Silk yarn holds such an attraction for me…so much so that I love to stitch with it.
When worked on 18-mesh canvas for Bargello needlepoint, it smoothly flows over the canvas threads to create a wonderful sheen to the embroidery.
J. L. Walsh Silk is especially beautiful. There are four varieties from which to choose based on stitching preference and Bargello design.
J. L. Walsh Silk Cord 212
Rating: 
This tightly twisted single ply silk cord resembles #8 perle cotton. The thread is spun in Switzerland and hand-dyed in the USA. It comes in 157 colors, has a good sheen and is easy to work in Bargello needlepoint.
J. L. Walsh Smooth Silk Thread 223
Rating:
Available in 156 colors, this smooth 15-strand silk thread is great for fine needlepoint or cross stitch. With its beautiful sheen and satiny feel, it is great for blending with other threads. I find it ideal for stitching Bargello needlepoint designs on 18-mesh or finer, especially after stroking with a laying tool and working in a 6-3 step.
J. L. Walsh Silk Perle
Rating:
This is my favorite of the J. L. Walsh line. It comes in 118 colors and is a lightly twisted 8-strand thread. It has a soft and warm luster that’s especially attractive in the jewel tone colors. The feel is the texture of a high quality silk scarf!
J. L. Walsh Silk Wool
Rating:
This 5-strand thread rivals Silk n’ Ivory with a 50% silk and 50% wool fiber content. It’s available in 170 tone-on-tone colors. When all 5 strands are used, it affords excellent coverage on 12-14-mesh Bargello needlepoint canvas.
Review
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very versatile silk thread that can be used across the spectrum of needlepoint canvas size. Comes in 12 to 24-yard skeins. Competitive yet reasonably priced. | Not as well known as other silk thread brands. |
| Rating |
J. L. Walsh Silks can be purchased at your local needlepoint store or online at The Scarlet Thread
Hello Sara,
Thanks for letting me know! I’ll change the link to your online shop. Althea
Althea,
I tried the link you have for an online source, which appears to be broken, so I wanted to let you know that we have some of the Silk Wool in our online shop.
Sara Leigh
Thanks Janet for letting me know. I’m going to have to stock up because I enjoy stitching with it. Althea
Althea –
Just so you know the Walsh silk/wool will no longer be made as the company can no longer get the base thread. When what shops and the company have is gone, it’s gone.
Keep Stitching,
Janet