Adding Possibilities to Your Fabric Art Projects with Variegated Threads
Of all the things you need to create a sewing project, thread is the second most important – fabric being the first. This is really great for me, because of all the different things that make up a sewing project, thread is my very favorite.
I’m like a kid with a new box of crayons every time I open my thread boxes. And, if you think I have trouble passing by other notions, thread is the straw that breaks this camel’s back.
Variegated threads = endless possibilities
When you go into any quilt store they have racks of the most gorgeous thread colors ever! And they’re always coming up with new and better types of thread.
A Thread to Rule Them All
Of all the choices available to me, my very favorite are variegated threads.
The “variegated” part of the name comes from the color variations on each spool. Some variegated threads come with only two-tone variations, others have as many as ten different colors fading back and forth.
These threads are fairly new in the quilting world, so the options available in this category are more numerous every time I go to the quilt store.
The girls actually had to pry some spools out of my hand on Wednesday, and physically drag me away from the thread displays. They very logically told me I had nothing to use these particular colors on at the moment – and I had too much other stuff to do – before I could come up with a project that would utilize these threads.
I’d like to know what logic has to do with anything when you’re in love.
These are all great color blends that work well on a surprising variety of projects and color schemes. Second spool from the end is the turquoise/lavender variegated blend I managed to snag the other day!
However, since I’m supposedly the voice of reason and common sense (because I’m the Mom you know, and therefore the most mature – ha! – and still setting an example), I reluctantly put those gorgeous spools back.
I did manage to get one spool that’s variegated in soft turquoises and lavenders – which will work beautifully with the mermaid quilt I’m making. Also, since I sew with turquoise and purple a great deal, I’ll be able to use it on different projects as well.
What Variegated Threads Cost
Knowing how much I love these threads, you’re probably assuming that I have a plethora of them in my thread boxes. Sadly, this is not the case because variegated threads are fairly pricey.
Think of variegated threads as being the “1 percenters” of the thread world, and metallic variegated threads as the “1 percent of the 1 percenters.”
So I’m very careful that what I buy is within my means.
These are my spring and summer collection – although I have also used these bright and attractive colors on fantasy panels, and to top-stitch quilt my one and only Jinny Beyer beauty.
My advice to you is to be very sparing with how many variegated thread spools you purchase, and think carefully before you buy.
One good rule of thumb is that a new spool has to be usable in at least 3 different projects that you’re thinking of. If I can’t match it to 3 things, then, as much as I hate not to, I don’t purchase it. Of course the exception is if a thread is perfect for a large and elaborate project – like my mermaid quilt.
Due to this rule of mine, I mostly have:
- Autumn themed spools (because I’m always sewing autumn themed projects)
- Some Christmas themed spools
- Two-toned spools where one color is white (these work on a surprising number of projects)
- Metallic variegated threads (because I also love metallic threads, so I double my buck-bang)
My three favorite “autumnal” variegated threads – these have made their presence known in probably 15 different projects over the last 3 years.
Many variegated threads can also cross “theme lines”. For instance, my orange/yellow blends can be used in autumn projects, sunset projects, and flower appliques.
Also, these threads come on different sized spools. If I’m only going to be using it occasionally, I buy the smallest spool available, but frequent use spools, like autumn themes, I buy in the largest spools available.
Available Types of Variegated Threads
Remember Forrest Gump’s famous line: “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get.
This is the reason I am so enthralled by variegated threads – even though you can see some of the different colors on the spool, you never know exactly what it’s going to look like till you sew with it. It’s a surprise every time.
Not only are there color variations on a single spool, there are different types of variegated threads on the market these days, which is totally awesome!
- Simple cotton variegated threads
- Luxury quilting variegated threads
- Metallic and mono-filament variegated threads
How to Use Variegated Threads
Due to the expense and because of their beauty, I never use variegated threads for regular seam sewing. Variegated threads are made to be noticed, so my advice would be to use them where they can be easily seen:
- Top stitch quilting
- Panel outlining
- And appliqueing
I especially like to use variegated thread when I’m appliqueing with a satin stitch. The tighter the satin stitch, the more your variegated thread will shine, because only then can the variations in the colors truly be appreciated.
Variegated thread is also one of those rare items where brand and thread quality is of secondary importance. If you’re going to use variegated thread, then use it for the color and how it compliments your project – not by how expensive the spool is.
This is one instance where variegated thread really, really shows up. We liked this project. Then we added the dragonfly appliques and the variegated thread stitching. Now, we love this table topper.
This is a perfect example of how variegated threads can take you to the next level. This particular table topper was an experiment – we used all scrap materials, and leftover batting pieces. When we had it together, it was really nice. Then we decided to do the seam stitching with thick variegated thread. We discovered that not only did it look fantastic – but that it was the way to make these leaf table toppers. Incidentally, this item sold out within a few months…not bad for an experimental design!
With that being said, these are some of the brands that I have used:
1. Amann Group-Mettler
They carry a nice line in Silk Finish Multis with spools from 100yds. – 500yds.
2. YLI Corp.
This is made in Rock Hill, S.C. This is their 100% cotton quilting thread with 500m a spool so it lasts almost forever. And yes, those are my autumn spools.
3. King Tut Superior Threads
Also 500yds/spool. They’re made in Japan and are great to sew with.
4. Coats
They’re carrying some 200yd. spools for machine embroidery, but they work great in regular sewing machines as well.
5. Isacord
They come on those bigger green spools that are bell shaped and hold 1000m/spool so make sure you’ve got a lot of projects you can use that particular color on.
If you remember to use these threads as the icing on the cake, rather than the cake itself, you’re projects will really shine and the extra expense will be well worth it.
I honestly don’t know which spools of variegated thread in these pictures belong to which brands – the labels come off easily with these threads, and I forget.
Bonus Tip! Variegated threads can also be used for blending in. Although you can’t see it, this bright autumn tree panel was heavily quilted with variegated thread in the top stitching line.