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

Variegated embroidery threads can be confusing; they look beautiful in the skein but how do you use them and what can you stitch with them? In this video I talk all about the different kinds, some dos and don'ts of using them and show how they can be used with different stitches and different techniques using some pieces from my collection.
Join me on Patreon here for extra perks and content:
/ sarahhomfrayembroidery
Become a KZbin Channel Member to get access to extra perks and content (same as Patreon, you don't need to join both!):
/ sarahhomfrayembroidery
Are you an embroidery beginner? Or thinking about how to get into the hobby? Go to the 'Beginning Embroidery' page on my website to learn more:
www.sarahhomfr...
Like this video and subscribe to the channel for more hand embroidery tutorials.
CLICK THIS LINK TO SUBSCRIBE: www.youtube.co...
Visit www.sarahhomfr... for your hand embroidery supplies.
Hand embroidery for beginners and experts!
Follow me on social media
Facebook - / sarahhomfray​
Instagram - / sarah_homfray_embroidery
Pinterest - www.pinterest....
#SarahHomfrayEmbroidery #SarahHomfrayNeedlepoint #SarahHomfrayStitchLibrary #BeginnersEmbroidery #BeginnersHandEmbroidery #EmbroideryForBeginners #HandEmbroideryForBeginners #HandEmbroideryTutorial #HandEmbroidery

[@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.😢

[@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.

[@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!

[@christineheslin5702]

Thank you Professor Homfray

[@blkcat93]

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

[@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 !!!!!

[@katetreick1646]

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

[@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…..

[@nitajohnston8266]

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

[@melanie7781]

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

[@michellenewland3351]

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

[@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! ❤

[@laracraft82]

The silk thread was stunning ❤😮

[@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.

[@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 💜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@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!

[@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 🌸 🍃

[@Debdebberdebbest]

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

[@kathleenhaas4998]

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

[@barbaracabrera207]

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

[@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]

💖

[@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!

[@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. ❤️🙂🐶

[@ein1985]

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

[@heden1460]

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

[@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!!!

[@judithdaus6083]

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

[@lauriebrock470]

Thank you for your beautiful embroidery and excellent teaching!❤

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

💖

[@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

[@danisehetland3576]

Thanks!

[@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...:)!

[@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.

[@pamgrover9910]

Great tutorial ,thank you.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@marianneknapp4846]

Such Lovely embroidery 💕🌷😊

[@carolynmartin1268]

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

[@tokyorosa]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@CFW1]

Helpful video. Thank you.

[@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!

[@ljbj4]

very helpful info; thank you! 😊

[@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

[@jenrodgers4677]

Thank you for the information.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@karennielsen9248]

Very informative!

[@Kayenne54]

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

[@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!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@loismiller4031]

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

[@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.

[@myriamregnier6859]

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

[@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

[@marianneknapp4846]

Great choices ❤

[@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.

[@margaretgarlick6840]

Thanks

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

💖

[@inekeklijn]

Geweldig weer en ik wil zoveel maken en leren ppffff🤪

[@diane2941]

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

[@azanaq]

Thank you for providing such amazing resources 🙏🏾

[@rosejohnson452]

Thank you.

[@Cooky_5580]

Love the cat!

[@darlenefarmer5921]

Great video! Thank you. 😊

[@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.

[@franceshaypenny8481]

25:00 - Long & Short Stitch / Shading.

[@signchic3]

Good morning, Ginger Kitty.

[@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.

[@shirleyupvall9360]

Where can I find a table stand like that?

[@MsGolftango]

Ginger Cat ❤😊

[@fashioninspiration668]

❤

[@aliceshort2949]

hi its alice from newfoundland

[@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.

[@user-yy2yk1pe3s]

20:

[@twiggyjali]

step one: acquire cat. the rest is easy

[@mermiefasmart1387]

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

[@elizabethstump4077]

Thanks!

[@cecilelemoine7827]

Thanks!

[@gayeelder8255]

Thanks!

[@blkcat93]

Thanks!

[@Ada63]

Thanks!

[@pattitossona202]

Thanks!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Thank you Patti x