Embroidery has become one of the most in-demand hobbies that also ends up to be a powerful source of income world wide. There are different types of embroidery though that includes Crewel, Cross-stitch, knitting, and many others. There are also those that use machines which are more prevalent nowadays due to inventions of almost effortless sewing machines that can do a job in less time.
But nothing can match the fine works of human hands that is why it is far pricier than those that are crafted through machines. But what realizes the design is the thread used. And there are actually many threads available in different materials and among these is the embroidery floss. This is composed of six loosely-twisted strands of thread materials.
Different base fabric materials deserve specified embroidery floss to achieve fine needlework; therefore it is wise for a craftsman to be meticulous in whatever he/she uses. Among the choices are as follows:
- Cotton is among the longest used embroidery floss worldwide due to its fine composition. It complements sturdy base fabrics, which are very important for its strength when designing and stitching in the pattern. Cotton embroidery floss is available in a wide array of colors and multicolor to pair or complement each pattern or design.
- Silk is another good sample of embroidery floss. Just like the cotton ones, silk is also among the firsts and longest used material for embroidery threads. Unlike cotton though, this material is grander and pricier. It is also perfect for elaborated designs and in the same composition fabrics. Silk embroidery floss is also available in many colors and multicolor to match specific base fabric color and design.
- Rayon is also a good example of embroidery floss that lines up with cotton and silk. It is also used on same structured fabrics and is pricier than cotton. It is shinier than silk materials and is usually used on more elaborated designs and fashion oriented patterns. Like cotton and silk, rayon embroidery floss is also available in different colors and multicolor to match a design and its base fabric.
- Linen is the newest addition to embroidery floss materials, but is rarer than the rest. It is used on important periodic costumes. It is also available in many different solid colors as well as variegated ones.
- Novelty embroidery floss is also available for more choices. These are usually in metallic fiber that is blended with viscose. Another is the fluorescent and glow in the dark flosses that provides grander and beauteous designs to base fabrics.
Getting any material for embroidery floss is not enough though. One needs to be meticulous in terms of other characteristics it must have like the length, width, and of course the size. Usually, the flosses used in embroidery are of size 25. This number represents a thin size because when the number gets higher the size become smaller.
There are also two standard lengths; 8.7 yards or 8 meters and 10.9 yards or 10 meters. Through the size and length of the yarn or embroidery floss, an efficient craftsman can predict how many rolls are needed in a pattern or design.
It also helps an entrepreneur to calculate mentally the amount of a piece when it goes to the market even before a project is realized or done.
