Metallics: Kreinik vs. Anchor vs. DMC

[shadyglade]

Okay, so self-taught stitcher who's eyes have just been recently opened to the wonderful world of stitching things outside my local craft store, so please forgive the newbie question...

I am working on starting a couple new patterns for Christmas, and both call for metallic threads, one from Anchor and the other Kreinik threads. I've used metallics in my projects before, but have always bought the DMC ones (I think they're called Light Effects?).

Can anyone tell me the differences between the three? Can they be used interchangably (since I already have the gold DMC)?

[fccs]

I've always used Kreinik with no real issues. I tried DMC once and hated it. Recently I've discovered the Glissen Gloss Rainbow fibers and they are quite easy to work with, so now my personal favorites are Glissen Gloss and Kreinik.

[Leroy_B]

I'm using Sulky metallic threads. Cost a bit extra but for less aggravation it doesn't break down/shred and is tough as nails holding up. Well worth it and looks super.

[Rose]

To be directly on point..... yes you can use the metallics interchangeably.... however I have found that DMC is the devils metallic. They are hard to use and not very fun. But with Thread Heaven they can be used and work. I prefer Kreinik or Glissen Gloss as they are so much nicer to work with. But is you do not want to spend the extra money then you can us DMC metallic in it's place. I have never used Anchor metallic so I can not say what the quality of that is.

[shadyglade]

To be directly on point..... yes you can use the metallics interchangeably.... however I have found that DMC is the devils metallic. They are hard to use and not very fun. But with Thread Heaven they can be used and work. I prefer Kreinik or Glissen Gloss as they are so much nicer to work with. But is you do not want to spend the extra money then you can us DMC metallic in it's place. I have never used Anchor metallic so I can not say what the quality of that is.

I guess I never knew what I was missing. I've used the DMC metallics quite frequently and with no Thread Heaven (also a new discovery). They were a bit of a pain, yes, but I figured that was the nature of the beast...

Thanks everyone for the advice so far!

[MaggieM1750]

My preference is Rainbow Gallery Petite (or Regular) Treasure Braid
Comes in a zillion colors, wrapped on a big bobbin card

Or Kreinik #4 braid
I suppose it depends on the look you are going for, but #4 braid is similar to Petite Treasure Braid and Light Effects.

I would put DMC on the bottom of any metallic list. Its too wiry and unruly for me. I've not used Anchor metallics to have an opinion of those. I found Rainbow Gallery somewhat quickly (thanks to suggestions here) and haven't needed to look elsewhere.

[rcperryls]

I have used Kreinik blending filament a lot. When added to one or two strands of regular floss it gives a nice subtle sparkle to the piece. Also Kreinik #4 braid. Both are okay to use but I cut the strands much shorter than I usually do. I have purchased some Rainbow Gallery Petite Treasure Braid but not used it yet. I have too much DMC metallics. Don't like them much but got a box when they were on sale. Sometimes sales aren't worth it. I might find a use for them some day.

Carole

[BizzieLizzie]

Never heard of Glissen Gloss - I'll have to try it, as I haven't yet found a metallic that I really like. Even Petite Treasure Braid seems a bit cumbersome 1x1 on 28ct.

[Serinde]

DMC isn't my favourite stuff ( ) but I must say that their new-ish Diamante range isn't as bad as the usual suspects.

I use Kreinik all the time, and it's fine, as long as the lengths aren't long, etc., etc. Excellent range of colours and weights.

I've never used Sulky metallics, although Gütermann are available in the UK for machine and hand sewing, but I don't know it's weight. (I have just discovered two places in the UK that sell Sulky 12! And know I know it's matt, not shiny -- useful!).

[jocellogirl]

I just hate DMC metallics / light effects thread, even short lengths and treated with Thread Heaven. If I use metallics it is either Petite Treasure braid or Kreinik very fine braid

[shadyglade]

Okay, so I assume the Kreinik #4 braid and blending filament are different thicknesses. I know with the Light Effects you pull them apart into seperate strands (just like regular DMC floss). Sounds like the blending filiment is like a single strand of DMC? So do you stitch with the whole #4 braid or is it meant to be pulled apart?

[jocellogirl]

Okay, so I assume the Kreinik #4 braid and blending filament are different thicknesses. I know with the Light Effects you pull them apart into seperate strands (just like regular DMC floss). Sounds like the blending filiment is like a single strand of DMC? So do you stitch with the whole #4 braid or is it meant to be pulled apart?

Yes, the #4 braid is thicker than the blending filament. Like Carole says, the blending filament is usually stitched with regular floss to give it a bit of a sparkle.
I always thought you stitched with DMC as they come and don't separate them, but maybe I'm wrong .
The kreinik #4 and the petite trasure braid are stitched as they come off the spool / card. I use one strand and don't double them up.

[shadyglade]

I always thought you stitched with DMC as they come and don't separate them, but maybe I'm wrong

Haha, I wouldn't know. I just went off of what the DMC website instructions said for how to use them. I've done the one strand of regular floss, one of DMC light effects before and it works pretty well for the same subtle sparkle effect as it sounds like the blending filament has.