Embroider with threads or ribbons - which do you like better?

Is it better to embroider with threads or ribbons?

Do you prefer to embroider with threads or ribbons? Remember that there are a wide variety of different types of embroidery threads with which you can embroider your projects. Embroidery is a very creative art and it is a lot of fun to try new types of threads to incorporate into an embroidery. Knowing the characteristics and common uses of each of the different threads will help you choose the best one for your next project!

Hand embroidery is an art with fantastic textures and remarkable dimension.
Sometimes the texture and dimension of embroidery happens accidentally, but often, embroiderers add dimension and texture on purpose to their embroidery projects to add to their beauty and interest.
Embroidery thread types are very important, due to their grain, weight, and twist, which help add dimension and texture to embroidery.

embroider with threads

There are many types of threads on the market that can be used for hand embroidery. The most popular cotton thread used in hand embroidery is undoubtedly stranded cotton, which is also called "embroidery thread".

Stranded cotton comes in skeins, and all of the thread coming out of the skein can be divided into six separate fine threads. Each of these threads is made up of two smaller layers that are gently twisted together.
Due to its soft twist, the texture and dimension depend more on the weight (thickness) of the thread and the type of stitch than on the twist of the thread.

When embroidering with cotton threads, you can choose to use any number of threads, from one to six. If you use a cotton thread, the resulting embroidery will be quite fine. As you add threads, the resulting embroidery becomes heavier. If you sew with all six threads, the stitches become thick.
The number of strands you choose depends on the look you are trying to achieve. If you want to add more texture and dimension to your embroideries, you can do so by simply using more threads on the needle at one time.

But, there are other cotton threads for hand embroider: perle, silk, wool and others.

embroider with ribbons

Ribbons come in a variety of types and can be made of silk, cotton, or synthetic. The most common used in embroidery are satin. They come in a variety of colors and have a smooth feel and shine. They carry in their thicknesses and are selected according to the type of project for which you are using it.

The tapes are specifically used to make the embroidered with ribbons, and it can be a lot of fun to use them to embroider flowers and leaves. The best type of embroidery ribbon is silk ribbon because of how soft and malleable it is. This makes it easier to get the needle and thread through the fabrics. It is also possible to work with synthetic tape, but it is a bit more difficult to use.

Tapes come in a variety of widths that are measured in mm.

Add texture and dimension

There are embroidery projects where you can combine wool, silk, cotton, and some specialty threads in a variety of stitches to create a whole conglomeration of texture and dimension on the surface of the fabric.

Experiment in your embroidery creations through experimentation. Play around with different threads and stitches to see which combinations you like best!