Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Candlewicking: Talking Threads

As I expected, work on my candlewicking project is different from any other type of needlework I’ve tried.

Candlewicking - &Stitches
Stitching over the snowflake design

The stitches are the same as ‘traditional’ embroidery – the photo above simply uses back stitch and French knots – but the materials and the feel of the technique are very rustic indeed. The muslin fabric is, for lack of a better word, tougher than finer cotton or even linen, with a very tight fibre weave.

The candlewick thread is cotton string, so it is coarse to stitch. As it squeaks through the fabric, it frays ever so slightly, resulting in a softer, more matte appearance to the embroidery, rather than the light sheen of traditional embroidery floss.

Candlewicking - &Stitches
I could use a thread conditioner, like Thread Heaven, but that seems to defeat the purpose...

But like I said before, I expected these qualities, because these were the materials used by the early pioneers in America. I bet they weren’t complaining about rough textures as they struggled to survive and create on the wild frontier!

This week I’m comparing embroidery floss with candlewick thread, to see if I can find anything remotely similar to create my own candlewicking project after I finish the snowflake cushion.

Candlewicking - &Stitches
I tested out two types of floss similar in thickness to the candlewick thread. I used different shades to prevent confusion...Above, from left to right: three strands of traditional embroidery floss, in cream; above that is the candlewick thread, which consists of two strands of cotton that cannot be separated; and cotton a broder, in a peach shade.

I worked with the candlewick floss for a while on the cushion before testing the others – I wanted to compare not only the appearance but the feel of the threads.

Candlewicking - &Stitches
I used stem stitch for these three curlicues. I ruled out the cotton a broder on the right straight away. It is delicate and lovely, gliding effortlessly through the fabric and radiating a soft, glowing sheen. Definitely too posh for the pioneers!

I started using two strands of the traditional embroidery floss, but after three stitches I pulled it back and added a third strand to increase the bulk. It is closer to the candlewick thread than the cotton a broder, and it has the more textured twist to the stem stitch.

Candlewicking - &Stitches
However, it isn’t matte. Even the pale cream has a slight sheen, again belying the rustic roots of candlewicking.

Do you have any suggestions? Any unique thread I should try? Next step is to get some embroidery floss that matches colour of the candlewick thread and do another comparison, but I doubt I’ll find anything as raw in texture. Dear me, I’m complaining about only being able to use lovely, smooth floss!

What are you stitching? Please share in the &Stitches Flickr group. We'd love to see it!

10 comments:

  1. Beautiful embroidery!!!! Beautiful!!!!

    Hugs

    Maria Filomena

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  2. What beautiful work. Your photography really enhances your embroidery. Well done.
    Ruth Cartwright http://craftwithcartwright.blogspot.co.uk/

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  3. How would a linen thread work - it would have the matte finish... I picked up some DMC linen thread a while back.

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    1. Thank you Jennie! I'm going to look up that right now...Cx

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  4. I really like the idea of trying this, I'm a rustic folkie girl all the way.
    Clare x

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  5. No ideas as I am not a stitcher - as you know by now - but, this is beautiful and I look forward with interest to see what you work out and how it progresses! xx

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  6. A really nice post! Very interesting, and your work is lovely. And I love the pattern!

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  7. The thread I use for Candlewicking is called Heirloom thread. I order online through Margaret's Fabrics in Victoria, Australia (I am not affiliated with them in any way, just a very happy customer!) http://www.margaretsfabrics.com.au/online-shop?page=shop.browse&category_id=15

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    1. Thank you for this link - my mother actually offered to post me candlewicking thread from the US, but I had to explain that I'm trying to find something comparable for UK and European peeps who don't have it easily available. I'll see if I can source Heirloom thread around here! Cx

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  8. What an informative post and amusing 'I bet they weren't complaining about rough textures as they struggled to survive and create on the wild frontier!'. i have really enjoyed my little visit here, thanks x

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