Purchasing your first embroidery is generally an exciting and expensive prospect. Added to that, once we have our machine, we need to begin looking at stabilisers, snips, and most importantly thread. Whilst we all dream of going into a shop and purchasing one of each available, to most of us, this is an unattainable dream. The tips below should help you to get started, and form the basis for your thread collection
The Basics
Black, White, Cream, Dark Brown, Red, Yellow, Blue, Green. When it comes to the basics, go with your first instincts – black and white are easy, but colours such as cream, dark brown, red, yellow, blue and green are open to interpretation. I say go with your instincts, as the colours you are drawn to are generally your taste, and will be used many times over.
Collection Builders
Shades of Pink, Green, Gray, Blues. These are the colours that over time I have found I use the most. I always have approximately 4 shades of pink blue and green on the go, and a good gray will always be used.
Finally
Instead of purchasing thread as it appeals to you (a great way to end up with 10 spools of the same colour), purchase when you begin a new project. Save and take the project requirements to your thread supplier, and purchase for the entire project at once. This will avoid changes in dye lots, as well as the inability to find a particular colour.
I have included below the basics of my thread box. Obviously I have more than these in my collection, however these are the basics that go everywhere with me.
- Black – Mettler 0020
- White – Mettler 0017
- Cream – Mettler 0870
- Dark Brown – Mettler 1876
- Blue – Mettler 3652
- Red – Mettler 1900
- Yellow – Mettler 0520
- Green – Mettler 5531
- Pinks – Mettler 2363, 2530, 2520, 2300, 2506
- Greens – Mettler 5740, 5664, 0453, 6133, 0221
- Blues – Metter 4230, 3962, 3901, 3353, 3661, 3650
- Gray – Mettler 4073
Julie Hall
Julie Hall Designs is the home of machine embroidery designs and projects for the home user. For information visit www.juliehalldesigns.com.