Embroidery Thread

Embroidery thread—frequently called embroidery floss or craft skeins—is a loosely twisted, high-sheen thread used specifically for decorative hand-stitching, cross-stitch, and needlepoint. In our collection, we focus on providing highly versatile options to suit different designs. We stock individual solid and variegated embroidery skeins, dazzling metallic embroidery threads for festive highlights, and cost-effective multi-packs, including our Variegated Assortment packs and Single Stranded Variegated packets which are fantastic for building a diverse colour palette on a budget.

Standard embroidery skeins are composed of six individual, divisible strands of thread lightly twisted together. You do not have to use all six strands at once! For fine, delicate detail work, lettering, or intricate facial features, you should gently peel away and use just one or two strands. For bold borders, filling in larger shapes (satin stitch), or working on heavy utility fabrics like denim or canvas, using three, four, or even all six strands will provide the necessary coverage and dimensional texture.

Vilene Soluvleece (Code 321) is a highly specialised, water-soluble, non-woven backing stabiliser used to support fabrics during embroidery and machine stitching. It is particularly essential when embroidering onto stretchy jersey, fine silks, transparent organza, or open-weave knits which easily warp and pucker under needle tension. You simply place Soluvleece behind or on top of your fabric before stitching your design. Once your hand-embroidery or free-motion machine work is complete, rinse the garment in cold or warm water—the Soluvleece dissolves completely, leaving nothing behind but your flawless, unpuckered stitches.

Metallic embroidery skeins (such as our premium silver and gold variants) add gorgeous, reflective highlights to your designs, but their synthetic metallic foil wrapping makes them more rigid and delicate to work with than standard cotton. To prevent snagging or fraying, follow these handy tips:

• Keep your lengths short: Cut your thread into shorter lengths (around 30cm) to minimise friction as the thread passes repeatedly through the fabric.

• Use a larger needle: Thread your metallic floss into a dedicated embroidery or metallic needle with a larger eye to reduce wear on the thread.

• Use a thread conditioner: Glide the thread through a bit of beeswax or thread conditioner before sewing to make it supple and prevent twists.