Rayon Embroidery Threads
 

I was given two wooden chests full of beautiful rayon embroidery threads from an estate. The chest on the left is titled Radiant Threads and each spool is titled Rayon Embroidery. The chest on the right is labeled Maderia and is labeled Rayon Embroidery Thread made in Germany.

I don't have an embroidery machine, and I've never used rayon embroidery threads. Do you know how I could use these in quilting?

Check first to see how strong the threads still are.
I think rayon has a reputation for being a weaker thread to begin with. Maybe someone else can verify that.

Rayon use to be only embroidery threads in many different colors. Most embroiders prefer poly now. It is good decorative thread but you sure have a lot to use for decorative stitches. Unless you like the display of the thread cabinets I would regift them to an avid embroider

I have a chest of these threads too. In addition to using them with my embroidery machine, I also use them when hand stitching wool applique blocks.

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I have a sister-in-law who loves to hand embroider using 1 thread, so I'm leaving mine to her.

I use the rayon when doing my machine appliqué. I use satin stitch, or blanket stitch, or a double blanket stitch, and it works well. Here is a sample of the satin stitching.

and a link to the double blanket stitch project.https://www.quiltingboard.com/attach...ted-small-.jpg

Rayon is thought to be weaker than cotton or poly threads, which makes sense because it's "digested and reconstituted" cellulose (I actually made it in high school organic chemistry). The fibers have been weakened as part of the process of creating it.

It has a reputation for not being colorfast - fading and/or bleeding when machine washed.

It would likely be fine for decorative use like a wall hanging (be careful pressing, and don't use steam), but I wouldn't use rayon thread for any project that might need to be cleaned or washed outside of dusting/soft-brush vacuuming.

Used on a wall hanging it should be fine to use. Many people never wash those, only dry clean. The colors are much more vibrant and have a wonderful sheen.
This was a ton of money to buy. Just saying ....

I quilted one quilt with rayon embroidery thread. It looked really nice but needed to be re-done several years later. It can be used for decorative stitches on quilts, but I wouldn't use it to quilt a quilt.

Nancy Notions use to sell the set of Maderia in the wooden treasure chest. About 30 years ago the price was $79 on sale. I looked at it in every catalog that came and wanted to buy it for the longest time. If the person bought it back then or earlier the thread is very old. Now of course the thread in chest is available and expensive. I think the treasurer chest more than the thread is the wanted item.