Tip for using overdyed floss

Posted by Nancy on November 29, 2006, 9:33 am

I've been doing xstitch for quite a while now but have
never used overdyed floss. I just picked up a chart that
shows it done with Gentle Arts Sampler threads. I like
the look and am tempted to try that instead of the
suggested DMC colors. I'm wondering if there's anything
I should know before I order the floss. Thanks.

Nancy

Posted by Caryn on November 29, 2006, 10:05 am

Nancy wrote:
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Some folks, not me tho, say it's best to rinse them before you use
them, as the dyes can run. I prefer the stronger colors with all the
dye. It is not recommended you wash the piece when you are done, as
the dye might run.

I use English method of stitching: one X at a time; rather than the
Danish: /// then back
\. Gives me the variegation more clearly in the stitching.

Also, the loop start method is not recommended, again because it can
blend away the variegation.

HTH,
Caryn

Posted by ellice on November 29, 2006, 12:27 pm

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What she said. Also - if you do the loop start - it could end up looking
"dotty" rather than showing the color graduation.

Personally, I only very, very rarely wash them first. I just stitch with
compulsively washing my hands when I've gotten up to do something else
before starting to stitch again. And keep the unfinishied piece in a
protectice cover (read this the tons of old pillowcases which were found
left in the old house).

I also use Thread Heaven with my overdyes - I don't know why - I don't
bother with plain floss, but it seems to be needed with some of the overdyed
thread.

The other thing to note - besides crossing your stitches as you go - is to
look at the floss and think about your stitching pattern with respect to how
the color changes will show. It's a little fun thing with overdye. Or just
stitch the direction you normally would, just crossing each stitch.

You could get hooked like the rest of us. I'm an addict and have lots in
stash - frequently swapping overdyes for a couple of colors on some charts.

Have fun. You could also pick the "important" places for the overdyes and
do the rest in DMC - if you're hesitant about the cost or working with them.

Happy stitchin'
ellice

Posted by monique on November 29, 2006, 10:27 am

Go for it! Overdyed is fun! Some tips:

1. Always rinse first. I think all the manufacturers have things that
run and they all suggest it, even if their floss is supposed to be
washfast. In my experience, a subtly shaded floss may lose some or all
of the shading in the washing. (Gentle Arts come to mind!) If you don't
want to wash or rinse, you have to stitch with immaculate hands and
banish kids and pets from the stitching area.

2. Play around. You can get different effects by using two strands
that are shaded the same, two strands that are shaded oppositely, one
strand of shaded and one of regular, etc. The shading shows up most if
you cross each stitch as you come to it, but you can do half-crosses and
then come back and cross them for a more subtle effect. Needle
Necessities has some tips on their website. Maybe buy a skein of
variegated DMC and play before ordering the pricey hand-dyes.

3. If you do a repeated motif and make sure that each motif starts at
the same point in the variegation, you can make them all alike. This
looks wonderful.

4. Generally, in very small areas of just a few stitches, the overdyed
threads are pretty much wasted. The effect shows up more on larger
things, say 8 stitches by 8 or so. For a little flower here or there,
don't bother.

5. Always, always, order enough for the whole project. Dye lots vary!

6. Do a doodle scrap first, because sometimes the threads look very
different stitched than they do in the skein.

7. There are skeins with a short "repeat" and ones with a long.
They're useful for different things. If your area is small, you will
notice more shading with a floss with a short repeat. You may find you
neve get through all the colors in a small area of stitching.

8. You can make a color "repeat" faster by spending more of your floss
on the back of the fabric. It's your floss--you can "waste" it if it
gives you the effect you want.

Monique in Texas

Nancy wrote:
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Posted by Nancy on November 29, 2006, 3:59 pm

Thanks all for your tips. This isn't a "big" project but
since I like the look in the picture I'll probably try it.
Although it will have to be after the holidays. The floss
will be my treat and since it's only 10 colors it won't
break the bank. I might use DMC for the small areas
or the backstitching.

Nancy, longtime lurker

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