The draw has taken place folks! Check your discussion tab on your home page to see if you have won!

Certainly someone has mentioned it already, but if not, there's an easy way to determine if there is any synthetic material in your textile - the burn test! Organic threads don't melt when exposed to heat; char, crumble, yes, but only the synthetics will melt and either deform or drip and then reharden once cooled. The dripping factor obviously means you don't want to do this over your hand - a tall candlestick held at an angle or one of those long click lighters for your barbecue work nicely. And be prepared to drop it (as the song says, like it's hot!) because some synthetics will burn rapidly and you don't need your entire hand engulfed in flames - which will be the least of your problems because the molten lava you're holding will cause much more severe burns as well as permently adhere to your skin. For the same reasons, its important to always cut a single, small piece to test, as an entire bolt of fabric/skein of yarn/hank of thread going up in smoke will most definitely set off the fire alarms! The smoke from synthetics is pretty nasty as well, so prepared to extinguish quickly and have good ventilation. I usually test outdoors on the pavement and just drop the piece to let it burn itself out - resist stomping it out, molten synthetics are sticky and burn HOT and will be on your shoe forever! In the kitchen sink with a bit of water already in it and your stove exhaust hood turned on works in a pinch (or a torrential downpour) too. (Source: I work with hazmat explosives as a medic and volunteer for backcountry wildfires, and I'd rather treat someone who fell into flames naked or caught their cotton clothes on fire head to toe than someone in full turnout gear wearing synthetic underwear who was exposed to a brief spike in temperature. Molten plastics fused to skin, flesh, organs is a nightmare fueling superhero origin story gone wrong, and I'm a bit overcautious when it comes to trusting fiber content labels, and always test everything!)

Free thread pack...this was a really informative presentation. My mother was highly skilled in embroidery, crocheting, sewing, etc. She won so many prizes at the county fair. She passed on her knowledge to us but we could never match her skill. Now that she has passed, I treasure the samples of her work I was able to keep. Watching and learning from videos like yours helps me improve my efforts and keeps her close. Thanks for sharing.

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

That's a wonderful story MsJWheels and what a beautiful collection to have. I really enjoying passing on my knowledge as much as I do stitching myself, it's so rewarding to see what everyone is acheiving all over the world!

10:07 "Pull free construction" I learned something new today, wow! This whole time I've been opening up the two paper seals to take a length of floss and then taping them back up😅. Simply pulling on it makes a whole lot more sense; what a time saver.

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

You'ver been undoing the labels KTLL?! This will save you loads of time (and tape!)!

@naowright9308

Жыл бұрын

Me too!😅

@jenrodgers4677

7 ай бұрын

Me, too. You learn something new every day. Even at 70. Thanks.

I'm so glad I've found your channel! My nan was an excellent embroiderer and made her own decorative pillows and table cloths in various sizes, with her own embroidery designs on them. However he passed away 12 years ago, so she sadly never got to see that one of her grandkids (me) have inherited this particular interest from her. Fortunately, she handed over all her remaining floss, patterns, fabrics and tools to my mum before passing, and since my mum never grew and interest in embroidery herself, all of those materials have now been passed on to me. It feels really good that they're finally being put to use, like a part of her lives on.

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

Жыл бұрын

That's a lovely story, how wonderful to be able to use all her threads!

"Free thread pack" I've always wondered about the more inexpensive threads I've seen them around a bit, great to practice with, so thanks for the review. I thought the Anchor/DMC side looked a tad more delicate. I love DMC thread even their crochet cotton. These threads would be good if you're on a limited budget and I am. Spotlight you can get DMC for $1.50, eBay $1.00 per skein. Perhaps I'm a bit of a purist at heart. Your tip about where to pull the end was brilliant I've always got myself in a real mess and now I know why!

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

The cheap threads have their place definitely Cathie! Perhaps not for an heirloom piece, but certainly for small projects and practicing

Best embroidery channel on KZread!

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Dee!

Sarah, I so appreciate you being so unbiased in reviewing this thread. I was surprised at how open minded you were. Kinda glad you were happy with this thread. I am a beginner at slow stitching, because of your videos. I was reluctant to even try the cheaper threads, but now I feel I can use it without regret! Especially cuz slow stitching is free style.

at last someone who does not look down their nose at cheaper threads. Also mixing the DMC and Anchor i found very interesting .i have been sewing for over 20 years and im still learning .

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

I'm still learning too Barry!

Free Thread Pack - Glad the cheaper threads are actually reasonable, I'm on a tight budget and not that accomplished at embroidery so at least I'm not wasting my time practicing with the cheaper threads. Great channel (❁´◡`❁)

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

You definitely aren't wasting your time UniversalCat, at that price you can practice as much as you want!

I use cheap floss all the time for things I make for my home,and I save my good thread for nice tapestries and gifts that I give to others.

Free thread pack. Great comparison of the floss brands. Love all your videos. Thanks Linda

I always wondered if it was “safe” to use the less costly thread. Thanks for the review! I feel confident to go ahead now. I would love a free thread pack 😊

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

They are definitely worth trying Rose; some will like them some won't but everyone can make their own mind up!

Free thread pack. Really interesting video! It's so easy to assume that 'cheap' thread will be inferior.

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

I was pleasantly suprised by them Esther!

"Free thread pack" So nice that you show that it is possible to embroider with cheap thread. I want to win this one :-)

Excellent review, glad you weren’t snobby about trying the cheaper thread, I was actually quite surprised that you liked it, I thought you would’ve said it’s ok but you wouldn’t recommend unless you’re a very beginner just trying it out to see if you enjoy stitching. Very impressed with how it turned out. Thank you for the chance to win a “free thread pack” good luck everyone x

@Early100

2 жыл бұрын

P.S forgot to mention - love how you left the faux pas with the scissors in 🤣 x

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

I didn't know he had! Jon (who edits the videos) is in trouble now....

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

I think you should always try things out for yourself!

@Early100

2 жыл бұрын

@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery oops, oh dear - sorry for blabbing on you John 😳🤣

when I first began, I just purchased the biggest pack of cheap thread I could find (100 for $10.99 USD!) and soon realized that they tend to knot EXTREMELY easily, so I very quickly just broke down and found a good deal on 100 DMC skeins in a nice variety of colors for $72 on Amazon. (Of course, that was before I realized that I could buy them at Walmart or Hobby Lobby for under 0.60 each!) Then, I gave my 12 year old daughter the cheaper threads for making friendship bracelets. We live and learn. They are definitely useable and the colors were really nice as well, but as a beginner…. I just couldn’t deal with the near constant tangling. They were really difficult to separate as well.

The right end to pull...thank you.

I strongly suspect the threads may be mostly or all cotton, just a lesser/cheaper quality- short instead of long staple. This would fuzz more and be softer to touch. Would be interesting to use a skein to do a burn test. If it smells like burning paper it should be cotton. If it's man-made it will have a chemical odor and may melt into a ball. Definitely an inexpensive way to learn and practice.

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

I did a burn test, it's definitely synthetic!

@cliftonmcnalley8469

2 жыл бұрын

@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery In that case, as embroidery goes, there's a possibility that the synthetics could be more colorfast. Which if something is just going to hang on the wall, that might be a good thing.

Free thread pact. Very helpful but will continue with DMC.

Free thread pack - I always enjoy trying new threads, even if they're of dubious provenance. 😃 £1.20 per skein of DMC??? Wow, that's expensive! An 8m skein of DMC stranded cotton is usually around 60¢ (~£0.44) in the US and it's frequently on sale for even less. (I just checked and Michael's currently lists it at 62¢ and while JoAnn normally charges 60¢ it's currently on sale for 45¢ per skein.) Of course those US prices don't include sales tax (anywhere between 0 and 10% depending on where you are) but even after adding that in it's still less than half the UK price.

@VeretenoVids

2 жыл бұрын

I also choked when I heard that price! Even with my local sales tax, 7%, it's still much less expensive. What's startling to me is that DMC is considered an ordinary floss where I am--a solid choice, but nothing special. The Japanese COSMO threads are all the rage and those cost about $1.25, which is about £0.90. Then again, we pay through the nose for medical care... I think I'd rather have more expensive floss.

@janiswilliams2766

2 жыл бұрын

OMG… I need to get my way to JoAnns!!

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

JoAnns is great for this sort of thing!

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, we do get free health care!

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

Island living is always more expensive!

I love that the cheap thread works so well and you showed us!

I need to watch the video in its entirety but…I always got a friendship bracelet vibe from the cheap packs. Like they are more for children’s crafts and first needlepoint projects. People pick up and drop hobbies that use floss so frequently that I find the best deals are at the thrift stores. I recently got a nice organizer bag with everything but small gauge tapestry needles and fabric for $5 because somebody donated it. Even came with a really nice set of tools and some kreinik blending filament and threads including a spool of silk thread. Whoever had it before me sorted out all of the colors into gradients and put them into separate baggies per hue. I know you can’t rely on that much good luck on every visit but they almost always have tools and supplies at a fraction of what the craft stores charge.

Free thread pack! That would be awesome! I am relearning. My mother taught me when I was young. 😊

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

You never forget Cheryl!

Free thread pack….pleased you showed this Sarah….not everyone can afford expensive threads..I use DMC myself and have been sewing for over 50 years and still love it xxx

Free Thread Pack ;) Awesome ;) I have some acrylic thread that looks like wool in different colours and it is very fluffy ;) Thanks so much for sharing this with us ;D

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

Use it for Turkeu Rug stitch D!

I always learn so much watching you. Free thread pack would be great. New Zealand 🇳🇿

I only use DMC if i want a quality finished product. Ive used coats only for bright variegated use. The Anchor ive used only for kumihumo. Ive been embroidering for 60 yrs. Its great to learn more about DMC and other companies ❤

It's always really nice to have an expert try the cheaper threads, as you say great for someone who's trying embroidery for the first time. Thank you for the free design, it's beautiful. Oh and Free Thread Pack.

I have used that floss before, my only complaint is quality control. Some skeins show an uneven color, some skeins shred when using. But if it’s not going to be used in a heirloom piece I use it. Since I’m in USA, I’m not entering the drawing. You can burn the end and see how it burns. If it has acrylic in it there will be melting, cotton will char

FREE THREAD PACK please 😊 I’m doing a Masters degree using Embroidery as my subject matter. I’m really grateful for your videos and the tips that you share, because they are helping me to create my community project. Thank you 🙏🏻

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

That's wonderful Community Stitchers!

Free thread pack- Thank you for the demonstration. I have never tried embroidery. You made it looked simple and elegant. I would like to give it a try.

Free thread pack is great value for your money,good selection of colours in pack too..

I do a lot of embroidery on pillowcases so this was quite useful. I wash and dry them over and over and have never had a problem. I use only DMC thread tho and they have held up like the day I did them. I do have to work at the tension of the stitches tho as sometimes they look a little tight after drying.

When it's time to buy more threads I look around for craft store websites, online stitch companies, places like that. Stores tend to offer a single skein for around 60¢ each. I look for good sales, even on Amazon. I love all fibers and embroidery is my current obsession!!

Free Thread Pack. Cheaper are not always inferior. Thanks for the review.

Free threads pack. I have only been embroidering for a few months and didn't know how much I would love it. Your video was very informative and so clear to understand. I would love to try those cheaper floss.

Free thread. Have watched many of your videos, for a relative beginner they are easy to follow and intuitive. Many thanks for sharing your expertise.

I just bought a more affordable thread pack. They work just fine. My only complaint is that they aren't labeled with color number. I have ordered a dmc color chart so I can match them to a color number. I keep mine in a floss organizer labeled with color number.

I use cheaper threads as a beginner I thought at least making mistakes be cheaper in the long run but I also find mine is soft, the downside I find is that it can be a bit hard to handle if your not careful haven't got much sturdiness as the better quality ones like Anchor DMC feel much better so when more experienced will be investing as them.

'Free thread pack'. I've always wondered how less expensive threads compared. Nice video and explanation.

What a great video! Such helpful, practical information. Thank you, Sarah

Free Thread Pack thank you for sharing your thought on cheaper embroidery threads. I've used some in the past for making cross stitch greeting cards and small embroidery pieces, that won't be washed.

Free thread pack - thanks for showing us a thorough review and for sharing a lovely free design. I really appreciate your channel. I’ve learned so much from you. Thank you!

Thank you for the very helpful videos, always enjoy them. Wonderful of you to give away a ‘free thread pack’!

Free thread is always wonderful. I have been stitching for a few years now. These videos have been my main source of instruction. Thank you! You are amazing.

Thank you for telling us where to pull the tread. I always make a mess when trying to pull the tread.

I'm only to the price reveal of the Anchor and DMC and I'm STUNNED, because after conversion you paid more than double what I do for DMC. My floss costs USD $0.62 per skein, plus $0.06 tax.

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

Жыл бұрын

Yes it's much cheaper in the US!

Sarah🌺 i am new to embroidery and have learned quite a lot from you. I am using your starting knot and two stitches technique. I love your explanations and close up video. Winning the "free thread pack" would be great! Thank you for such a good teacher.

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

Free thread pack. Nice to know my megar pennies can help to make beautiful thread work. You have been a big inspiration for my embroidery work. I also work hand stiches in my quilt art. Especially my landscape designs.

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

You don't need to spend loads of money to make nice things Connie!

Excellent review. Thank you for doing such an in depth comparison.

Free Thread Pack! I love the fluffy finish. Your videos are wonderful. Great photography and logical, easy to follow instructions and descriptions. Love them.

Free thread pack. Thank you for posting a video on this topic. I have often wondered the same. You are always so inspiring!

Thank you very much for all the learning videos. I have learned so much from you. It was great learning about the different fabrics. Thank you so much. For all the classes I have taken such as quilting, sewing, embroidery etc I haven't learned much at all about basics.

Free thread pack - Thanks Sarah for all your wonderful videos, you are very generous with all the knowledge you are sharing with us.

"Free Thread Pack" thank you for this information. I've learned a lot.

Free thread pack - Your designs are lovely. your videos are very satisfying to watch. ❤️❤️

Thank you so much for all your videos. I always wanted to do embroidery, but it always felt overwhelming, and I had no idea how to begin. But thanks to your videos, it doesn't seem so insurmountable anymore. And you even have designs so I know where to start and all the videos about the needles and floss and fabric and stiches helped so much. I'm very excited to begin, as soon as my fabric arrives =)

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

Check out our beginner's Embroidery page on our website MrsUial. And my advice would be to start small, learn the basics and practice a few stitches until you are confident. You can then add to your knowledge, have fun!

Free thread pack - Thank you for sharing your expertise! I have started to embroider recently, and thank to your videos, I had learned a lot.

I love your videos with all the information and tips and tricks. They're even more fun when the Ginger Cat comes to visit!!

Free thread pack. I love the way you explain the why and there fores in your instructions. It is so much easier than trying to follow a video done with just music. Keep on sewing please. And thank you.

Thank you for a chance at the free thread pack. Keep up the instructional videos.

Good to know all these tips because I do applique quilts and use embroidery to accent the work and always wondered if it would hold up to wash and wear. Thanks for the info.

Free thread pack! Your videos have helped me feel more co rodent about my new pandemic hobby of hand embroidery. It’s always nice to have lots of colors for a project, and I’m glad to know that using cheap threads in your different projects and tutorials is not a huge problem for me.

This was so informative for me as I’m a newbie. I couldn’t believe your video popped up this morning as I just bought one of those multi packs yesterday and was wondering if I should have spent more while I am still learning. I will be binge watching all your videos. This is definitely my new favorite hobby thanks to people like you.

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

They are brilliant for learning with Pauline, try a couple of the more expensive skeins when you feel more confident to see what the differences are

Love your tutorials, very clear!

Hi Sarah, I've been doing embroidery for years now, but it's only since I found you on utube, that I've started to make my work a lot neater and probably more professional looking. Thank you for this video, it's a big help to me, learning about these cheaper threads and I would love to get the 'Free thread pack' 🤗

Really enjoyed the information about the thread pack and your findings. Thank you.

what an interesting video - loved the comparison and being able to watch the difference; a free thread pack would be fun to use for quick little projects.

You have the most complete and clear videos about embroidery. Thank you for the insights! (Thank God I understand English)

Free Thread pack. Great video, really enjoying your channel, it's been so helpful with improving my embroidery! Thanks Sarah!

Free thread pack. I really enjoyed this video. I now see why my skeins get in a muddle! Thank you for inspiring beginners to have a go.

Free Thread Pack - My first video of the day! Good on Sarah Homfray! Love your videos.

I am glad you did this video. My nephew bought me a no name brand large bulk pkg of embroidery thread. The threads are much softer than the DMC. I haven't tried them out yet. Good to know they work well.😊

Free Thread Pack - Thank you so much Sarah for this video, I have been looking for information on different embroidery threads, I have found your youtube channel recently and subscribed right away. Your video today is so much informative and so well explained. I am new to embroidery, I have been lucky so far and been able to find lots of DMC and Anchor threads and needles in thrift stores. I love your youtube channel, I watch it every day.

I am new to embroidery. Nice to know that I can at least start off and not have to spend a lot to get started. Thanks so much.

‘Free thread pack’ Thank you for all of your videos Sarah (and ginger cat!). I’m a cross stitcher mostly but you have inspired me to try lots of other embroidery techniques! I’m looking forward to trying out some Christmassy designs soon! X

Thank you for this little experiment. I’m fairly new at embroidery but I’ve used DMC, Anchor and 3 types of cheaper floss. I haven’t noticed a significant difference. Love your videos, btw!

Free Thread Pack! I really enjoyed this video! I've also never tried the anchor knot technique and after watching you do it, I am inspired to try!

Free Thread Pack! :D Thank you Sarah for these videos, they have really helped me on my journey to learn embroidery. Sending you love from Belfast.

I used anchor and Sullivan’s (us brand similar to anchor) and dmc to ‘slow’ stitch repair my Levi’s….get washed a bit and in the dryer in winter hung out for warmer weather. All held up really for the stitching and long term wear….washing etc has not degraded the fibers!

It lovely to know that the cheaper thread is good as I am learning to embroider. I haven't seen the Free Thread Pack before but the colours lovely.

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant for practicing if you are learning Suzanne, you don't need to worry about how much you use!

Awesome video as usual, love cross stitch and helps so much when Im in hospital. Thank you so much for doing this xx Free stitch pack 🐸

Free thread pack🤗Thank you for the cool tips all the instructions and tutorial I've been watching before you were misleading so thank you so much.

Free thread pack. I'm a bit tired of looking high and low for over dyed floss called for in a pattern Nice to know there are good alternatives. Thank you for the comparison!

Free thread pack - this was very helpful and interesting. I’m new at embroidery so basic information (threads, needles, etc) is wonderful to have. Love your work!

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

Check out our beginner's embroidery page on the website Jo for lots of useful information!

Free thread pack, thanks for yet another very informative video, I am really enjoying them and learning so much x

Free Thread Pack. Love your videos, so informative, you cover so many aspects of needlework

Free thread pack Finally someone covering less expensive threads! Thanks so much for this information.

Free thread pack! I like the way you demo threads and compare them to other brands!

Free thread packs! Love to embroider an do cross stitching. Thanks for the nice giveaway

Very interesting. I''ve always thought(incorrectly) that because of the price they woul not come up to much. Ideal for a small project, children or beginner by the look of it. Thank you for your time and honesty

Free Thread Pack. I've been knitting for more years than I can count. I'm new to embroidery but I'm finding that floss and yarn are very similar in the way they are packaged and manufactured. I use mercerized cotton when I'm making a garment that needs to be a workhorse. Your videos are very instructive. I like the tidbit about how to pull the floss and not winding it.

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

It's interesting that your knitting knowledge is transferable to embroidery Pat, i hope you are enjoying your new hobby!

“Free thread pack”.love your videos! I have learned so much. Thanks for sharing your knowledge❤️

Let me get m comment in before the deadline!. Free thread drawing. I love your videos. I’m just beginning, so I watch all of them. I’ve ordered from you a couple of times even though I’m in the US.

Free thread pack. Thank you Sarah and your lovely ginger cat.

Mmmm. I'm dreaming of the 'three threads pack' for Christmas! Apart from the giveaway part, really appreciate you educating me of the unbranded threads.

Wonderful video! I did not knows about which thread to pull to start the skein ! Always pulled the obvious one 🤷‍♀️ .. and had tangles. I appreciate your offer of the Free Thread Pack. ❣️

Free thread pack. Thank you for explaining about the differences. It would be interesting to try these threads.

Great video ! I have found some DMC threads in thrift stores sometimes (one time a bag of 40 threads for only 75cents CAD); sometimes looking for supplies secondhand is a very good compromise between price and quality, too. ❤ ( free thread pack )

@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery

2 жыл бұрын

I think you got a bargain Marie!

@christinafidance340

Жыл бұрын

Wow! 40 for $0.75??? That would have made my entire week! 😂

@mariek.474

Жыл бұрын

@@christinafidance340 it was amaziiing and i never got as lucky since then 😭