I’ve had many people ask about the hand dyed threads and how to best use them so I thought I’d just share a few hints with all of you.

Whether you choose subtle colors or dramatic colors, hand dyed threads are a treat to use!

First and most important, you cannot depend on the hand dyed threads to be color safe so approach all your work with that in mind.  You may well not be able to wash your piece after stitching so keeping it clean is the most important thing you can do to insure a successful project. Even using too much steam in pressing can cause bleeding problems so be sure to press your fabric to remove any fold lines before stitching.

Some thread companies recommend soaking out the excess dye before using the thread. I’ve not done that but if you’re really concerned I suggest you follow their recommendations.

Now don’t decide you will not use hand dyed threads because of bleeding! There are ways to rescue a piece where the threads have bled and it’s a simple process.  The bleeding you may see is merely the excess dye rinsing out of the thread. Not a problem unless you allow the piece to dry before taking care of it. The most important thing you can do is catch the problem before the piece dries and the dye sets, so before the piece has the opportunity to dry out, immerse it in ice cold water and soak out any of the bleeding color. Change the water and add more ice a couple of times per day as needed until the excess color has soaked away. This treatment will not damage the piece so long as all the materials are cold water safe as most of the materials we stitch with are.

Once the bleeding has been soaked away wrap the piece in a thick towel and let it set for an hour to allow the towel to absorb some of the moisture.  Check again to be sure color is not showing on the fabric where dye might have bled. If you have more color soak again and repeat the process. When the color is controlled, lay the piece face down on a thick pad (I use a double terry towel) and press it dry. You may have to change the pad a couple of times before you can get the piece dry but pressing this way will remove any wrinkles from the fabric and allow the stitches to raise above it nicely. Do not press over the stitches on the right side of the piece as that will flatten them.

If you don’t have a problem with bleeding you’re ready to press your piece after completion and before adding embellishments. If you bring your pieces here for framing you don’t have to worry about pressing, we’ll do that for you. If you frame yourself or take it somewhere else for framing be sure to press before hand. Lay the piece face down on the pad and press until you’ve pressed out the wrinkles in the fabric. Take real care with steam as it can cause the threads to bleed. If you’re taking your piece to a frame shop be sure they know that you’ve used hand dyed threads with the potential to bleed in case they decide to steam the piece.

Now that we’ve gotten the problems with hand dyed threads taken care of let’s talk about the fun of these great threads. The effects you can achieve with them are exciting. If you complete each cross stitch as you go (English method of cross stitch) you will see fun striping in the larger areas. Subtle color changes will create subtle stripes and distinct color changes will create distinct stripes. Stitching cross stitch with the first half across a line and the second half back (Danish method of cross stitch) will create a more mottled effect. Other stitches give other interesting effects, give them a try and see what you can create with this fun thread.

See how the colors change in the words and the carrot? This is an example of the English method of Cross Stitch

The hand dyed thread companies we stock are Caron Collection, Weeks Dye Works, The Gentle Art, Rainbow Gallery, ThreadworX, DMC, and Soy Lustre. Also available by special order are Dinky Dyes, Crescent Colours, and Gloriana.

Still have a question? Just give us a call at 866-862-2239 and we’ll share our love of this exciting thread!