Brands of Floss: Preference?

[karenstitches]

I'm seeing more patterns recommending "Sampler" or "Sullivan" brands for floss. I've used DMC forever and am wondering if anyone prefers the others, and why. Thanks!

[backafteradozenyrs]

I like DMC & the only other floss' I've seen (at Michaels/A.C. Moore & Wally World) were no-name brands (from China?) that I wouldn't waste my time on.

One I'm kitting up calls for Anchor & I wouldn't mind trying it out (but can only find it on-line like at 1-2-3 Stitch) but will probably buy it all on-line (is a long-term kit-up for me.... )

[Mrs Milkybar Kid]

Oh my goodness I could talk about threads all day! My favourite brand for every day stitching e.g HAEDs is DMC. For anything else it has to be SILKS, Dinky Dyes, Gloriana, Waterlillies - I'm not fussy! Caron threads are one of my favourites, I love using Wildflowers for Hardanger. I also love using other hand dyed cottons like GASTs and WDW for designs that lend themselves to these like The Sampler Girl and CCN.

Told you I could rave on about threads!!

[Rose]

I like DMC it is the easiest for me to get and in my mind it is the best quality. I convert all my patterns to DMC as I am familiar with it and know how it will act. It is my comfort.

[nachosmiley]

For normal everyday cotton floss I'm a DMC girl too! I think the colour range is more finely blended than Anchor, but then again thats just my personal opinion!

As for overdyes I love threadworx cottons their colour range is amazing and 20 yards on a skein is pretty good too! I do love my silks too though, they are a joy to work with but obviously pretty pricey!

[MaggieM1750]

Sullivan is a brand from Australia. Its carried in the US by Hancock Fabrics. And oddly enough, its sorted by their DMC equivalent. I haven't used it myself. Only saw it the last time I was in their store.

Sampler? Assume that Gentle Arts Sampler threads? They are an overdyed thread with subtle color variation. With sort of an aged, weathered look to them. When I see them, I just think of aged quaker samplers.

When I see a chart that calls for an overdyed thread, I try and use the one chosen. It will give me a finished piece that looks most like the cover image. And I like the look of subtle color variations when doing large areas of the same color. Keeps it interesting without having to change your needle. And every time you stitch it- it will look different depending on where the colors change. But if I see something charted for Sullivan or Anchor- I'll switch it out with their DMC equivalent.

I use DMC only because that is what is easiest for me to get my hands on. I can get Anchor at the crabby stitch store.. but as they are crabby, I tend not to go there very often. I've only seen Anchor carried at needlework shops or from online stores. But I do like using Anchor blacks and whites instead of DMC. I've read posts on here that they has better coverage- so I tried them out and I do like them. So I use DMC black for backstitching and Anchor black for regular crosses.

[rcperryls]

I prefer DMC for almost everything. I started with DMC and have accumulated so much that it would be silly for me to switch. Also DMC is what is most readily available. I do prefer Anchor Black because of the coverage and will probably be looking at Anchor White as several members have said it is also a bit thicker. I have just started using overdyed thread and and like both WDW and Gentele Arts. I'm afraid to start using silks because I think I will get hooked and they are pricey, but will probably try them at some point.

Carole

[karenstitches]

Thanks to all. I've been using DMC because I live in a tiny town and the only shops within 50 miles carry only DMC. BUT, I didn't know that Anchor black and white give better coverage, so I'm going to find those somewhere. Thanks for all the great advice. My overall impression is that unless it's a speciality thread, DMC is just fine, and now I know the difference between DMC and Gentle Arts Sampler threads!
"Office Monitor"; Replica Navajo Rug (Genado Red). Also can't wait to start: The Hoots, by Bobbie G Designs.

[Pippa]

I have all DMC, I live in a small town near Toowoomba & have to go to Toowoomba to get my threads. I didn't know that about the black & white Anchor, but will have a look when I go there on Tuesday.I was given some chinese skiens but won't use them on my work. I haven't heard of some of these other ones that have been mentioned but will ask at the shops about them.I'm learning quite a few things from you all on this forum, so thanks for the input you all give! Warmest regards, Pippa.

[geekishly]

I use DMC threads because they're easiest to get my hands on, but I've got a couple patterns that are in Anchor colors and I'm going to buy the thread for them as Anchor instead of converting because it's a timesaver for me. Sure I'll have to wait for them to ship, but I won't have to convert them all and I have to buy full skeins for the project anyway, might as well get the ones it calls for.

[kouneli]

DMC...readily available and I already have most of the colors on hand lol

To be honest, I haven't really worked with much else, so in the future my preference may change.

[ayna]

I use both DMC and Anchor, both easily available locally or from UK stitching online shops. Have a good stock of Anchor following a tour with New Stitches magazine's Mary Hickmott when we were taken to Coats European Design and Distribution centre in Sindelfingen and given the opportunity to buy in their factory shop at prices so low (10 cents compared with the then price of approx 70cents in UK) it was difficult not to scoop up more than one could ever use. However, I don't think there's a lot of difference, quality wise, between the two makes.

[wendywombat]

I've always used Anchor. Started for 2 reasons..local shop stocked it and I'd just started taking New Stitches and they were the 1st thread choice.
Now I'm in France Anchor's not available ....But Sew&sew are so brilliant with their deliveries (just made an order on 28th and the threads arrived TODAY 31st!!!) I shan't change!

Tried Caron but find them too soft so prefer Anchor Perlé for Hardanger. I have got some DMC and I can't detect any difference in quality or thickness of strands.

You pays your money and you takes your choice!

BTW I won't buy threads from EBay...once bitten and all that!

[claire81]

DMC as I can get them locally

[helbel]

I find DMC and Anchor are interchangeable quality wise. But my portable project is Dimensions who say they use their own thread and it's awful! Frays and breaks at the drop of hat. I'm going to try Thread Heaven and a smaller needle, but I'm worried as my next big project is a Dimensions Gold kit that I bought years ago.

[backafteradozenyrs]

I find DMC and Anchor are interchangeable quality wise. But my portable project is Dimensions who say they use their own thread and it's awful! Frays and breaks at the drop of hat. I'm going to try Thread Heaven and a smaller needle, but I'm worried as my next big project is a Dimensions Gold kit that I bought years ago.

Hmm, for some reason I thought Dimensions used DMC....I wonder why I thought that?

[karenstitches]

I've found the same things with Dimensions threads! I usually try not to buy kits anymore because of the threads issue and also the fact that they usually come with 14-ct aida and I prefer other fabrics now.

[milkmaid]

echo what was said about Dimensions loved the chart i did but the threads were difficult to work with thread heaven worked a bit ,

dmc here easy to get hold of although i have used anchor for black

[helbel]

Hmm, for some reason I thought Dimensions used DMC....I wonder why I thought that?

I'd heard this as well, but having used it I'm not so sure now!

[backafteradozenyrs]

helbel, if the kit is as old as that, maybe you should convert over to new floss? (Does Dimensions even give a conversion of their floss over to DMC or Anchor?)