Machine Embroidery with Wool Thread

Machine Embroidery with Wool Thread

If you ever wanted to embroider with wool thread (also known as Lana or Monet) but needed guidance, you're in luck! The thread is relatively easy to embroider with, As you'll see in this technique, you just need to follow some simple tips for great results.

1:

Use the right needle -- a 100/16 size. Since wool thread is so thick you need to use a needle with a large eye. The larger eye on the needle will allow the thread to pass through it without snagging or stripping the thread. There are actually needles made specifically for wool embroidery thread, and they are available at most retailers.

2:

Choose the right designs; designs digitized for Lana or Monet use about 1/3 of the stitches that standard designs do. The thread is so thick that less stitches are required to fill an area in. If you want to use this thread on other designs, you will need to edit those designs to reduce their density. If you stitch with wool thread using a design made for standard embroidery thread, you will probably experience thread breaks and birdnests during stitching.

3:

Compare the stitchcounts of designs made for wool with designs made for standard thread. You can see the difference in designs from the Jacobean collection by Anita Goodesign, which includes 18 designs digitized for the wool thread and identically drawn designs digitized for standard thread.

4:

Use a thread stand when stitching with wool. Thread stands give thread time to unwind and relax before it reaches your machine. Wool thread will unspool much better when you use a thread stand.

5:

Lower your machine speed. Wool thread is very thick and slightly temperamental when it sews. Slowing your machine speed down will allow you to sew more successfully with it.

Judy W.

Do I need to adjust tension? I have a Bernina 750

10/28/20 05:08 pm MST

Reply to Judy W.

Please Login to comment on this post.

Leah W.

Hi, Judy,

It is not needed to change the tension that you use while working with this thread. However, tension does affect the way that things look stitched out, so you may want to do a sample where you can experiment to find the perfect balance for you. I hope you find this helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions, and have a great day!

~Leah L.
[email protected]

10/29/20 03:09 pm MST

Reply to Leah W.

Please Login to comment on this post.