Choosing thread color
 

Hi all -

I'm wondering how you settle on a thread color for hand-projects - like a turned binding and English Paper Piecing. I tend to like high contrast in my fabrics...which should I try to match: the lighter fabric or the darker?

Thanks for your thoughts!
QDottie

When I bind, I match the binding fabric. Try a sample of a matching and contrast and see which you prefer!

I tend to use neutrals. for English paper piecing I use silk thread in a neutral (dk gray for dark fabrics, lt gray or tan for light fabrics) the silk thread is very fine so it blends in and disappears when I am piecing my blocks. for bindings I generally use either a neutral or a thread that matches the binding- again I tend to use silk thread or aurafil which are strong and fine threads so they disappear.

I match thread color to binding color when binding.

When I'm appliqueing, I use Bottom Line, which is a 60 wt thread. I bought a donut of assorted colors on prewound bobbins. The thread is fine and sinks beautifully into the fabric, which means I can get away with not having the exact matching color.

I try to match the binding in that situation but doesn't always work out that way. Especially if there is high contrast between backing/binding. I try to match one or the other or use a neutral. When hand piecing, I use whatever I have on hand that's close. If doing EPP I'm a bit pickier and try to match the fabric color as close as possible as those stitches have a tendency to be a bit more visible.

I like to use silk thread when handstitching or applique. YLI make a neutral thread set of the silk. It has lasted me for years. The thread do nuts called Super Bobs from Superior is great for all hand stitching, every color you need in one place.

I tend to use a neutral color most of the time. If I have two fabrics that are very different I may either try up match one of them or find a color sort of half way between the two.