Needlepoint is becoming more and more popular and we’re loving every stitch of it! Whether you're working on an ornament a key fob, or your favorite MJD Bar Cart, the thread you choose plays a huge role in the final look and feel of your finished product. Picking a thread that’s too thick for your mesh or on the flip side, too fine, can lead to a frustrating stitching experience which we’re here to help you avoid! Let’s dive into the details!
Understanding Needlepoint Thread
What exactly is needlepoint thread, and how does it differ from the everyday thread you might use for sewing or embroidery? Unlike the fine, smooth strands used for hand or machine sewing, needlepoint thread is typically thicker, more textured, and designed to provide full coverage on an open-weave canvas. It comes in a variety of options—like wool, silk, cotton, and blends—each bringing its own unique look and feel to your project. The right thread choice can add dimension, texture, and a little personality to your stitches!
Types of Needlepoint Thread & Why You’d Use Them
Silk: This thread provides a smooth, luxurious stitch. Think of this as the cashmere of stitching! Silk thread glides very seamlessly though your canvas which makes it a favorite among many stitchers. Some of the most common brands of Silk Threads are Pepper Pot, Planet Earth Silk, and Vineyard Silk. Planet Earth is a bit of a thicker thread, so we recommend this for 13 mesh projects. Pepper Pot and Vineyard Silk are excellent for 18 mesh!
- Pro Tip: Work in shorter lengths because this thread is so silky and delicate, it’s one of the worst to find yourself untangling!
Wool: Wool threads are a classic choice for needlepoint. They’re thicker than silk and cotton, making them perfect for creating full coverage on your canvas. It’s a great thread option for both beginners and experienced stitchers. Our favorites at MJD are Vineyard Merino Wool and Appleton.
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Pro Tip: Wool is also known for being highly durable, making it great for stitching belts or key fobs - projects that might get a bit more wear and tear!
Silk + Wool: Silk + Wool blends are my personal favorite and combine the best of both threads, offering the softness and sheen of silk with the rich texture and fullness of wool. Perfect for projects where you want a luxurious yet cozy look, Silk + Wool threads are versatile and easy to work with, giving you a bit of elegance and texture in every stitch. Our favorite Silk + Wool options are Essentials (good for 18 mesh), Silk & Ivory (good for 13 mesh), and Milan (good for 13 mesh).
- Pro Tip: Be careful not to handle your skeins too much because Silk + Wool can fuzz!
Cotton Threads: I recommend everyone stitch their first project in Cotton! It’s affordable, durable, and easy to access, making it great for stitchers of all skill levels - and a favorite for beginners. Once you start exploring other threads Cotton might become less appealing, but I began with DMC and it gave me a much better appreciation for the other threads available!
- Pro Tip: DMC Thread does not have dye lots which means you don’t need to worry about color matching if you run out of thread mid-project!
Metallic & Specialty Threads: A great way to elevate your stitching is by experimenting with speciality threads! I’ve started incorporating speciality threads into my canvases and love the way it gives each design a little more detail.
Some speciality threads like metallics have just a hint of sparkle - this is typically a mix of a strand of something sparkly and another type of thread. If you’re looking for this type of subtle sparkle we recommend Reflections, Gold Rush, Silk Lame Braid, Silk & Ivory Stardust, and Sparkle Rays. If you want a stronger sparkle, look for Fyre Werks, Kreinik or Neon Rays+! These threads are solid sparkle and will create a nice pop of shimmer when stitched. Outside of metallics, check out Very Velvet, Dinky Dyes, Straw Silk, Fuzzy Stuff, Ribbon (various brands)! Each has its own properties that make them special to stitch with.
- Pro Tip: If you’re not sure how to select your specialty threads look to your canvas for inspiration! Try Fuzzy Stuff thread to stitch an animal, a Sparkle Rays thread to highlight a reflection of water, or a Dinky Dyes to give a seashell a variegated look!
Choosing the Right Thread for Your Project
Now that we’ve covered the different types of needlepoint thread, let’s talk about how to choose the best one for your project. The right thread can make all the difference in how your piece looks, feels, and holds up over time. Here are a few things to consider...!
Canvas Mesh Count & Thread Compatibility:
Your canvas mesh count (the number of holes per inch) plays a big role in determining which thread will be most compatible with your canvas. Most threads will note on the tag which mesh they are best for!
- Our favorite thread lines for 13 mesh are: Milan, Silk & Ivory, DMC 3, Planet Earth Silk, Vineyard Merino Wool, Appleton Wool, Gold Rush, Very Velvet, Neon Rays and Fyre Werks.
- Our favorite thread lines for 18 mesh are: Vineyard Silk, Essentials, Pepper Pot Silk, Petite Very Velvet, DMC 5, and Silk Lame Braid.
- Mesh count and thread compatibility comes down to personal preference - many stitchers start to form opinions on their coverage requirements after they have a few projects complete! Experiment with these guidelines and see what works best for you!
Color Selection & Dye Lots:
When thread is colored, it's dyed in batches which are then turned into skeins or cards of thread. Because each batch is dyed separately, there can be small differences in the color, even if they’re supposed to be identical. For example, you might buy two skeins labeled “Sky Blue,” but if they were dyed in different batches, one might be just a bit lighter or darker than the other. To keep track of this, companies print a dye lot number on each skein or card. This number tells you which batch that particular piece came from. If the tag doesn’t have a dye lot number, then you don’t need to worry about it, like DMC threads. The difference between dye lots is extremely subtle, but if you’re working over large areas like a background it’s best to use skeins or cards that all have the same dye lot number. That way, your colors will match perfectly, with no unexpected shifts in shade!
FAQs
Can I use different kinds of thread in the same project?
- Absolutely! Mixing threads is such a great way to add depth to your projects. I love using a metallic for a bit of sparkle or velvet for some surprise texture.
How will I know if I have enough thread?
- Unfortunately - there is no magic rule. 13 mesh vs 18 mesh canvases will use different amounts of thread, and different stitches use different amounts of thread. Our best advice is that if you can, buy more than you need because you don’t want to run into a dye lot issue and chances are that you will use it again in a different project in the future. Over time, you will get a feel for how much thread you will need. When in doubt, we’re always happy to help or you can ask your local needlepoint store!
- Pro Tip: Basketweave stitch uses 1.5 times more thread than continental stitch so if you’re running low, consider continental over basketweave!
Do I need to stitch with the same color as the canvas is painted?
- We love a good color swap - feel free to get creative with your thread selections! Whether you’re going slightly off hue or opting for a different color all together, get creative with your thread selection! One thing to keep in mind when color swapping - if the canvas is a dark color and you’re choosing a lighter color, you run the risk that the canvas painted color might show through your stitches. Opt for a thread that provides fuller coverage to help try to avoid this!
How can I keep my thread from fraying or tangling?
- The longer the thread, the more likely it is to twist and knot. Stick to 18-24 inch lengths (about the length of your forearm) for easier stitching. As you stitch, your thread naturally twists. Every few stitches, hold your canvas up and let the needle and thread dangle freely to allow the thread to unwind.
I hope this was helpful and that you’re feeling inspired to try a new thread! If thread selection still isn’t for you, many of our Morgan Julia Designs canvases are offered kitted, which means we pick our favorite threads and include them with your canvas so it arrives at your doorstep ready to start stitching with the proper amounts! If you have questions on threads or threads, please email us at support@morganjuliadesigns.com - we are here to help, always!
XO,
Morgan
PS- Is there a skill or technique you want us to cover in our next blog post? Email us at partnerships@morganjuliadesigns.com!
