Fine white threads

Mary Corbet has written an excellent article on the non-availability of fine white threads for whitework embroidery.

This is an issue that has caused problems for me on occasions. When I was about to publish my Ukrainian book – which specified broder cotton No 12 as being the best thread to use – I suddenly learned that that weight of thread had been discontinued. Fortunately, you’re still able to use pearl cotton instead, however it was a huge annoyance for me!

Trying to find the right threads for Mountmellick embroidery was also extremely difficult. Eventually I did find a source for them, which was great, because they are unlike anything else on the market. They are soft, matt threads, with fine ply (differing quantities of ply depending on the thickness of the thread) and a medium twist. I now stock Mountmellick thread so that others can use this lovely thread for their Mountmellick embroidery.

Mountmellick thread doesn’t have to only be used for Mountmellick embroidery! It can definitely be used for other whitework as well!

The finest Mountmellick thread I stock is No 2 (shown much larger than actual size, on the right), because Mountmellick is not supposed to be very fine. It is meant to be big, bold and chunky, so I stock the most appropriate thicknesses for this.

However, Mountmellick thread DOES come in No 1 thickness. No 2 is approximately equivalent in thickness to No 12 pearl cotton, so No 1 would be a bit finer than that. I have to order more Mountmellick thread from my supplier soon, and am wondering about also getting some No 1 thickness. Perhaps people might like to experiment with using it for other types of whitework embroidery?

I wrote an article some years ago about Mountmellick thread, and how it compares to other threads. You can read it here. It explains about the number of ply in each thickness, its feel and its look.

So perhaps there is another thread worth considering for whitework in general. I think I’ll get some of the Mountmellick No 1 thickness with my next order and let the experimentation begin.