Variegated thread?

[angipt]

Hi, I'm new to this forum but not to cross stitch. However, I was given a pack of variegated thread for my birthday recently and am not sure how to use it. Any ideas?

[MaggieM1750]

I use it in monochromatic designs, say a Celtic knotwork design, just wording, borders. Or maybe a tree trunk, siding on a house, clouds, grass, rocks. It depends on the color as to where/ how I would use it.

When I do use it, I stitch full crosses, not a line of half stitches, then coming back to cross. It makes the back a bit messier because my threads are going every which way depending on where stitches start and end. But the look on the front makes it worth a messy back.

[secondhandrose]

I've been working on a sampler in variegated threads. Like Maggie I did full crosses to get the full effect of the variegation. It is a bit slower but the end result is worth it.

[ayna]

Well, well, this is a wonderful place for info. I've used variegated threads as part of a design; result reasonable but not great; perhaps I should have done full crosses.
The only advice I can give is not to use the loop method, you need to have both threads from the same section of the skein and going in the same direction.

[Rose]

As the girls have said you can us it in words or mono-chromes or borders and things like that.

Definitely need to us 2 strands and not the loop as ayna has said or else the varigated looks super weird.

You can do full crosses for a very defined look or half stitches for a more muted/mottled look either way is fine it is a personal decision.

If you go in lines you will have a more defined look or you can work in circular movement for a bit more scattered look and if you really watch you can stitch in sections for an even more spotted look I have done all these different ways and each gives a very distinct look.