Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
& Help
1. Where can I
purchase Kreinik products?
● You can purchase from our on-line shop on
www.kreinik.com.
● Kreinik products can be found in needlework and craft
stores. Visit our store locator webpage (found on the
navigation bar) to find one near you. Or call the Kreinik
Consumer Hotline at 1-800-537-2166 from 8:30 am to 5 pm
eastern standard time, Monday through Friday, to find the
closest shop or mail order source.
● Many shops advertise or have a listing in the yellow
pages. So, be sure to check your local telephone book under
the following categories: crafts, cross stitch, sewing,
hobby, needlework, thread and yarn.
2. What do the letters and numbers on the end of a
Kreinik spool of thread represent?
Listed on the end of each spool of Kreinik thread is the
thread weight, thread color, and thread length. For example
a spool may read: Medium (#16 Braid), 6301, 5M. Medium (#16
Braid) represents the thread weight. 6301 represents the
thread color. 5M represents the thread length, which in this
case is five meters. (1 meter = 39 inches).
3. What is the best way to thread metallic onto a needle?
● For Blending Filament, Japan Thread #1 & Cord: Cut the
required length and fold about 5 cm (2 inches) from one end.
Insert the loop through the eye of the needle and pull the
loop over the point of the needle. Tighten the loop at the
end of the eye to secure the thread to the needle.
● All other sizes of Kreinik Metallic Threads: Cut a small
strip of paper and fold in half. Place the fold through the
eye of the needle and open the two ends to insert the thread
in between (imagine a thread paper sandwich). Gently pull
the paper through so the thread is brought with it.
4. How do I avoid tangling the thread as I stitch?
Use short lengths of thread about 18 inches or less to avoid
excessive abrasion when pulling the thread through the
fabric. The more a thread is pulled through the fabric, the
more wear it causes on the thread. Using shorter lengths
will maintain the quality of the thread, plus it can also
help to reduce tangling. As with any thread, every 4-5
stitches, let the needle hang frequently so the thread can
untwist. Stitch using the stab method rather then the hand
sewing method to reduce tangling, working your stitches in
two movements: up vertically then down vertically through
the fabric.
5. How can I best smooth metallic thread when it comes
off the spool?
When Metallic thread first unwinds from the spool it may
appear curly. To smooth, simply dampen the thread with a
slightly damp sponge.
6. Can I special order larger sizes of product?
Absolutely! Kreinik is happy to sell larger length
quantities of thread. Simply ask your local shop to special
order your size or if you cannot locate a shop near you,
call the Kreinik Consumer Hotline at 1-800-537-2166 from
8:30 am to 5 pm eastern standard time, Monday through Friday
to place an order.
7. Should I ply Silk Mori prior to stitching?
Yes. We recommend that you ply each strand of Silk Mori and
place appropriate number of plies back together prior to
stitching with it. This will allow thread to lie flatter and
smoother. For a detailed list of colors and usage guide
click here.
8. Can I wash Kreinik Silk Threads?
We recommend that you DO NOT wash Kreinik Silk. Although
washing will not affect the silk itself, it may affect the
dyes that color it so beautifully.
Finished silk designs may be dry-cleaned, however we caution
you to seek out a dry-cleaner who specializes in cleaning
needlework. Our suggestion, unless visibly soiled, do not
dry-clean.
In addition, when pressing, press on the wrong side with no
steam. Place a towel between the iron and the finished
piece. Press lightly. The steam will relax the canvas and
threads.
9. How can I determine what Kreinik Thread to use when a
design calls for a different brand?
Click here to download Kreinik's conversion chart (to
convert DMC & Anchor to Silk Mori) and selection chart
--FREE of charge.
10. How can I determine which size threads to use on a
particular count canvas?
Click here to use our Selection Guide.
11. How can I find out about new products and FREE
projects?
Simply sign up for our email list by
clicking
here. We periodically send new product updates, free
projects, and on-line newsletters, Reflections (stitchery)
and A Personal Touch (creative embellishments for
papercrafts and home decor). Reflections, sent out 6 times a
year, will bring you: product information, Kreinik designs
~~ released first in Reflections newsletter, designer
profiles and handy tips. A Personal Touch, sent out 6 times
a year, will bring you papercrafts, home décor, and fashion
projects, handy tips, product information, and a warm
community in which to belong.
Also, check out our freebies page for FREE designs and ideas
to download.
Click
here.
12. What type of scissor is best to use with metallics?
A metallic thread's molecular makeup is dense, therefore it
can dull the blade of the scissor faster than silk thread
could. We recommend using a serrated blade to cut metallic
threads because the blade will stay sharper longer because
of its larger and sharper cutting surface. With thinner
metallics like sizes Blending Filament, #4 and #8, you can
use a general purpose scissor, but with the thicker
metallics, use the serrated blade. A serrated blade will
hold the thread in place as you cut, creating a smoother cut
edge.
Click here for more scissor information.
13. Can I use Kreinik metallics on my sewing machine?
Yes, you can. Blending Filaments, Cords, Japan Threads,
Ombres, #4 Fine Braids, and #8 Medium Braids, can be used in
both the bobbin and on the top of the machine. We recommend
when using from the top, to bring the thread through all of
the guides, except for the guide just before the needle s
eye. Doing so will lessen the tension on the thread and will
give you a great look.
14. Can I make copies of the designs on the Kreinik
Website?
Yes. For those designs where Kreinik holds the copyright (On
each PDF that is downloaded, it will state Copyright (year)
Kreinik Mfg., Co., Inc., it can be reproduced and
distributed, but not sold. We encourage you to share our
wonderful designs with friends and loved ones. If you
have any questions about a particular design's copyright,
contact our Design Department at 1-800-537-2166.
15. Where can I find threads suitable for fly-fishing?
Click
here for detailed information on Kreinik threads used in
fly-fishing or to buy them online. For detailed information
on Kreinik fly-fishing products contact Fly Fishing
Specialties at 800-311-8062.
16. What is the difference between your metallic thread
types?
● Cord is great for outlining, backstitching and couching.
● Braid offers textured, dimensional effects. Comes in 5
sizes.
● Japan Thread gives the appearance of stitching with real
gold, silver or copper.
● Blending Filament is a tinsel-like thread that is usually
combined with other threads and yarns in the same needle for
subtle, shimmery and reflective effects.
● Cable closely resembles a real metal thread.
● Ribbon is soft, flexible and great when rounding corners,
as it does not buckle. Comes in 2 sizes.
● Ombre This softly twisted thread is great for a fuzzy
texture, making your projects really stand out and look fun.
17. How do I care for metallic threads?
Kreinik Blending Filament, Cord, Cable, Braids, Ribbons,
Facets, Petite Facets and Ombre are hand and machine
washable and dry-cleanable. Do not use bleach. When ironing
a finished piece containing Kreinik Metallics, do not iron
directly on the metallic thread. Instead use a press cloth
on reverse side, then iron. Do not use steam. Blending
Filament, Cord, Cable, Braids, Ribbons, Facets and Petite
Facets can be tumble dried on low setting. Japan Threads are
dry cleanable only.
18. What is the difference between Silk Mori and Soie D
Alger?
Silk Mori and Soie D Alger are spun silks. However, Silk
Mori is a 6-ply thread and each ply is a little thicker than
7-ply Soie D'Alger, allowing you to use one less ply of Mori
when stitching. Silk Mori is made from the highest quality
Mulberry (highest grade) silk. Silk Mori has replaced Soie D
Alger in all designs.
19. What colors do you have available in metallic
threads?
Click here to view Kreinik's Metallic color chart
20. What colors do you have available in silk threads?
Click here to view Kreinik's Silk colors
21. How many colors are there in the iron-on colors?
We have 37 colors available in both braid and ribbon. We
also have 14 assortment packs each containing three, 3-meter
spools of Iron-on Thread in coordinating colors
combinations. For a brochure & color chart,
click here.
22. How do I use Iron-on threads?
For detailed instructions,
please click here.
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