individual threads can come together to form a beautiful, flat embroidery pattern.

The easiest way to separate the threads with strandables is as follows:
  • Place threads in the middle over one finger
  • slip the eye of the needle under a strand
  • Pull out the thread slowly
  • the thread pushes itself together during this process, then simply smooth it out again by hand
  • let the pulled-out thread “run out”.
When working with several threads, it is always advisable to run the thread over an auxiliary instrument. The threads remain parallel to each other and no longer twist as much. A thick needle or a finger can be used as a laying aid, a Bodkin, a Mellor or a Tekobari works better. The threads are passed over the laying tool after cutting until the threads are completely pulled through. There is a trick for delicate threads that makes processing a little easier:
  • Put a small drop of non-greasy hand cream on the palm of your hand
  • rub lightly
  • Pull the thread through your hand
Slightly twisted threads should always be “twisted” a little so that they retain their structure and/or shine during work. This applies e.g. for Cotton á Broder and Soft Cotton. The same applies to heavily twisted Pearl Cottons, where the structure and luster are retained by re-twisting. In general, only cut short threads (1 foot = 30 cm!). The only “excuse” for a longer thread is a very large stitch where the thread does not pass through the fabric as often. The Painters Threads have an abbreviation in front of the color name. The first letter of the abbreviation usually refers to the material
  • S=silk
  • B=cotton
  • V= viscose (rayon)
  • W=wool
  • M=metallized
  • L=Linen

The individual threads
Please click on the material for more information

Database is gradually being built up

  • Soie d’Alger
  • Soie de Paris
  • Soie 100/3
  • Soie 130/2 “Surfine”
  • Soie Americain
  • Soie Perlée
  • Soie Gobelins
  • Silk ribbon
  • Stranded Cotton
  • Pearl Cotton 3
  • Pearl Cotton 5
  • Pearl Cotton 8
  • Pearl Cotton 12
  • Flower thread
  • Cotton á Broder
  • Soft Cotton
  • Braided Cotton
  • Braided Rayon
  • Braided Rayon Shimmer
  • Gimp
  • Metallics Twist
  • Braided Metallics 4
  • Braided Metallics 8
  • Crewel Wool