INSIDER INFO | What’s In a Name
Most collections we release will use Floriani threads. The exact
color numbers we use for our designs are often written into each
step of our tutorials. This way, you have an easy reference if you
wish to replicate the design as we ran it.
FLORIANI
Polyester Embroidery Thread
The most commonly used thread in our line up would be
Floriani’s polyester threads. With over 300 colors, Floriani
provides a truly diverse color palette to choose from as well
as having a five-year dye lot guarantee, meaning that exact
shade will be the same for 5 years. Both of these factors
are important when constantly releasing new designs and
needing a variety of colors to match or compliment a color
palette. Along with having a large variety of color options,
Floriani threads are well-known for withstanding regular
laundering and even bleach, which prove important when
making items that may require frequent washing or stain
treatments.
ROBISON-ANTON
Super Strength Rayon Thread
While a polyester thread is quite strong and flexible, it does
have a more plastic appearance than rayon, which is our
second most commonly used thread type. When it comes
to rayon, our first choice is Robison-Anton Super Strength
Rayon spools. Much of the artwork produced by Stephen
Wilson Studio is created using this brand of rayon thread for
its vivid colors, soft pliability with multi needles, and ability
to stretch in any direction, allowing designs to lie more flat.
Since the machines used for the studio’s work are constantly
running stitch-intensive designs like butterflies, free standing
elements, and directly embroidering on luxury boxes, rayon
proves to do less wear and tear on the machines over time.
Although polyester is often regarded as having the best
glossy appearance, the Super Strength line of Robison-Anton
pledges a higher sheen than any polyester threads, just
another added bonus!
MADEIRA
Metallic No. 40 Thread
Madeira, well known for their variety of specialty threads,
carries an excellent line of metallic threads that we tend to
reach for when adding a bit of flair. Although we have all the
types that they offer on hand, our most commonly used thread
from Madeira would be their FS Metallics, a line known for
having a strong polyester core and a metallic foil wrap. The FS
#40 provides the perfect thread weight to match the standard
embroidery threads we use while still allowing for stitching on
textured or difficult materials with less breakage than other
brands. Often when we think of metallics, colors like gold,
silver, and copper come to mind, but Madeira’s palette goes
beyond the basics with a variety of shades, from essential
colors to vibrant jewel tones. Each color is sure to add that
perfect touch of sparkle.
INSIDER INFO | A Previous Palette
If you were an All Access member this January, then you will
have received our beautiful wintry collection, Anita’s Wonderland,
which used a Robison-Anton color palette throughout all the
designs and projects included.
INSIDER INFO | Mind Your Metallics
Metallics can be difficult to work with, but there are some quick
tips that can help your shiny pursuit stitch smoothly.
• First, try lowering your machine speed to prevent the stress
of high speed stitching on this more delicate thread.
• You can also try upgrading your spools to cones if you
experience lots of breaks, which will help shorten the
distance from the thread to the needle.
• Lastly, chill out! Try keeping your metallics in the freezer an
hour before use for a smoother stitching experience, we
swear by it!