Should you use cheap embroidery threads? I test value floss against Anchor & DMC - GIVEAWAY ENDED
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ย. 2021
- In this video I test and compare inexpensive hand embroidery stranded floss against branded cotton threads from Anchor & DMC. Is cheap embroidery thread worth buying? Including a giveaway for 3 viewers!
Why not have a go at this design yourself? Download the free Sweetheart Sweet Pea pdf design here:
www.sarahhomfray.com/free-stu...
If you are one of the three winners of this giveaway we will leave a message on your TH-cam 'Discussion' page and if your email address is linked to your TH-cam page we will send you an email. Once we have made contact with you we will send out your prize free of charge!
If we do not hear from you after seven days we will post a message on our 'Community' page inviting you to check your 'Discussion' page.
If after a further seven days we do not hear from you we will draw an alternative winner in place of you. Please note, you may be charged import duties on the threads if you are outside the UK.
Are you an embroidery beginner? Or thinking about how to get into the hobby? Go to the 'Beginning Embroidery' page on my website to learn more:
www.sarahhomfray.com/beginner...
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The draw has taken place folks! Check your discussion tab on your home page to see if you have won!
Free thread pack...this was a really informative presentation. My mother was highly skilled in embroidery, crocheting, sewing, etc. She won so many prizes at the county fair. She passed on her knowledge to us but we could never match her skill. Now that she has passed, I treasure the samples of her work I was able to keep. Watching and learning from videos like yours helps me improve my efforts and keeps her close. Thanks for sharing.
That's a wonderful story MsJWheels and what a beautiful collection to have. I really enjoying passing on my knowledge as much as I do stitching myself, it's so rewarding to see what everyone is acheiving all over the world!
Certainly someone has mentioned it already, but if not, there's an easy way to determine if there is any synthetic material in your textile - the burn test! Organic threads don't melt when exposed to heat; char, crumble, yes, but only the synthetics will melt and either deform or drip and then reharden once cooled. The dripping factor obviously means you don't want to do this over your hand - a tall candlestick held at an angle or one of those long click lighters for your barbecue work nicely. And be prepared to drop it (as the song says, like it's hot!) because some synthetics will burn rapidly and you don't need your entire hand engulfed in flames - which will be the least of your problems because the molten lava you're holding will cause much more severe burns as well as permently adhere to your skin.
For the same reasons, its important to always cut a single, small piece to test, as an entire bolt of fabric/skein of yarn/hank of thread going up in smoke will most definitely set off the fire alarms! The smoke from synthetics is pretty nasty as well, so prepared to extinguish quickly and have good ventilation. I usually test outdoors on the pavement and just drop the piece to let it burn itself out - resist stomping it out, molten synthetics are sticky and burn HOT and will be on your shoe forever! In the kitchen sink with a bit of water already in it and your stove exhaust hood turned on works in a pinch (or a torrential downpour) too.
(Source: I work with hazmat explosives as a medic and volunteer for backcountry wildfires, and I'd rather treat someone who fell into flames naked or caught their cotton clothes on fire head to toe than someone in full turnout gear wearing synthetic underwear who was exposed to a brief spike in temperature. Molten plastics fused to skin, flesh, organs is a nightmare fueling superhero origin story gone wrong, and I'm a bit overcautious when it comes to trusting fiber content labels, and always test everything!)
10:07 "Pull free construction" I learned something new today, wow! This whole time I've been opening up the two paper seals to take a length of floss and then taping them back up😅. Simply pulling on it makes a whole lot more sense; what a time saver.
You'ver been undoing the labels KTLL?! This will save you loads of time (and tape!)!
Me too!😅
Me, too. You learn something new every day. Even at 70. Thanks.
Best embroidery channel on TH-cam!
Thank you Dee!
I'm so glad I've found your channel! My nan was an excellent embroiderer and made her own decorative pillows and table cloths in various sizes, with her own embroidery designs on them. However he passed away 12 years ago, so she sadly never got to see that one of her grandkids (me) have inherited this particular interest from her. Fortunately, she handed over all her remaining floss, patterns, fabrics and tools to my mum before passing, and since my mum never grew and interest in embroidery herself, all of those materials have now been passed on to me. It feels really good that they're finally being put to use, like a part of her lives on.
That's a lovely story, how wonderful to be able to use all her threads!
Sarah, I so appreciate you being so unbiased in reviewing this thread. I was surprised at how open minded you were. Kinda glad you were happy with this thread. I am a beginner at slow stitching, because of your videos. I was reluctant to even try the cheaper threads, but now I feel I can use it without regret! Especially cuz slow stitching is free style.
"Free thread pack" I've always wondered about the more inexpensive threads I've seen them around a bit, great to practice with, so thanks for the review. I thought the Anchor/DMC side looked a tad more delicate. I love DMC thread even their crochet cotton. These threads would be good if you're on a limited budget and I am. Spotlight you can get DMC for $1.50, eBay $1.00 per skein. Perhaps I'm a bit of a purist at heart. Your tip about where to pull the end was brilliant I've always got myself in a real mess and now I know why!
The cheap threads have their place definitely Cathie! Perhaps not for an heirloom piece, but certainly for small projects and practicing
Free thread pack.
Great comparison of the floss brands.
Love all your videos.
Thanks
Linda
at last someone who does not look down their nose at cheaper threads. Also mixing the DMC and Anchor i found very interesting .i have been sewing for over 20 years and im still learning .
I'm still learning too Barry!
Excellent review, glad you weren’t snobby about trying the cheaper thread, I was actually quite surprised that you liked it, I thought you would’ve said it’s ok but you wouldn’t recommend unless you’re a very beginner just trying it out to see if you enjoy stitching. Very impressed with how it turned out. Thank you for the chance to win a “free thread pack” good luck everyone x
P.S forgot to mention - love how you left the faux pas with the scissors in 🤣 x
I didn't know he had! Jon (who edits the videos) is in trouble now....
I think you should always try things out for yourself!
@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery oops, oh dear - sorry for blabbing on you John 😳🤣
I always wondered if it was “safe” to use the less costly thread. Thanks for the review! I feel confident to go ahead now. I would love a free thread pack 😊
They are definitely worth trying Rose; some will like them some won't but everyone can make their own mind up!
The right end to pull...thank you.
Free thread pack. Really interesting video! It's so easy to assume that 'cheap' thread will be inferior.
I was pleasantly suprised by them Esther!
Free thread pack….pleased you showed this Sarah….not everyone can afford expensive threads..I use DMC myself and have been sewing for over 50 years and still love it xxx
I love that the cheap thread works so well and you showed us!
Free thread. Have watched many of your videos, for a relative beginner they are easy to follow and intuitive. Many thanks for sharing your expertise.
Free thread pack! That would be awesome! I am relearning. My mother taught me when I was young. 😊
You never forget Cheryl!
"Free thread pack" So nice that you show that it is possible to embroider with cheap thread. I want to win this one :-)
It's always really nice to have an expert try the cheaper threads, as you say great for someone who's trying embroidery for the first time. Thank you for the free design, it's beautiful. Oh and Free Thread Pack.
Free thread pack is great value for your money,good selection of colours in pack too..
I only use DMC if i want a quality finished product. Ive used coats only for bright variegated use. The Anchor ive used only for kumihumo. Ive been embroidering for 60 yrs. Its great to learn more about DMC and other companies ❤
Free thread pack - Your designs are lovely. your videos are very satisfying to watch. ❤️❤️
Great to know cheaper threads are an option for us newbies, thanks for a very informative video. Loving all your content and find your tutorials very relaxing .thank you Sarah 😊
when I first began, I just purchased the biggest pack of cheap thread I could find (100 for $10.99 USD!) and soon realized that they tend to knot EXTREMELY easily, so I very quickly just broke down and found a good deal on 100 DMC skeins in a nice variety of colors for $72 on Amazon. (Of course, that was before I realized that I could buy them at Walmart or Hobby Lobby for under 0.60 each!) Then, I gave my 12 year old daughter the cheaper threads for making friendship bracelets. We live and learn. They are definitely useable and the colors were really nice as well, but as a beginner…. I just couldn’t deal with the near constant tangling. They were really difficult to separate as well.
I strongly suspect the threads may be mostly or all cotton, just a lesser/cheaper quality- short instead of long staple. This would fuzz more and be softer to touch. Would be interesting to use a skein to do a burn test. If it smells like burning paper it should be cotton. If it's man-made it will have a chemical odor and may melt into a ball.
Definitely an inexpensive way to learn and practice.
I did a burn test, it's definitely synthetic!
@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery In that case, as embroidery goes, there's a possibility that the synthetics could be more colorfast. Which if something is just going to hang on the wall, that might be a good thing.
I always learn so much watching you. Free thread pack would be great. New Zealand 🇳🇿
Free Thread Pack thank you for sharing your thought on cheaper embroidery threads. I've used some in the past for making cross stitch greeting cards and small embroidery pieces, that won't be washed.
Free Thread Pack - Glad the cheaper threads are actually reasonable, I'm on a tight budget and not that accomplished at embroidery so at least I'm not wasting my time practicing with the cheaper threads. Great channel (❁´◡`❁)
You definitely aren't wasting your time UniversalCat, at that price you can practice as much as you want!
'Free thread pack'. I've always wondered how less expensive threads compared. Nice video and explanation.
Free thread pact. Very helpful but will continue with DMC.
I use cheap floss all the time for things I make for my home,and I save my good thread for nice tapestries and gifts that I give to others.
Free Thread Pack. Cheaper are not always inferior. Thanks for the review.
Free thread pack🤗Thank you for the cool tips all the instructions and tutorial I've been watching before you were misleading so thank you so much.
Thank you for the very helpful videos, always enjoy them. Wonderful of you to give away a ‘free thread pack’!
Free thread pack. I love your videos Sarah, I've learnt so much... Thank you.
Free thread pack. Nice to know my megar pennies can help to make beautiful thread work. You have been a big inspiration for my embroidery work. I also work hand stiches in my quilt art. Especially my landscape designs.
You don't need to spend loads of money to make nice things Connie!
Free thread pack. Thank you for explaining about the differences. It would be interesting to try these threads.
Free threads pack. I have only been embroidering for a few months and didn't know how much I would love it. Your video was very informative and so clear to understand. I would love to try those cheaper floss.
Free thread pack- Thank you for the demonstration. I have never tried embroidery. You made it looked simple and elegant. I would like to give it a try.
Thank you for a chance at the free thread pack. Keep up the instructional videos.
When it's time to buy more threads I look around for craft store websites, online stitch companies, places like that. Stores tend to offer a single skein for around 60¢ each. I look for good sales, even on Amazon. I love all fibers and embroidery is my current obsession!!
I need to watch the video in its entirety but…I always got a friendship bracelet vibe from the cheap packs. Like they are more for children’s crafts and first needlepoint projects.
People pick up and drop hobbies that use floss so frequently that I find the best deals are at the thrift stores.
I recently got a nice organizer bag with everything but small gauge tapestry needles and fabric for $5 because somebody donated it. Even came with a really nice set of tools and some kreinik blending filament and threads including a spool of silk thread. Whoever had it before me sorted out all of the colors into gradients and put them into separate baggies per hue.
I know you can’t rely on that much good luck on every visit but they almost always have tools and supplies at a fraction of what the craft stores charge.
Thank you for telling us where to pull the tread. I always make a mess when trying to pull the tread.
I'm only to the price reveal of the Anchor and DMC and I'm STUNNED, because after conversion you paid more than double what I do for DMC. My floss costs USD $0.62 per skein, plus $0.06 tax.
Yes it's much cheaper in the US!
Free thread pack, I’m in Massachusetts, starting in embroidery and am so in love with it.
"Free Thread Pack" thank you for this information. I've learned a lot.
Free thread pack. I'm a bit tired of looking high and low for over dyed floss called for in a pattern Nice to know there are good alternatives. Thank you for the comparison!
I do a lot of embroidery on pillowcases so this was quite useful. I wash and dry them over and over and have never had a problem. I use only DMC thread tho and they have held up like the day I did them. I do have to work at the tension of the stitches tho as sometimes they look a little tight after drying.
I just bought a more affordable thread pack. They work just fine. My only complaint is that they aren't labeled with color number. I have ordered a dmc color chart so I can match them to a color number. I keep mine in a floss organizer labeled with color number.
I use cheaper threads as a beginner I thought at least making mistakes be cheaper in the long run but I also find mine is soft, the downside I find is that it can be a bit hard to handle if your not careful haven't got much sturdiness as the better quality ones like Anchor DMC feel much better so when more experienced will be investing as them.
Free thread pack - I always enjoy trying new threads, even if they're of dubious provenance. 😃
£1.20 per skein of DMC??? Wow, that's expensive! An 8m skein of DMC stranded cotton is usually around 60¢ (~£0.44) in the US and it's frequently on sale for even less. (I just checked and Michael's currently lists it at 62¢ and while JoAnn normally charges 60¢ it's currently on sale for 45¢ per skein.) Of course those US prices don't include sales tax (anywhere between 0 and 10% depending on where you are) but even after adding that in it's still less than half the UK price.
I also choked when I heard that price! Even with my local sales tax, 7%, it's still much less expensive. What's startling to me is that DMC is considered an ordinary floss where I am--a solid choice, but nothing special. The Japanese COSMO threads are all the rage and those cost about $1.25, which is about £0.90. Then again, we pay through the nose for medical care... I think I'd rather have more expensive floss.
OMG… I need to get my way to JoAnns!!
JoAnns is great for this sort of thing!
Yes, we do get free health care!
Island living is always more expensive!
Free Thread Pack. Love your videos, so informative, you cover so many aspects of needlework
Free Thread Pack ;) Awesome ;) I have some acrylic thread that looks like wool in different colours and it is very fluffy ;) Thanks so much for sharing this with us ;D
Use it for Turkeu Rug stitch D!
An interesting video to watch and listen to while I hand quilt! Thank you for posting!
You are so welcome!
I have used that floss before, my only complaint is quality control. Some skeins show an uneven color, some skeins shred when using. But if it’s not going to be used in a heirloom piece I use it. Since I’m in USA, I’m not entering the drawing. You can burn the end and see how it burns. If it has acrylic in it there will be melting, cotton will char
Free Thread Pack! I love the fluffy finish. Your videos are wonderful. Great photography and logical, easy to follow instructions and descriptions. Love them.
Free thread is always wonderful. I have been stitching for a few years now. These videos have been my main source of instruction. Thank you! You are amazing.
Fantastic videos thank you!! Charity shops are great to find affordable thread and fabric
Sarah🌺 i am new to embroidery and have learned quite a lot from you. I am using your starting knot and two stitches technique. I love your explanations and close up video. Winning the "free thread pack" would be great! Thank you for such a good teacher.
You are so welcome!
"Free thread pack" How nice! My son turn me on to your tutorials. So happy he did! Thank you for all the good information, demonstration and artistry.
Welcome aboard Carol!
One of our Free Thread Packs was unclaimed so we did the draw again and your name came out of the (virtual) hat; you have won some free threads! Please contact me at this email address with your address details so I can send your threads to you: sarahhomfray@blueyonder.co.uk
'Free thread pack" Thank you for sharing this information very helpful I must admit I have seen these threads but never tried them.
Your stitching is lovely! Thank you for your demonstration of stitching. (Your marmalade cat seems very content on your table.)
(He likes to be with his people Mary!)
Free thread pack
Thank you for the free design. I love your videos, I've learned a lot from watching you.
I used anchor and Sullivan’s (us brand similar to anchor) and dmc to ‘slow’ stitch repair my Levi’s….get washed a bit and in the dryer in winter hung out for warmer weather. All held up really for the stitching and long term wear….washing etc has not degraded the fibers!
Free thread pack is a great thing for us beginners, I am 76 years old and have just started embroidery.I searched for videos to learn from and your videos are the best on TH-cam. Thanks you and keep the videos coming.
That's fantastic Donna, I hope you are enjoying your stitching!!
Free thread packs! Love to embroider an do cross stitching. Thanks for the nice giveaway
Free Thread Pack
Great to see the bargain thread is still totally useable, though it'd definitely be a bummer should you run out of a color and need a whole new pack to get another skein.
Yes, definitely do you planning first!
Free Thread Pack. I've been knitting for more years than I can count. I'm new to embroidery but I'm finding that floss and yarn are very similar in the way they are packaged and manufactured. I use mercerized cotton when I'm making a garment that needs to be a workhorse. Your videos are very instructive. I like the tidbit about how to pull the floss and not winding it.
It's interesting that your knitting knowledge is transferable to embroidery Pat, i hope you are enjoying your new hobby!
My sister bought a bunch of sets made up of embroidery fabric pieces with a lightly printed design on them and a cardboard piece with some fifteen colored threads wrapped around to match the design, 100% polyester.
She started a couple, then abandoned them.
I found them very handy for darning, as there was a great variety of colours.
Your thoughts that the free thread pack feels very nice is quite unexpected. The colors are bright and cheerful. We can see the thickness is different from DMC. Thanks Sarah!
Hi Sarah, I've been doing embroidery for years now, but it's only since I found you on utube, that I've started to make my work a lot neater and probably more professional looking. Thank you for this video, it's a big help to me, learning about these cheaper threads and I would love to get the 'Free thread pack' 🤗
Oooo!! Soo pretty! Free thread pack looks lovely
It lovely to know that the cheaper thread is good as I am learning to embroider. I haven't seen the Free Thread Pack before but the colours lovely.
Brilliant for practicing if you are learning Suzanne, you don't need to worry about how much you use!
Free thread pack, thank you for this video. I come back to embriodery after years of break and I am so happy that a lot of informations are on TH-cam. I have learned so much from your videos. I thought that I already know many things about embriodery, but I still learn new things thanks to your guides. I find your TH-cam chanel very useful and informative. Thank you ☺️🧵🧶👍
Thank you for watching Kamila! I also learn new things all the time...
Free thread pack, love learning from you, I'm a beginner so I have quite a lot to learn.
I am glad you did this video. My nephew bought me a no name brand large bulk pkg of embroidery thread. The threads are much softer than the DMC. I haven't tried them out yet. Good to know they work well.😊
Free Thread Pack Thank you so much for the advice and scrutiny tests. Love DMC , Anchor and Madeira for special cross stitch/embroidery but will now certainly not be afraid of buying cheaper threads for say those card making projects etc like you say everyone should be able to craft regardless of their budget. Thank you so much 🔎😎
Everything has it's place Kathy!
Very interesting. I''ve always thought(incorrectly) that because of the price they woul not come up to much. Ideal for a small project, children or beginner by the look of it. Thank you for your time and honesty
What a great video! Such helpful, practical information. Thank you, Sarah
Free Thread Pack. I really enjoyed this video. Such good information. Thank you!
Excellent review. Thank you for doing such an in depth comparison.
Hardly need the thread pack, so I won't throw my name in that hat.
But wanted to tell you I watch in Oakland, California, in the USA.
New to embroidery, so have been watching variety of vids. You and yours are really lovely, very thorough, and easy to follow. You make it seem so effortless ! And your work is beautiful.
Thank you very much! Hi to the kitty too !
Thank you for watching scepellos and supporting my channel from over the pond! Ginger cat will get an extra pat on the head :)
Free Thread Pack
This was a lovely comparison and, as someone who has taught basic embroidery to a number of people in my life, it is very useful information to have. Thank you.
I JUST FOUND YOU AND I ENJOY YOUR TEACHING. I HAVE BEEN EMBRIDING FOR A VERY LONG TIME. MY GRANDMA TAUGHT ME. I USE ALL KIND OF THREADS IT IS GOOD TO USE CHEEPER ONES WHEN YOU ARE LEARNING. MY PROBLEM I LIKE A LOT OF CRAFTS SO I HAVEN'T DONE MUCH HAND EMBROIDERY IN A LONG TIME. IVE DONE LOTS OF FREE HAND INBROIDERY BY MACHINE.AND I AM LEARNING ALOT FROM YOU.THANKS.
Free Thread Pack- I am very new to embroidery and have found your videos so helpful. Thank you!
Hi - interesting about the less expensive. I'm partial to DMC, the skeins always appear to have a brighter sheen. Where I shop for thread, Anchor has their thread on a spool.
Free thread pack
On holiday in UK I bought some of these threads and they work well. I also want to thank you for your videos during heavy lockdown they were a life saver and a good go-to when I needed help. Keep safe from South Africa.
You may give my free pack to your local school, church or charity.
That's very thoughtful of you Jenni, hope all is well in South Africa
@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery yes thank you all is well in SA
Our Government is in talks with uk to change out travel status. So we have another reason to smile. Keep well and see you on TH-cam again.
Let me get m comment in before the deadline!. Free thread drawing.
I love your videos. I’m just beginning, so I watch all of them. I’ve ordered from you a couple of times even though I’m in the US.
Thank you very much for all the learning videos. I have learned so much from you. It was great learning about the different fabrics. Thank you so much. For all the classes I have taken such as quilting, sewing, embroidery etc I haven't learned much at all about basics.
Free thread pack, finding a thread that is cheap and fairly good as I have just started learning to embroider I do cross stitch but would love to do more free work and needle painting and include stump work ,I am finding your tutorials so helpful as well and I adore Ginger cat he is so beautiful x
Thank you for watching and supporting my channel Edwina!
Free thread pack - Thanks Sarah for all your wonderful videos, you are very generous with all the knowledge you are sharing with us.
Free thread pack. Interesting to see that the cheaper threads are viable and It's useful to know that they behave in a similar way to the dearer ones. Also a good way for a beginner to decide if they like/dislike embroidery with only a modest outlay. Thanks for the interesting videos!
Really enjoyed the information about the thread pack and your findings. Thank you.
what an interesting video - loved the comparison and being able to watch the difference; a free thread pack would be fun to use for quick little projects.
Absolutely love that you left your 'blooper' in the video! Like visiting a friend...these things happen in life.
Have to say, I've gotten inexpensive thread - in kits - that was worthless. I arrived at incorrect conclusion that all inexpensive thread was worthless. I'd buy a $1 kit at my local dollar store and throw the thread away, substituting my DMC. The hoop and printed cotton was certainly worth $1.
Free thread pack - thanks for showing us a thorough review and for sharing a lovely free design. I really appreciate your channel. I’ve learned so much from you. Thank you!
Good to know all these tips because I do applique quilts and use embroidery to accent the work and always wondered if it would hold up to wash and wear. Thanks for the info.
“Free thread pack”???? That would be lovely! Recently found your channel and appreciate you sharing your expertise! When I was a young teenager, (I’m 65 now!), I used embroidery to embellish my home-sewn pants and jackets, revamped and upcycled clothing when money was dear. Now I do it for fun, am embellishing a piece of home decor fabric, of elephants and palm trees, for a wall hanging, with embroidery in cotton, metallic threads, beads, etc embellishments, even dangles from old earrings😁. Retired, now, lots of time. Thanks again, look forward to you videos. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
That sounds like a wonderful project Keepingourhome!
Free Thread Pack.. I appreciate a video like this as it’s often impossible to find the answers before spending good money. I see threads from China have two labels, one being DMC…but I think it’s some hybrid model. I have yet to figure it out. All I know is that it’s less expensive. I don’t mind spending more for quality, but there’s never a way to find out which is better.
All DMC threads are still made at the factory where they started in France Susan so it's easy to tell; if they have another label on and come from China then they are Chinese rip offs! Try them out for what they are by all means, like mine they might actually be really nice to use even though they aren't DMC! You could get a few skeins of a known brand to try out the difference before you decide which ones you want to use. I think I will use both for different occaisions!