Kelly Morgan

When it comes to cross stitch thread, most stitchers think of the major cotton six-thread brands. Alternative threads, however, can help you create unique and unusual projects with just a little extra work up-front. Some popular threads that are alternatives to the traditional cotton are rayon, silk, Danish flower thread, metallic, and variegated threads.

Rayon thread comes in a variety of colors, similar to cotton thread. It is synthetic and tends to have a glossy shine. Rayon thread will enable to you create a project that has a shinier texture than cotton, but working with this thread does present a challenge at times.

Many experts recommend that you keep rayon thread damp while stitching to make it manageable. Simply run the thread over a mildly damp, clean sponge to get the thread moist. The thread should be easy to use now, but remember to secure it tightly when you finish stitching. Rayon thread needs to be anchored securely to prevent unraveling.

Silk thread is available in many colors and can be used to create a nice specialized look in your projects. Silk thread comes in two types: spun and filament. Spun silk fibers are shorter than filament silk fibers. Both types can give your project a smooth luster and shine.

You will want to use a smaller needle when working with silk thread, and you need to thread your needle carefully since silk thread has a "correct direction." To determine which end to put through the eye of your needle, hold a piece of silk thread in your hand, then pull one strand from the bottom. If the piece comes out easily, that is the end you'll want to put through the needle.

Finally, remember that since many silk threads are not colorfast, you should avoid washing these projects. Also, since you cannot wash these projects, keep your hands clean while working with silk to prevent smudges and spots.

Danish flower thread is matte cotton thread and is excellent to use when you are producing nature designs because of the soft colors. This thread, not surprisingly, originally came from Denmark, which resulted in its name. Traditional thread manufacturers from around the world now produce Danish flower thread. Danish flower thread is one-ply round fiber, as opposed to the flat fiber of most traditional cotton threads. One strand of Danish flower thread is equal to two strands of a traditional cotton thread.

Metallic thread can add extra interest and sparkle to your projects. Because metallic thread frays easily, it is a good idea to use shorter lengths of thread when you stitch. Metallic thread also is stiffer than other threads, which can make it more difficult to use, but the end result can be well worth the effort.

Variegated threads have several different colors or several shades of one color on the same length of thread. This type of thread can add colorful dimension to your project and help you create unique and unusual patterns.

When working with variegated thread, realize that how you complete each stitch changes how the pattern appears. Many stitchers suggest completing each stitch individually before moving on to the next stitch, which produces a continuous flow of color.

Another approach is to work one row at a time, completing first the bottom stitch, then coming back later and doing the top stitch. This approach gives you a different effect because the colors of the bottom and the top stitches can vary greatly.

How you choose to use variegated thread depends on the effect you wish to achieve. Ultimately, the best feature of alternative threads is their ability to let you personalize your projects. By taking a different approach and using different threads, you can achieve an effect in your project that is uniquely yours.