Applique
#11
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
If you check, you will find out that it is called "silk finish". This is a smooth finish given to the cotton thread at the end of the manufacturing process. Without it, the thread would look more fuzzy.
#12
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 10,590
If by DMC Thread you are talking about the embroidery floss commonly sold in skeins of 6 strands of floss, I would not use this for needle turn applique. I would use it for doing a hand blanket stitch applique. It all depends what look you are trying to go for. Just about any hand (or machine) applique can be done using these different techniques. If you want your stitching to not show at all, be invisible, then no, I would not recommend even using a single strand of DMC embroidery floss. For blind stitch or ladder stitch applique that is invisible (either needle turn or prepared applique units) my thread of choice is 100 wt silk. I use either YLI silk or Superior brand Kimono silk. I have never had an issue with either of these products knotting up or otherwise misbehaving and they sink into the fabric and are about as close to invisible as one can get.
Last edited by feline fanatic; 11-14-2014 at 09:52 AM.
#14
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 10,590
If your heart is set on applique where your stitches are hidden then I would recommend trying to find a lighter weight thread. Even Coats and Clark dual duty commonly found in Walmart would work.
The beauty of using a super fine thread like silk is you don't have to get every color so it isn't near as expensive as you would first assume. Because the silk is so fine and sinks in you only have to buy a neutral light, medium and dark. The YLI gift set from Connecting Threads http://www.connectingthreads.com/Too...5__D20310.HTML
is all you would need to complete an entire applique quilt and have loads leftover, probably even enough for 2 more quilts
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,018
Good idea..I too scrunch things and therefore hate doing it....will dig out a hoop......
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Utah
Posts: 2,097
We've had a lot of complaints about DMC embroidery floss at the store -- with breaking and the colors running. I don't think I would use it. I use Metler Silk Finish 100% cotton, for my hand applique. It isn't silk, it's a nice smooth silk finish. Love the stuff!
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Western NY
Posts: 841
I prefer silk. Itis pricey but you can buy a couple of neutral which will work. I use YLI 235 a lot. If you are going to put all that work into needle turn, use the best possible thread you can afford. You can use cotton but I don't think you should use DMC.
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