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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