Metallic threads are a popular choice for enhancing liturgical pieces and adding designs to church vestments, altar frontals, and other sacred textiles. These threads come in a variety of colors and finishes, ranging from shiny gold and silver to muted bronzes and coppers. It allows designers to create unique and stunning designs. These are particularly useful for highlighting intricate details. It also adds dimension to flat fabrics, making them a go-to choice for liturgical embroidery.
At Ecclesiastical Sewing, we offer collections of threads for liturgical use, including quality goldwork threads and metallic braids. The selection of these items ensures that every thread meets the standards of quality and beauty.
To learn more, you can find other linked posts below to see how these threads elevate our liturgical pieces.
The IHS Christogram, derived from the Greek name of Jesus, symbolizes faith and devotion. Its use dates back to early Christianity but gained prominence in the Middle Ages. Popularized by Saint Bernardine of Siena, it became an emblem of the Jesuits, signifying their mission to spread the light of Christ.
Those who love hand embroidery and goldwork, these are Imitation Japanese Gold threads available in sizes No. 13, No. 12, No. 9, and No. 8 which are also known as K1, K2, K3, and K4. The gold threads are used in pairs. The gold threads are often worked on a padded surface such as felt padding. They may also be used as a finishing edge around an embroidered applique. The gold foil has a lovely burnished color that looks fiery – gold in a finished project.
The Red Cord was used to couch the Red Passing thread. It worked great from the start, for about 3 stitches. Then, as the metallic cord was pulled through the fabric, the cord separated, showing the white core.
Using a combination of silver threads and pearls, the design sparked the imagination. The silver threads give the embroidery such a light and delicate look. Couching metallic threads is fairly simple, but some tips and techniques help add that final touch to the stitching.
The key to success with a goldwork project is the shimmer of light as it hits and plays off the metallic threads. Adding another color to the mix, in the right proportions is a nice addition that opens up a host of design options. Taking the chance and placing the order for these copper threads has turned on to be a delight.
Ecclesiastical Embroidery and Vestment Projects,
– Improving faraway visibility in church embroidery can be tricky. Delicate silver thread on Angel Wings looks nice up close but might fade from a distance. Adding a black outline helps, but it raises concerns about muting the shimmer and blending with the blue background. Deciding between keeping the black for definition or adding more silver threads is a right choice in Ecclesiastical Embroidery.
The ongoing Advent Vestment Set faces challenges in couching stitches. The Silver Check Thread, with its non-tarnish finish, offers a sparkle and shine in following curves, holding edges, and concealing stitches. Despite awaiting additional thread supplies, the emphasis remains on completion rather than rushing, with the Ecclesiastical Embroidery project.
Metallic threads, like Passing Threads and Kreinik Japan Threads, bring shimmer to Ecclesiastical Embroidery. While Passing Threads require careful handling due to their delicate finish, Kreinik Japan Threads offer a shiny, flexible, and affordable option. Despite challenges, the warm copper passing thread adds a contrasting touch. Thoughtful stitching and understanding each thread’s traits enhance the embroidery experience.
Late at night bits of an Advent Vestment Set come together. Sorting threads, choosing fabrics like Silk Dupioni, broadcloth, and cotton canvas, each piece plays a part. The altar frontal takes shape with careful attention, creating a beautiful and functional piece in Ecclesiastical Sewing.
Starting a new Advent project for the church with a Star design. Quickly framed the Altar Frontal design and now onto the fun part – stitching with shiny Silver Metallic Threads. Exploring different options like Smooth Passing, Silver Twists, Check Thread, and Rococo to outline the Advent Star. The aim is to make it shimmer and shine with various textures and to create a beautiful Altar Frontal, Chalice Veil, and Pulpit Fall for Advent season.
The focus is on testing card padding for Goldwork Embroidery. Clear Fuse from a local Fabric Store was used to create card padding for the IHS Ecclesiastical Embroidery Design. The card padding was cut and prepared for a sample test with gold thread. Additional stitching is planned to secure the card padding in place.
Ecclesiastical Sewing takes a break from finishing the Monk’s Habit to brainstorm Advent Altar Hanging and Pulpit Fall Ideas. Current hangings are deemed unsatisfactory, prompting a plan for an interim Advent Set using machine embroidery on Silk Dupioni fabric. The proposed design includes stars, Alpha and Omega, and Chi-Rho symbols. Time constraints pose a challenge, but the aim is to complete the project using a beautiful blue Silk Dupioni fabric and possibly incorporating Silver Elizabethan Twist thread for added shimmer.
IHS Goldwork Embroidery for the Rose Vestment Set Altar Frontal. Inspired by a detailed Fleur end in a design notebook, Silk Wrapped Purl was used for the cross. The technique involves a central line splitting into two at the Fleur ends. Adding a second gold thread using the “turn one, cut one method” from the A to Z Goldwork Book by Inspirations
Silk Wrapped Purl and Silk Gimp from Thistle Threads offer exciting possibilities for Ecclesiastical Embroidery projects. Despite their unique qualities, figuring out how to use these threads can be a challenge. Tricia’s blog from The Embroiderer’s Story highlighted the difficulties faced by manufacturers of these specialized threads. To support their survival, an order was placed for Silk Wrapped Purl and Silk Gimp. The Silk Wrapped Purl, neatly packaged in one-yard lengths, possesses a playful, flexible nature. The Silk Gimp, a versatile thread, can be used for outlines, fillings, or couching, providing endless creative options for Ecclesiastical Embroidery projects.
Tips and techniques that can make goldwork progress
– IHS Ecclesiastical Embroidery Design for a Rose Vestment Set. Using the couching technique, she starts with horizontal and vertical rows, opting for a turn-one, plunge-one method to manage thread ends. The needle is placed between gold threads, angled under the previous row, and pulled tight. The chosen couching style creates a brick pattern with alternating stitch placement…
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