The ultimate guide to variegated threads! What they are & how & when to use them in your embroidery

[@lynnfulton1151]

2.21.24. 1.40 pm You help me relax with the idea of hand sewing. Slow stitching and crewel work appeal to me. You are so appreciated, I really enjoyed the chat!

[@judymarkel8029]

I love variegated threads. One of the 1st flosses I bought with my babysitting money was blue variegated. Way back in the 60's. Thank you so much for this information

[@MaidMirawyn]

I used a lot of variegated thread as a teenager, because it was a fun way to liven up quick and simple cross stitch pieces.

[@Rosemary-go9wj]

Thank you Sarah. I love using variegated threads. I also loved seeing Ginger Cat. My beautiful ginger cat, Tristan died last week, two months short of 21. I miss him so much.

[@Jen-CelticWarrior]

So sorry for your loss of Tristan. They leave such a hole in our lives when they’re gone.😢

[@helenstark5463]

Wwwww I've never thought of completing cross stitch that way (as when you stitched a whole cross). Really interesting - I can see it would use a lot more thread but I guess it's all about getting the lay of the stitches right 💜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@melanie7781]

I haven't tried a lot of variated threads, but DMC 115 variated thread makes the most beautiful apples.

[@danisehetland3576]

Thanks!

[@nitajohnston8266]

I was watching one of your older videos and this video popped on. I’m starting to learn.

[@blkcat93]

Another fun thing is to split the 6 strand and recombine one set upside down.

[@gaymarglin9071]

I do have a selection of variegated threads that someone gave to me but I never used them.... now I have some great ideas for them, thanks!

[@kathleenhaas4998]

Hello Sarah looking forward to finishing today's video. Enjoy your day/evening. Thanks for the help as always...

[@anncat1957]

I love this. I was thinking maybe variegated for skies, rocks/moumtains/sea beds. I have missed your help so much and am getting back into fun things again. My husband passed away very suddenly in January and it threw me. But am getting back to things I love and thankfully you are still here teaching us! ❤

[@carolchampagne7648]

Thank you so much for your brilliant, always informative posts on KZbin. I've been embroidering for the past 57 years. I started when I was 9. I instantly loved it. While my friends went to parties, I sat and sewed. It is one of my true loves, second to my family and faith. I am now homebound due to a stroke. However, I have regained my ability to do the embroidery. I especially love crewel embroidery and have enjoyed your posts on that subject. I am very interested in the possibility of working detailed crewel embroidery projects into quilts for wall hangings. I want to highlight the embroidery, using 3 or 4 different but related pieces (for example, "flowers in baskets," "cute animals," or "nostalgic portraits of childhood," etc.) to create a theme, surrounded by patchwork blocks in muted or pastel colors in order to not overtake the beauty of the embroidery. What do you think? Do you have any suggestions or ideas? Thank you, Carol in Kansas, USA.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

I'm glad you are able to stitch again Carol and can continue you life long love of embroidery. Your project sounds wonderful, I think you have thought of everything you need to: allow some space around/behind the embroidery to let it shine and think bigger scale perahps so it suits the size of a quilt. x

[@michellenewland3351]

This was very fun to watch, I had no idea there were so many types of variegated threads❤

[@EmbroideryArtbyNat]

I use variegated and multicolored embroidery threads a lot in my projects 🌈 Especially I love to use Cosmo Seasons variegated threads 🧵 they’re super silky and they have unique color combinations that are perfect for floral designs 🌸 🍃

[@christineheslin5702]

Thank you Professor Homfray

[@sherryzimmerman9220]

I agree with so many of the below glowing comments….a whole world of pondering opened up with this video…..embroidery has always fascinated me since watching my Grandmother…….but I am thankful that You include cross stitch and very new to me slow stitching which I am entranced with your work …and just makes so much organic sense in a busy world…..

[@laracraft82]

The silk thread was stunning ❤😮

[@carolynmartin1268]

Love using the varigated Autumn DMC to make leaves wuth shades of sienna, dk red, amber, orange, & gold. Love your videos!! ❤❤❤

[@maxibake9323]

Oohh you've made some Beautiful work with the Variegated floss there. I do have Red, Purple, Pink & Green. Not used them very much, except for fine Crochet earrings. Thank you for giving me some great ideas of how to use them in other ways. TFS Sarah, take care & Happy Weekend. ❤️🙂🐶

[@barbaracabrera207]

GREAT VIDEO!!! Very helpful. I didn't know there was more than just 1-kind. Variegated. TFS! Austin TX USA

[@SusanMJB45]

Oh my....... I have learned so much about variegated and multi color threads from this video. I had no idea about all the different threads that are available. Thank you Sarah. This was so comprehensive and informative.... as are all of your excellent videos. And the embroidery projects that you have shown us from your work are amazing and gorgeous. You are so creative and skilled and you are an amazingly fantastic teacher. Thank you, thank you, thank you !!!!!

[@VivianMolinares-cq6li]

I love using variegated threads, especially when I’m creating a garden or the bottom of the ocean. It’s especially fun with French knots.

[@blkcat93]

I substitute the word 'control' with serendipitous. I appreciate the color variations and how you can move around your piece stitching and filling in playing with light and dark.

[@tokyorosa]

Beautiful examples at the end! Thank you for another lovely video.

[@heden1460]

That was interesting. I have only used variegated thread once so far. It turned out nice.

[@lauriebrock470]

Thank you for your beautiful embroidery and excellent teaching!❤

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

💖

[@judithdaus6083]

Very interesting & informative - you're a great teacher!

[@azanaq]

Thank you for providing such amazing resources 🙏🏾

[@mirandamartin9080]

I just wanted to thank you really. I love your videos and you have helped me so much in improving my embroidery sometimes just the little tips make such a difference. Thanks you so much.

[@marinamarazu5064]

Great information, thank you so much! I had no idea about the difference between the various variegated threads. So much too learn! You explained it so well. Thank you!

[@ein1985]

Must learn to “relinquish the control” … I like that Sarah! Great advice, thanks again for a wonderfully informative video! Beautiful mandala piece too!

[@diane2941]

Thanks for all the info. I had no idea there were different types of variegated threads.

[@chericeevans9990]

It works really well with lettering

[@EmbroideryArtbyNat]

That’s a really great idea! 🌈 I love using them for lettering as well!

[@kajalsingh9554]

Love the mandala design with the beads. Thank you for a great tutorial.

[@rebeccat5738]

Never had the confidence to use variegated threads before, but as ever you inform and inspire to have a go, thank you

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Once you start you won't stop...:)!

[@heathermacmaster5666]

Life is funny... I just bought a Halloween cross stitch pattern magazine and, wouldn't you know, they used a lot of variegated Floss for moons and swamps and such. Now I know what not to do when stitching lol!!!

[@darlenefarmer5921]

Great video! Thank you. 😊

[@Debdebberdebbest]

So many interesting things to know about using these lovely threads! Thank you, Sarah!

[@sonyataylor5919]

Thoroughly enjoying the class this week as per usual Sarah. I appreciate your time effort and knowledge and hit the super thanks when I can because your teaching and devotion is divine. I don't expect you to thank me every time I hit the super thanks, I'm just super grateful. Hope you both have a lovely week.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

💖

[@ceriedwards6315]

That was really useful, thank you Sarah!! I've just treated myself to a few variegated threads, but couldn't work out why there were so many to choose from - now it all makes sense!!! I have only used them on slow stitching projects, to add a bit of variety without having to think about it. I really appreciate your videos as I've been a lifelong patchwork and quilter, but a recent convert to embroidery, and currently enjoying some courses with the RSN, both online and at Hampton Court... such a treat!!

[@barbarahunter6375]

Really interesting Sarah. Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us. Great to some some of your older pieces and how you change some of the threads used

[@marleenoceanbreeze6510]

Thank you so much, Sarah, for another wonderful video. I love seeing how variegated threads can be used. I have several of the DMC variations and they're so pretty. I used the subtle turquoise shaded one to do a blackwork SAL a couple of years ago. Was subtle enough not to distract for all the blackstitch patterns, but added a little extra pizzazz. Your needlepoint pieces are gorgeous! Seems ginger cat just wants to use solid floss colours 😆Take care, and happy stitching.

[@Kayenne54]

So many good points to remember with the variegated. Thank you for your patience explaining it all. 🙂

[@perranmaid]

Great video. I have lots of this type of thread and it was wonderful to understand them better. I love using them in slow stitching, great for samplers. Thank you x

[@loismiller4031]

great info Sarah. Thank you. I have fallen in love with Stef Francis threads--totally in love!

[@katetreick]

I bought some variegated threads because they were so pretty…now I have some ideas on how to use them! ❤

[@witchywoman4139]

Really helpful video, Sarah! I've long been fascinated with variegated threads, but I haven't quite known how to properly incorporate them into my stitching. This video gave me some wonderful ideas, and now I'm itching to get to stitching! Thanks for everything!

[@Angela-en6oh]

Thanks for a very interesting and informative video. I have used variegated threads, with some pretty mixed results, in the past. But you have provided some really useful suggestions for a number of applications, so I will definitely have another go with these threads.

[@fiberjazz]

Thank you! It is so helpful for me to see how these different threads appear in different types of stitching; it really helps predict when I might be happy with the tonal or color changing thread and when I'll likely want to change single-colored threads on my own. Great time and money-saving information! Nice seeing Ginger Cat; I miss Pinky Cat (hope Pinky is OK). Ear scritches to both of them! 💖

[@rhondamarshall7039]

Very informative, thank you.

[@marianneknapp4846]

Such Lovely embroidery 💕🌷😊

[@CFW1]

Helpful video. Thank you.

[@JuaniqueVerde]

I enjoyed this and learned some new things. Thanks for saying you could use the variegated thread to help pick out the color palette! I’m no good at that so that was really helpful. A tip I’d like to add is that the color closest to the needle will be the first color that the stitch will be. This is something I found out recently! Also, if you cut the floss where you can’t continue the color on a new piece, just use the next color after that one to keep the appearance of the variegation. As always, THANKS SARAH!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@dawnenright5014]

Thanks so much for this info. I love the variegated threads but I didn't know there were options. Now to find them in NZ.

[@laracraft82]

I have the multi coloured vargrated thread and love using them with wire work as the couching stitch effect makes the shape look very pretty. Thank you for this video luv hugs xx

[@jenrodgers4677]

Thank you for the information.

[@myriamregnier6859]

Merci beaucoup pour cette très belle vidéo. J'adores les fils et toutes les couleurs . 😍😍😍👌👏👏🌞🌼

[@ljbj4]

very helpful info; thank you! 😊

[@barbarawest1205]

I do mainly cross stitch and variegated/overdyed thread fascinates me. I'm always happy to hear a new technique or get a clearer explanation of something I thought I understood -- like cutting the thread so the colors match at each end. Of course! Cutting it in the middle of a color makes so much more sense that cutting at the point where the color repeat starts over! Thank you, Sarah! But I heard a couple of terms in the first 13 minutes that puzzled me. It looked like you were holding stranded cotton both times, but you referred to them being "more like'' (and sounded like) perlite (perle-like?) or perle. In the States perle cotton is tightly twisted, non--separable, and with a slight sheen. Is it different in the UK, or should I just blame imperfect resolution on my laptop screen and maybe also my hearing?

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Perle thread here is the same where you are Barbara. I'll go back and listen to what I said!

[@barbarawest1205]

T@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery Thanks, Sarah!

[@Cooky_5580]

Very helpful Thank You!

[@MaidMirawyn]

I think I’m going to try some variegated thread for the slow stitched needle book I’m starting tomorrow! I haven’t used variegated thread (except for bookbinding) since I was a teenager! And I happen to have some I bought because it was pretty, with no idea what I would use it for.

[@jacquelinebergman6431]

Well that is a timely video as I was eyeing up some multi-coloured thread I have in my stash and thinking about using it for a slow stitching project. I think some of the variegated threads with long colour changes could be cut into light, medium and dark thread sections (or maybe just light and dark) for thread painting, so that you have some control over the shading, but I haven't tried it (💡now there's a reason to "sample"!😊). Thread painting shaded with the more subtle DMC Variatitions skeins could also be really beautiful if you shaded with analogous coloured skeins as they are similar in colour. Maybe you could experiment with these techniques in another video.

[@TrappedinSLC]

I did something along those lines with some of the long change DMC variegated for an embroidery project doing satin stitch in the sky - it came out looking really really nice because the colors go together perfectly.

[@karennielsen9248]

Very informative!

[@marianneknapp4846]

Great choices ❤

[@margaretgarlick6840]

Thanks

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

💖

[@debrahorn1938]

I think variegated threads would work beautifully for sashiko embroidery or African Kantha work.

[@rosejohnson452]

Thank you.

[@inekeklijn]

Geweldig weer en ik wil zoveel maken en leren ppffff🤪

[@Cooky_5580]

Love the cat!

[@signchic3]

Good morning, Ginger Kitty.

[@franceshaypenny8481]

25:00 - Long & Short Stitch / Shading.

[@MsGolftango]

Ginger Cat ❤😊

[@aliceshort2949]

hi its alice from newfoundland

[@diyfashiondesign668]

❤

[@shirleyupvall9360]

Where can I find a table stand like that?

[@ljnoble5171]

I'm fascinated by the direction in which you make your cross stitch stitches. Why do you move diagonally from one to another instead of creating vertical stitches on the back, please?

[@solarwinds-]

Please, what brand is that one at 12:04? I've been looking for thread that's shinny. DMC's satin threads are too delicate, almost unusable.

[@lindadelehanty2675]

Where do you get the dmc color chart

[@maxibake9323]

You can Google it, & screenshot it, then save it or print it out. I think you can buy the Chart too.

[@ВеселаАврамова]

20:

[@mermiefasmart1387]

ALL those women's names and NOT ONE GUY in the bunch ! That trendy "guy" thing really sounds horrible.

[@twiggyjali]

step one: acquire cat. the rest is easy

[@pamgrover9910]

Great tutorial ,thank you.

[@cecilelemoine7827]

Thanks!

[@elizabethstump4077]

Thanks!

[@blkcat93]

Thanks!

[@Ada63]

Thanks!

[@pattitossona202]

Thanks!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Thank you Patti x

[@gayeelder8255]

Thanks!

[@dogviews]

Thanks!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Thank you Dogviews! x