We all know that the fabrics we choose greatly influence the appearance of our quilted and thread sketched creations.
Think about the ‘LOOK’ you want.
For a more RUSTIC look, you could choose something like burlap or coarse, rough fabrics.
For ELEGANCE – try silk or shantung for a bit of glamour!
Wanting TEXTURE? Explore the possibilities of velvet, corduroy, or faux fur!
But what is the BEST (a.k.a the easiest) fabric to use for working a ‘standard’ thread sketched embellishment or thread painted picture when you’re starting out (or even when you’re more advanced)?
100% COTTON is the EASIEST to work with.
Slippery, bulky, sheer or stretch fabrics are the most challenging. They all have their place and some fantastic effects can be produced, especially when you start to combine different fabrics.
In addition, choose fabric with a HIGH THREAD COUNT.
This means that the fabric has quite a tight weave – the looser the weave, the less stable the fabric will be, and the more liable to puckering, pullup, and distortion as you stitch.
Once you’ve gained a little experience, well-stabilized silk is a delight to work with and can lead to beautiful creations.
Image 1 -Simple thread sketched picture on high thread count cotton; stabilized.
Image 2 – Thread sketched pebbles contrasted with ’empty’ areas – use high thread count fabric; quilt sandwich base.
Image 3 – High thread-count cotton, well stabilized-allows areas of dense stitching alongside areas with no stitching – without puckering!
Starting out with a fabric that is EASY TO HANDLE will save your sanity!
Begin with 100%, high thread count cotton, and then move on to exploring the possibilities of all the other fabric varieties.
Two books that you might find helpful:
- Creative Thread Sketching: A beginner’s guide – Tips, Techniques, and Projects for Starting Out in Thread Sketching and Thread Painting (2nd Edition)
- Complete Guide to Stabilising: Your essential guide to stabilising fabric for thread sketching, thread painting, and free machine embroidery (2nd Edition)
Theresa Luczek says
I love all of your tips and techniques that you share. They have really made a difference in my self confidence about my thread sketches.
Deborah says
Hi Theresa – It’s wonderful to hear that your confidence is building. Sometimes I wonder why we (as artists) anguish so much about our work, when for everyone, there is always someone just that one step further ahead! I understand the trials and tribulations, successes and failures we all experience – I’ve been there too!
Janet Williams says
Dear Deborah,
My goodness woman, do you ever sleep? Thank you so much for your dedication and for sharing your knowledge. It’s a lovely winter wonderland here on the West Coast of Canada, quite an unusual occurrance for this part of the country. It’s a perfect time to hunker down and learn some of your wonderful techniques. A new machine and a cuppa tea and I’m good to go. Looking forward to all your tips and advice.
Janet
Deborah says
Hi Janet – sleep? Haha. Not as much as I should! Thank you for your kind words … your pleasant winter sounds perfect – we’ve had a very hot summer here, so am looking forward to the Autumn which is always a nice time here.