Silk & Ivory: A Guide to Needlepoint Thread
Lovely thread makes settling down with a canvas even nicer. We use Silk & Ivory in our Matilda kits, and sell individual colours from Melbourne for stitchers putting together their own projects.
Here's how to choose a mesh size, estimate the thread you need and find a colour you love. You can browse shade names and current availability in the threads collection.
What is Silk & Ivory?
Silk & Ivory is a 50% silk, 50% merino wool yarn from Brown Paper Packages, made in Switzerland. A skein contains 28.8 yards, about 26.3 metres. The blend has a soft feel and a gentle sheen.
Which canvas mesh can you use?
Brown Paper Packages recommends Silk & Ivory for 13, 14, 16 and 18 mesh canvas. Our Matilda kits use 13 mesh Zweigart mono deluxe canvas with matching threads already selected.
Silk & Ivory is used as one strand rather than separated like stranded embroidery cotton. Keep your tension comfortable and even. If you're trying a new mesh or stitch, work a small test area first; you shouldn't need to force the yarn through the canvas or pull hard to make it fit.
How much thread do you need?
The maker's coverage estimates are a useful starting point for one 28.8-yard skein:
- 13 mesh: approximately 20 square inches, or 129 cm².
- 14 mesh: approximately 19 square inches, or 123 cm².
- 16 mesh: approximately 17 square inches, or 110 cm².
- 18 mesh: approximately 15 square inches, or 97 cm².
These are estimates, not guarantees. Your stitch, tension, starts and ends affect how much you use. A skein covers less area on 18 mesh than on 13 mesh in the maker's estimates.
A simple example
For a 10 × 10 cm area of one colour on 13 mesh, divide 100 cm² by 129 cm²: about 0.78 skein before an allowance for waste and your stitching style. Measure each colour separately and round up to whole skeins when shopping. Allow extra rather than planning to use every last centimetre.
Buy enough of the same dye lot for a project, particularly for a large background. A later skein of the same colour number can vary slightly. If you'd prefer the colours and quantities chosen for you, our needlepoint kits include the matching threads.
See the thread alongside a real canvas
In the Pink Bunny Kit, the plaited threads match the painted design. The framed example shows what the stitched surface looks like once the canvas is covered.
See the threads in the studio
Choosing and working with your colours
- Use the colour chart as a guide. Screens and lighting can change how a shade looks. Check the name and number on our Silk & Ivory colour chart, especially when topping up a project.
- Keep thread lengths manageable. If the end starts to look worn from passing through the canvas, finish that length and start another.
- Let twists relax. Pause occasionally and let the needle hang freely to untwist the thread.
- Keep the project clean as you stitch. Store it away from spills and follow the care advice for all its materials, including any frame or leather cover.
For help matching a Matilda canvas, get in touch with the design name and the colours you're considering. We're happy to help you find a starting point.
Quick answers
Can I buy Silk & Ivory in Australia?
Yes. Matilda Stitch Co sells Silk & Ivory online and sends orders from Melbourne. Check the threads collection for current colours, prices and availability.
How many strands of Silk & Ivory should I use?
Use Silk & Ivory as one strand. It is not separated into individual plies like stranded embroidery cotton.
Can Silk & Ivory be used on 18 mesh?
Yes. Brown Paper Packages lists 18 mesh among the suitable canvas sizes. Try a small area first to check the coverage and feel with your chosen stitch.
How long is a skein of Silk & Ivory?
One skein contains 28.8 yards, which is approximately 26.3 metres.
Happy stitching,
Lauren x