Which brand thread to you prefer? and why?

Tips, Tricks & Techniques - anything to help fellow cross stitchers.

Moderators: rcperryls, Rose, karen4bells, Serinde, Alex

amy4t
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Apr 28, 2010 11:02 pm

Re: Which brand thread to you prefer? and why?

Post by amy4t »

I am using anchor and have used dmc, I don't see any diff with these two. However have seen my friends recent tatty teddy stitch and colour and thickness was very different with her threads I think they were venus. Im sticking with these two top ones I dont mind paying more for better quality and colour.

Looking for a nice trio for my living room something scenic or birds anyone got any suggestions? I don't want to pay too much so just the charts would be good?

Nice to meet you all!! Newbie Amz x
User avatar
karen4bells
Posts: 21817
Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2010 3:53 pm
Location: Florida

Re: Which brand thread to you prefer? and why?

Post by karen4bells »

I almost always use DMC as they are the only threads available locally--and finding anchor threads even on ebay is never very easy. I've never had any trouble at all with them fraying and some of my threads are at least 5 yrs old--I have used some anchor threads, especially when I have bought a kit like tatty teddy, and very seldom really see any noticeable difference in the colors of the threads. I've stitched dozens of tatty teddies both from kits and from unkitted magazine charts and have not noticed any differences in the colors of them when finished.
Work in Progress
Dimensions Passion Flower Angel
Tempting Tangles Welcome SAL
Various small designs


User avatar
coffee_freak
Posts: 10312
Joined: Mon Jan 15, 2007 2:14 pm
Location: maryland,usa
Contact:

Re: Which brand thread to you prefer? and why?

Post by coffee_freak »

I have always used DMC because that is what was most available to me when I started..and still to this day... I have never used any other brand..it's familiar to me and I have the complete set of colors so I just stuck with it..
back when I started stitching..over 15 years ago..the local craft store had them on sale for 10 cents a skein!!!!!! i bought every color and when the new ones come out, I buy those..but they are 36 cents now
If you get a comment of a :smile:,I must be holding my :coffee:
http://coffeecupcakescrossstitch.blogspot.com/
skype:coffeecupcakescrossstitch
WIP:
Joan Elliot Spring Fairy
Cupcakes
Snuggle Up
2012 HD's
Bohemia
Fairy Friend
User avatar
freelady
Posts: 1657
Joined: Sun May 04, 2008 11:47 am
Location: Northampton, UK

Re: Which brand thread to you prefer? and why?

Post by freelady »

I have mostly DMC. I went for that as the first chart I did used it. Once in a while I find a skein that breaks a lot, but only once or twice. It hasn't really been a problem.
User avatar
vanessanjf
Posts: 12944
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2009 11:43 am
Location: Hertfordshire, UK

Re: Which brand thread to you prefer? and why?

Post by vanessanjf »

I used DMC because most of my charts use DMC. Also they are easier to get hold of in the shops here. :D
Vanessa

A little progress every day adds up to big results

WIP
The adoration of the kings- Golden kite completed
User avatar
XandraS
Posts: 2421
Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2010 7:59 pm
Location: Basingstoke, UK
Contact:

Re: Which brand thread to you prefer? and why?

Post by XandraS »

I mainly use DMC although I have some anchor ones as well and I haven't noticed any difference with them. When I started buying floss in Abu Dhabi I could only find DMCs but now my craft shop carries both. I'm trying to get a full set before we move back to the UK and they start getting expensive again :)
XandraS...
violin
Posts: 11
Joined: Thu Apr 29, 2010 6:27 am
Location: North Wales, UK

Re: Which brand thread to you prefer? and why?

Post by violin »

Up untill now, I have used DMC and never had any problems, but a friend of mine can get me Anchor for much cheaper when she goes away, so she brings me loads of Anchor back with her, she oes out about 3 times a year.
User avatar
Fljotsdale
Posts: 4251
Joined: Mon Sep 29, 2008 8:52 pm
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

Re: Which brand thread to you prefer? and why?

Post by Fljotsdale »

I always used Anchor and never had problems with it. I now mostly use DMC because it became easier to find, and then I got used to it. As good as each other. I have also used Coates, many years ago, but I don't remember how good it was.

I have recently started a Dimensions kit, and they use their own thread, which, imo, is nowhere near as good as either Anchor or DMC. Frays easily and I'm glad I just got some Thread Heaven!
Mind you... I'm stitching on Aida with this kit, and Aida is harder on thread than linen is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVDUTAn6Ttg" target="_blank"

Watch Leonard and the young singer! ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye6JssTdnvw" target="_blank"

Cohen's son, Adam.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiP3PkLoMdI" target="_blank
User avatar
Dazbo666
Posts: 1467
Joined: Sun Mar 16, 2008 10:35 am
Location: Cardiff, UK
Contact:

Re: Which brand thread to you prefer? and why?

Post by Dazbo666 »

My stash is probably 75% DMC, 20% Anchor, and 5% leftovers from kits etc.
I prefer DMC because I've found that they tend to have a slightly better sheen than a similarly coloured Anchor thread.

As for access to new threads, my local stash shop has the full range of DMC, and most of the range of Anchor available. Failing that, I often go to fleabay if I have a large order to fill.
ImageImageImageImageImageImage

See my Stitching Projects - LOTS of project pics updated 12 July '09

"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...
it's about learning how to dance in the rain."
BecomingMe
Posts: 35
Joined: Sat Mar 06, 2010 5:19 am

Re: Which brand thread to you prefer? and why?

Post by BecomingMe »

I've used mostly DMC because that is the most available...it seems that certain colours tend to fray a bit more (like pale yellow...this seems to be the worst)...I have found that I LOVE using some other types of threads...yet they tend to be a bit more expensive...I LOVE, LOVE HDF threads...I also like Gentle Sampler threads...and some Rainbow Gallery

Oh, one thing about fraying or fuzzing thread...beeswax or Thread Heaven works quite well when you use it prior to threading your needle...
The Earth Smiles in Flowers
User avatar
Uulaq
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Jun 01, 2010 5:45 pm
Location: Boulder, CO
Contact:

Re: Which brand thread to you prefer? and why?

Post by Uulaq »

Coming late to the party, but I use mostly DMC -it's just easier to find and most charts seem to be charted to DMC.

Except, I always use Anchor black and Anchor white - they just seem to be thicker and give better coverage than the DMC version. I don't know why, but it's been very consistent for me.
WIP: HAED Pompeian Lady
WIP: Mirabilia Winter Queen, Summer Queen
User avatar
annkor26
Posts: 892
Joined: Fri May 21, 2010 11:25 pm
Location: Garland, Texas

Re: Which brand thread to you prefer? and why?

Post by annkor26 »

I've always used DMC and the occasional specialty threads like metallics and silks. I just always assumed that DMC was the best! But now that we no longer have any cross stitch shops in North Texas, I'm stuck with the chains like Michaels and Hobby Lobby and they only carry DMC.

I've been seeing ads in Just Cross Stitch magazine for a brand from Spain called Finca. I'm wondering if it's as good as DMC.
socialsue
Posts: 1616
Joined: Tue Mar 31, 2009 2:57 am
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada

Re: Which brand thread to you prefer? and why?

Post by socialsue »

I use DMC because Anchor are hard to find here in Canada. I just discovered specialty threads but I don't always use them due to the cost...... DMC is around 49 cent each at Michael's and specialty threads can be over two dollars or more from my local LNS.

socialsue
User avatar
shjordon
Posts: 495
Joined: Tue Jun 01, 2010 12:31 am
Location: Georgia

Re: Which brand thread to you prefer? and why?

Post by shjordon »

I use DMC, just because it's easier to find here. I have tried some "generic" threads that came 24 skeins to a bag because they were cheap. I won't make that mistake again! :evil:
Sheila
User avatar
~threadbear~
Posts: 16596
Joined: Fri Jan 25, 2008 12:25 am
Location: Cumbria U.K

Re: Which brand thread to you prefer? and why?

Post by ~threadbear~ »

I mostly use DMC as it's so widely available and I was able to get bulk amounts cheaply.
I've only very rarely used Anchor, but have to say, I haven't seen any big difference.

The one thing I've found is that black seems to fray quicker than any other colour and have less coverage. :thinks: That's just a general observation though.
:D
:choc: There's nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with CHOCOLATE! :dance:
:choc: Forget love! I'd rather fall in CHOCOLATE! :wub:

Current :wip:
With Faith :dance:
Dogs
Snow Leopard (Haed)
Big Cats

Blog
User avatar
kazzi29
Posts: 1938
Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2009 1:51 pm
Location: Wootton Bassett,uk

Re: Which brand thread to you prefer? and why?

Post by kazzi29 »

dmc for me too :D
Spring Palette 15950/170800 9.33%
Sapphire Birthstone 15120/240000 6.30%
Ari 8840/157850 5.60%
Spring Luna 7840/46620 16.81%
RAE 600/48840 1.22%
Sadness of an angel /118800 0.00%
Nellie / 0.00%
evelyn joan
Posts: 121
Joined: Fri Jun 04, 2010 4:27 pm

Re: Which brand thread to you prefer? and why?

Post by evelyn joan »

..
Last edited by evelyn joan on Sat Dec 18, 2010 1:12 am, edited 1 time in total.
StitchesCovenMags
Posts: 12
Joined: Mon May 24, 2010 12:18 pm

Re: Which brand thread to you prefer? and why?

Post by StitchesCovenMags »

It's DMC for me and indeed, most of my customers!!! I love all their threads and am sorry you are having a bad time with them.

I have all sorts of fav threads! ; Kreinick are FANTASTIC if you want a good metallic ; a bit pricey but worth it!

I love hand dyed threads for embroidery and the rayons from India are lovely to work with and gorgeous and shiney!
Owners of The Stitches' Coven on the lovely Isle Of Wight

Currently Stitching:
Vintage Embroidery Collection


Visit My Blog at http://www.stitchescoven.blogspot.com" target="_blank or my website http://www.thestitchescoven.co.uk" target="_blank and sign up to my mailing list!
User avatar
stitchingmae
Posts: 3253
Joined: Tue Jan 26, 2010 12:34 pm
Location: USA~Georgia

Re: Which brand thread to you prefer? and why?

Post by stitchingmae »

I am a fan of DMC. My aunt and mother used DMC.
There is a new brand out that compares itself to DMC and even has DMC comparison numbers on it its sullivan..but to me its appears dull and not as soft...maybe I am just a DMC snob..LOL
User avatar
Fizzbw
Posts: 4650
Joined: Wed May 26, 2010 6:14 pm
Location: Brecon, Wales

Re: Which brand thread to you prefer? and why?

Post by Fizzbw »

I usually use DMC, but the kit I'm doing atm is Anchor and I'm finding that they fuzz up really easily, thank god I have some thread heaven as its very much needed imo.

Funny isn't it!

Anyone else notice that some colours (of any make) usually the darker ones like black and darker browns, seem thinner than other lighter colours?

Niki xxx
Needle minders and grime guards etc https://www.facebook.com/CirrusCreations" target="_blank" target="_blank

WIP: Last Look HAED
Kauto Star by Skitzzzz
Coming Home SQ
Time and season sampler
cHristamas village
Post Reply