World Wide Quilting Page
Question of the Week
Question for the week of February 25, 2002:
Our question this week comes from Fay R
Is there any reason not to use embroidery floss to applique? I have lots
of floss in a wide variety of colors and seems a handy source of thread when trying to match a wide variety of colors.
Teri Crawley :
I have loads of embroidery floss and like the idea of using it to applique...but the importance of matching color is that the thread will not be visible. If doubling or tripling the thread is necessary, as some have suggested, then the thread will show and I would imagine tangle quite a bit.
R. Zalewski :
All embroidery floss is not guaranteed colorfast. The potential of any floss dye bleeding into an applique could ruin a whole quilt. I have used it to tie scrap quilts of various color ranges. Two recent ones I completed were a yellow, orange and pink combination, the other was a combo several greens and blues.
lovie :
I recomend soaking any dark thread colors in a water vinegar solution, then lay flat on a towl until completely dry. That will help set the colors, and resist fading or bleeding.
hollibear :
I grew up embroidering dish towels and such, and never remember the colors running on the dish towels - which were, of course, all white. I think the embroidery thread would give your work depth and great accent.
Gayla Uslu :
Fay, a lot of quilters would 'cringe' at this this, but I use embroidery thread to applique and quilt. You have to make due with what you have sometimes. Like the others said, they colors may run and you need to double or triple the thread.
Stripey Bear :
Hello Fay,
I have done this for wall-hangings. Christmas ones from Debbie Mumm. Have not washed them yet, and would not do a bed one until I could be sure the colours would not run . Good luck.
dicrodi@aol.com :
i have used floss may times without any problem, our grandmother's did and the dyes are much better now. I have never
had black or red run. Have fun and use
all you have as long as its good quality.
grace :
Just be careful that the floss is not one that the color runs. Some of the darks, brights, especially reds can be runners!
Grammie Leonie :
You go right ahead and use up your embroidery floss there is no difference in that and any other thread. Be sure to use at least 2-3 strands of the floss. Enjoy. That is how our Grandmothers did it !!!
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