When choosing a thread for prick & stitch card embroidery keep in mind that the pin pricked hole in your card presents an abrasive surface to the thread. Threads with a smooth, shinny surface will withstand the abrasion better than fluffy, rough or loosely stranded threads. Thread produced for machine embroidery is often stronger and shiner than standard sewing thread. Metallic thread designed for hand embroidery is also a good choice for card embroidery. The rich metallic colours shimmer and glint when they catch the light, creating an elegant look.
Kreinik and Gutermann metallic threads:
Until recently we used Kreinik 1 ply metallic cord to stitch the card samples on our website. However, since Kreinik have discontinued the most popular colours we are now using Gutermann Sulky “Original” metallic thread.
If you are a Kreinik metallic cord user considering switching to Gutermann Sulky “Original” metallic thread, please try one spool as a test before going on a thread spending spree. This is because all brands and types of thread have their own distinctive characteristics.
Gutermann have three types of thread in their Sulky metallic range, the Original Metallic can be identified by code numbers in the 7000s. It is a round, twisted thread that is created by twisting and bonding a fine metallic foil around a strong core to create an exceptionally smooth, strong and pliable thread.
Below are the colour codes for Kreinik 1 ply metallic cord and the closest colour match in Gutermann Sulky Original metallic thread. (Disclaimer: similar colours but not identical)
| Kreinik colour | Kreinik code | Gutermann Sulky code and name |
|---|---|---|
| silver | 001C | 7001  silver |
| gold | 002C | 7007  gold |
| red | 003C | 7014  Christmas red7013  rose* |
| black | 005C | 7051  black |
| pink | 007C | 7042  prism peach7012  lavender* |
| green | 008C | 7018  Christmas green |
| nickel | 011C | 7009  pewter |
| purple | 012C | 7050  purple |
| copper | 021C | 7011  light copper |
| pearl | 032C | 7021  prism white |
| confetti | 034C | 7029  silver/rose/jade |
| confetti pink | 041C | 7024  light-blue/gold/lavender |
| blue | 051C | 7016  blue7052  peacock blue* |
| fern | 086C | 7053  mint |
| antique silver slate | 105C 225C | 7023  black/silver |
| antique gold | 205C | 7004  dark gold |
| chocolate antique copper | 201C 215C | 7010  dark copper |
| glow in the dark green | 053F | Gutermann Sulky Glowy 40 Glow in the dark Col No. 7 (709808_7)  green | glow in the dark white | Col No. 8 (709808_8) white |
*Alternative colour suggestion.
There are 50 colours in the Gutermann Sulky Original metallic thread range. Visit a stockist to see the complete range.
Other threads in the Gutermann Sulky metallic range:
Sulky Holoshimmer Metallic Thread is a thin, flat, ribbon-like, (holographic) foil that is laminated with polyester, which makes it amazingly reflective so you can add the ultimate sparkle to all of your decorative projects. It can be identified by code numbers in the 6000s.
Sulky Sliver™ Metallic Thread is a thin, flat, ribbon-like, (solid-colour) foil that is laminated with polyester, which makes it brilliantly reflective so you can add the ultimate sparkle to all of your decorative projects. It can be identified by code numbers in the 8000s.
Some other brands of thread:
Mettler Metallic 40 thread has bright colours and sews well.
Madeira Solid Metallic colours and Variegated Metallics give an attractive finish.
DMC rayon skeins give a silky look.
Aurilux (satin finished polyester) from the Aurifil machine embroidery range has been used to good effect.
Tips on using thread on cards:
Use a length of thread that you are comfortable with. We suggest using about a third of a metre (14 inches) for greater control. Short lengths are less likely to get caught on the corner of your card or to knot. Short lengths also avoid excessive abrasion on the thread from repeated passes through the holes in your card.
Pull the thread completely through each hole but do not over tighten or the card will be bowed.
If your thread gets twisted then let your needle hang free to allow the thread to untwist.
Securing metallic thread on your needle so that it does not slip:
When you have cut the required length of thread, fold about 5 cm (2 inches) from one end and thread the loop through the eye of your needle. Slip the loop over the sharp end of the needle and pull it tight.
Selecting the correct size of needle.
We recommend a Number 10 embroidery needle. The main thing is that it goes through your pricked holes easily. On the other hand you do not want it to drop through because a little bit of resistance helps keep it in place whilst you turn the card over.
Visit our card gallery to see more examples of how customers have used our patterns.
See our Useful Links page for equipment and materials suppliers.