Metallic Thread Selection Guide
Which Kreinik metallic thread works best in Cross Stitch? Which Kreinik metallic thread can you use in a sewing machine? These selection questions and more answered below:
CARD MAKING, SCRAPBOOKING:
- Stitching on paper: Cord, Very Fine #4 Braid, Fine #8 Braid
 - Ribbons: 1/16" Ribbon, 1/8" Ribbon
 
COSPLAY, COSTUMING, FASHION:
- See "Hand Embroidery" or "Machine Embroidery" lists (below)
 
CROCHET:
- Carry-along: Blending Filament, Ombre, Reflective Yarn
 - Jewelry: Tapestry #12 Braid, Medium #16 Braid, Canvas #24 Braid
 - Bead crochet: Fine #8 Braid, Tapestry #12 Braid
 
CROSS STITCH:
- Blending Filament (use by itself or combined with other thread like cotton embroidery floss)
 - Cord (backstitching, couching)
 - Very Fine #4 (on 16- and 18-count Aida or over two threads on 28-, 32-count linens)
 - Fine #8 (on 14-count Aida, or over two threads on 28-count)
 - Tapestry #12 Braid (12-count fabrics)
 - Medium #16 Braid (11-count fabrics)
 - 1/16" Ribbon (10- to 11-count fabrics)
 - 1/8" Ribbon (6- to 8-count fabrics)
 - Cross stitching on unusual materials, like pegboard, screens, etc? Go up to one of our larger Braids, such as Medium #16 Braid, Canvas #24 Braid, or Heavy #32 Braid); the larger the Braid number, the heavier the thread.
 
HAND EMBROIDERY:
- Stitch in and out of the fabric: Cord (for very fine details), Very Fine #4 Braid, Fine #8 Braid
 - Couch for surface embellishment: Medium #16 Braid, Canvas #24 Braid, Heavy #32 Braid, 3/8" Trim, Facets, Petite Facets, Micro Ice Chenille, Wired Braid, 3/8" Trim
 - Ribbon embroidery stitches: 1/16" Ribbon, 1/8" Ribbon, 1/4" Ribbon, Easter Grass
 - Dimensional, shaped stitches: 3/8" Trim with wire, Wired Braid
 
KNITTING:
- Carry-along: Blending Filament, Ombre
 - Bead Knitting: Fine #8 Braid, Tapestry #12 Braid
 
MACHINE EMBROIDERY and QUILTING:
- In the needle: Cord, Japan #1
 - In the bobbin: Ombre, #4 and #8 Braids, Cord
 - Couched: Facets, Petite Facets, Micro Ice Chenille, Ribbons, Braids (all sizes), Wired Braid, 3/8” Trim, Cable, Japan #5, 7
 
NEEDLEPOINT:
- Blending Filament (if blending with other fibers) (also can be used on 40-count silk gauze)
 - Cord (backstitching, couching)
 - Cable (3-ply twist for specialty stitches on any canvas)
 - Very Fine #4 Braid (blending on any canvas)
 - Fine #8 Braid (18-, 24-count)
 - Tapestery #12 Braid (18-, 14-count)
 - Medium #16 Braid (14-, 13-count)
 - Canvas#24 Braid (13-, 12-count)
 - Heavy #32 Braid (12-, 10-count)
 - Ombre (18-count canvas, or specialty stitches)
 - Couched: Petite Facets, Facets, Micro Ice Chenille, 3/8” Trim, Wired Braid, Japan Threads
 - Ribbons: 1/16” (24-, 18-count canvas); 1/8” (14-, 13-count); 1/4” (12-, 10-count), Easter Grass (any canvas)
 
PUNCHNEEDLE:
- Blending Filament (#1 needle)
 - Very Fine #4 Braid (#1 and #3 needles)
 - Fine #8 Braid (#3 needle)
 
PLASTIC CANVAS:
- Medium #16 Braid (14 count)
 - Canvas #24 Braid (10-count)
 - Heavy #32 Braid (7 count)
 - 1/8" Ribbon (7-10 count)
 
MIXED MEDIA, CRAFTS, STRING ART, OTHER FIBER ARTS:
- All fibers
 
SAMPLERS:
- Cord (backstitching, couching)
 - Very Fine #4 Braid (over two threads on 28-, 32-, 36-count linens)
 - Fine #8 Braid (over two threads on 28-count linens)
 - Cable (long stitches and specialty stitches)
 - 1/16" Ribbon (woven stitches)
 
SASHIKO:
- Very Fine #4 Braid
 - Fine #8 Braid
 - Tapestry #12 Braid
 - 1/16" Ribbon
 
SWEDISH WEAVING:
- Very Fine #4 Braid
 - Fine #8 Braid
 - 1/16" Ribbon
 - 1/8" Ribbon
 
TEMARI:
- Fine #8 Braid
 - Tapestry #12 Braid
 - Japan thread
 - 1/16" Ribbon
 
WEAVING:
- Warp: Ombre, Ribbons (basic colors), Braids (basic colors)
 - Weft: Micro Ice Chenille, Ombre, Ribbons and Braids (any color)
 

  
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
