using black thread

Tips, Tricks & Techniques - anything to help fellow cross stitchers.

Moderators: rcperryls, Rose, karen4bells, Serinde, Alex

Post Reply
mlgrandy
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Feb 05, 2016 10:47 pm

using black thread

Post by mlgrandy »

Hi, I will be starting a new pattern and it contains a lot of black. The last time I used black in a pattern some of the material showed through. Is there a way to avoid that happening? Thanks, Marilu
DisneyStitcher
Posts: 293
Joined: Tue Jun 28, 2016 11:59 pm

Re: using black thread

Post by DisneyStitcher »

You can either stitch on a dark(er)fabric or use 1 thread more than you typically would for the thread count. For instance, consider using 3 threads instead of 2 on 14 ct.
User avatar
rcperryls
Posts: 32991
Joined: Tue Mar 22, 2011 1:36 pm
Location: SC, USA

Re: using black thread

Post by rcperryls »

Black threads seem to be the thinnest of all the colors. I think it has something to do with the dying process. DMC 310 is, I think, the worst of all of them. Anchor black (403) is slightly thicker. I'm not sure about other brands. Depending on the project, using a darker fabric makes sense. I have never tried adding a strand, but if it looks better and not bulky I would try it.

Carole
:thinks:
WIPs
Star Wars Afghan:Chewbaca
HAEDs:
O Kitten Tree
Dancing with the Cat
Everything else "on hold"
2022 Finished: Star Wars Afghan: Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Finn, Rey, Poe, Han Solo,Darth Vader, BB8,Luke Skywalker
stitchhappy18
Posts: 406
Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2014 3:54 pm
Location: California

Re: using black thread

Post by stitchhappy18 »

rcperryls wrote:Black threads seem to be the thinnest of all the colors. I think it has something to do with the dying process. DMC 310 is, I think, the worst of all of them. Anchor black (403) is slightly thicker. I'm not sure about other brands. Depending on the project, using a darker fabric makes sense. I have never tried adding a strand, but if it looks better and not bulky I would try it.

Carole
:thinks:
I have also switched to using Anchor for better coverage.
Lisa

Current WIPS:
PSS 12 Days of Christmas
FPS Trick or Treat
Mary Hickmott - Barn Owl
Fleur de Lys Tree
FPS National Parks

2016 Finishes

Filigree Heart
Damask Square
Wash & Pray
Finch
Needleworker
Spooked!
mlgrandy
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Feb 05, 2016 10:47 pm

Re: using black thread

Post by mlgrandy »

Thank so much for your suggestions . I think I will try the 3 strands first and if that looks to bulky I will try the Anchor thread.
User avatar
Serinde
Posts: 18500
Joined: Tue Jan 31, 2006 5:46 pm
Location: Scotland

Re: using black thread

Post by Serinde »

Madeira black is said to be better than either DMC or Anchor. Using a pewter coloured background fabric would also help avoid bits of white showing through. (Weavers call the bits of warp thread that show from insufficient beating down "lice". YUK!)
Post Reply