Guest Feature:  Using Kreinik metallic threads
for crazy quilt embroidery

By Pat Winter, crazy quilt artist, designer and writer

I am a crazy quilter and I prefer Kreinik Metallic thread for my hand stitched seam treatments. Not only does Kreinik come in a variety of thicknesses, but the color assortment is amazing and fits all my designing needs. The Vintage collection is superb and among my favorite because I love to work in Victorian colors.

I first used Kreinik threads over 20 years ago when I combined it with my cotton floss in my cross stitch projects. The sparkle really made the piece come alive. I now use Kreinik metallic threads for my embroidery stitches in my crazy quilt items. Metallic threads make simple stitches stand out.

Is there a difference in thread?
I have tried various metallic threads as I would find them while browsing a quilt booth or new shop thinking they are all the same. I was surprised to find most of them frustrating to work with. They would break with very little pressure, and fray. I always use a sharp needle with a large eye when I hand sew with metallic threads so I was not adding stress by pulling thread through a tight fabric. I use every fabric imaginable in my crazy quilting and I can always depend on Kreinik threads to do the job with ease and no breakage.

Which thread for which design?
In most of my seams I prefer to use Very Fine # 4 braid and Fine #8 braid because it allows me to create small close stitches which I can add several combination stitches with by adding more colors to coordinate with the fabrics I used in the project. This makes a much more interesting seam. Fig A

 

I use Blending Filament to outline a printed image or add it to a silk thread for a sparkle. Fig B

Cord is great for spider webs and legs of a beaded spider or insect. I also use it for the feather stitch down each dragonfly wing for great detail. Fig C

    

Larger seams call for larger threads. For these I use 1/16" Ribbon or Medium #16 Braid. Fig D

Helpful hints when using metallic threads for hand stitching:
1. Always use a sharp needle with a large eye for smooth sewing and no tugging through fabrics.
2. Unwind a length of 18 inches and pull it through your fingers to unwind before you begin to sew. This relaxes it and it won't wind up on you.
3. I have never had Kreinik metallic thread tangle on me, but if you find this happening, run it through Thread Heaven, a light silicon lubricant or bees wax.

For more information on crazy quilting, visit www.cqmagonline.com.  For more information on Kreinik threads, go to www.kreinik.com, click on Threads, then on Metallic Threads. There are also other articles in the Education section on www.kreinik.com (keywords Metallic Threads).