So far I have found myself frequently frustrated while shopping in my local craft store for decorative topstitch thread. My local craft store, which is a Hobby Lobby ( I have a love-hate relationship with H-L,) has a limited selection of quilting threads, none of which are what I am wanting for my current project. And the threads that are available are not particularly affordable.
I have nothing to lose in experimenting with painting my own thread. (Not be confused with thread painting, a hand embroidery craft in which stitches are worked densely to create a painterly landscape of thread on fabric.) I have everything I need.
1. A 50 gram spool of 100% cotton DMC thread no. 10 in an off-white color. 2 Assorted jars of Jacquard Dye-Na-Flo fabric paint. 3. water proof freezer paper. 4. latex gloves.
After coiling several yards of thread and tying them together with string, I let the thread soak in the paint for about ten minutes. Wearing latex gloves I lifted the coil from the paint, squeezed out the excess and laid the threads on paper. Drying took several hours. The next day I pressed the dried thread with a hot iron, under a pressing cloth, for about 30 seconds. This was my attempt to fix the color. Because Jacquard Dye-Na-Flo is an acrylic paint, it is essentially color-fast from the moment it dries. But if you want to use the paint on an item that will be washed, I would recommend letting it cure for at least a week before washing.
Here are my hand-painted threads wound on spools.
I love that the paint gave the thread a variegated effect. I’m not sure if this happened because I mixed paint colors together or because I had a cord tied around the coil. It certainly makes for a splashy look.
So far I haven’t noticed any color bleed on my sample fabric. Tomorrow I will start using it on my quilt. I’m excited to see how that goes.
I’ve never thought of painting thread, although I have thought about dying it. Interested to see how it works for you.
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I prefer to work with acrylic paint instead of dye, to avoid handling caustic chemicals. The Dye-Na-Flo paint behaves quite a lot like dye but creates no fumes and washes off your hands easily.
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Laura, I have some decorative topstitch thread which I know I will not use. I will gather these together and have a bag ready for you. When you come on the 8th plan to stay long enough to go to Barnes Sewing Center with me to look at the selection they have. I know you are staying with Cliff and Teresa but plan a day with me. I am trying to eliminate all the supplies I no longer use so whatever you can take will be a big help.  Â
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Okay. Thanks for sharing your goodies. I look forward to seeing you.
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If you can’t find it, make it! I love crafty crafters. đŸ™‚ Nicely done.
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