I love using silk thread to stitch Bargello needlepoint. It’s my fiber of choice—no matter the design. I’ve used silk to make Bargello pillows, box covers, wallet inserts—just about anything you can stitch. Now, I must admit that wool is better for items that get a lot of wear and tear like Bargello needlepoint rugs, napkin rings, etc; but if you’re planning a decorative project that will not be handled a lot, then silk may just be the thread for you.
Of course I have loads of silk in my Bargello needlepoint stash, and I’m always on the look out for more. I can’t resist spending time in front of the silk thread racks at my local needlepoint shop or browsing silk thread manufacturers’ websites. While doing just that, I came across a company in the UK that makes beautiful, shiny and gorgeous strandable silk! The company is The Silk Mill and it manufacturers silk in 600 colors (and counting).
A product review by Needle ‘n Thread describes in detail everything you want to know as a needlepointer about The Silk Mill silk. One of the best features of this company is that you can purchase silk in various color schemes and themes. Instead of fretting over monochromatic shading or complementary colors, you can get one of their mini silk sets with the correct shading for your project.
Silk is a natural fiber produced from the cocoons of silk worms. These cocoons are boiled and then unraveled into one single thread, which is sold to spinners and weavers for thread production. Silk threads are distinguished by their sheen and smooth texture and are usually stitched with a laying tool. This tool gently strokes the silk strands so that they lay side-by-side to heighten the sheen even more.
Silk thread usually costs more than most wool threads and is definitely more expensive than cotton. For your next Bargello needlepoint project, consider The Silk Mill silks or another variety and test the results for yourself. Start small and work your way up to a larger needlepoint project. I think you’ll agree that silk stitches beautifully and who knows, you may become as addicted to it as I am.
