Preparing machine embroidery...thread combinations...

Preparing for machine embroidery…

Preparations for machine embroidery should also include the consideration of unlikely combinations of thread in order to represent particular surface textures, reflections, and shadows. I have sometimes combined commercially produced sewing machine threads with commercially produced embroidery threads as well as textured or metallic threads originally produced for knitting or crochet work. Machine embroidery can be sewn over a foundation of metallic crochet thread applied through the use of hand stitching, or specialty metallic machine threads can be sewn over hand embroidery in order to depict reflections and splashes of light.

Preparing machine embroidery...thread selection...

Preparing for machine embroidery…

Preparations for machine embroidery include the development of a tonal or colour palette of threads. In addition to the development of a collection of commercially prepared skeins or reels of embroidery threads, consideration should also be given to the use of home spun threads, as well as the use of commercially prepared skeins or reels of thread that have been modified through the use of colour stripping agents or bleaches, as well as ‘overdyeing’ through the use of natural dyes, commercial dye preparations, inks or even diluted paints. Twisting and spinning techniques can also be used to help create variegated threads.