$ 10.00
Quantity in Package
Chardon Coupe and Bouclette are sold in 1 meter lengths
Thread Structure
Chardon Coupe and Bouclette are intricate passementerie elements used to create a ruffle effect above the skirt of a fancy tassel. Translated, Chardon Coupe and Bouclette refer to "cut" and "curly" thistle, respectively, which is a fitting description of their appearance.
Typically, these elements are crafted from bundles of two colors of filament silk. The silk bundles are arranged in a serpentine pattern on a small loom, then secured in place with a silk-covered wire and clear nylon thread on one side, and two white nylon threads on the other. This technique creates the signature Chardon Bouclette structure.
To work with the Chardon Bouclette, the white nylon threads are gently pulled away, releasing the large loops of silk. As the threads come off, the silk loops unfurl and spread out, creating a soft, ruffled texture. The Chardon Coupe follows the same structure, but with one key difference: a blade cuts the silk loops at the point where they meet the white nylon threads, resulting in a clean, cut-end finish.
Uses of Chardon Coupe and Bouclette
During a visit to a passementerie factory, I immediately recognized these trims as the very ones used as edging on drapes or dresses in stumpwork embroidery. Passamenterie elements were often incorporated into stumpwork designs during this period, adding texture and dimension to the artwork.
To use the Bouclette, start by locating the thin white nylon chain stitch that runs through the loops. Gently grab one end of it and pull down—the stitch will unzip, releasing the silk loops, which can then be fluffed to create a fuller effect. The silk fibers are twisted between wires, and these wires can be couched down either flat or standing upright (similar to how grasses are stitched) to secure the trim in place.
For the Coupe, you simply need to couch it over the wires that hold the cut silk loops together. I used this technique to create the grass beneath the flower urn in my Harmony with Nature Casket. It took only a few minutes to complete the entire mound!
Other creative uses include spiraling short lengths to form the center of a flower or wrapping them around an ornament to create both a hanger and trim in a single, seamless application.
The Cabinet of Curiosities Historic Colors Collection
Where Time Meets Thread
Step into a world where history is not just studied but touched and transformed. Thistle Threads, in collaboration with the legendary Au Ver à Soie and Access Commodities, brings you The Cabinet of Curiosities Historic Colors Collection—an exquisite line of silks that evokes the artistry of a bygone age. Drawing inspiration from the rich hues of the 17th and 18th centuries, this collection is a tribute to the centuries-old art of natural dyeing. A living, breathing palette, now reimagined for modern hands to create.
Imagine, if you will, the painstaking artistry of the period—samplers stitched by candlelight, stumpwork caskets with intricate designs whispered from one generation to the next. This collection is made to capture that same spirit. Each strand, custom-dyed to perfection, replicates the natural tones that once graced the silkwork of a gilded age, enabling you to recreate those delicate shades in your own work. Bask in the depth of hues meticulously crafted to mimic the nuances of ancient dyes. Thistle Threads has curated a selection of threads designed to evoke the historical richness of the past, offering a stunning array of fibers in a wealth of shaded color families.
In perfect harmony with this ethereal array is a thoughtful, structured system designed for maximum flexibility and precision. The tones flow seamlessly from one thread line to the next, ensuring that whether you are working in fine detail or full coverage, there is a perfect match to suit your needs. Each family, carefully organized for every possible application, guarantees the perfect balance between delicate accents and bold statements.
The inherent beauty of this collection lies in its versatility. The colors are not just a reflection of nature but a carefully crafted framework to complement all forms of needlework. The ease with which you can match couching threads to your work ensures that every stitch is a harmonious note in a well-composed symphony, with no discordant stitch to break the flow.
As you thread your needle, know that you are not simply recreating a pattern. You are stitching a piece of history, where every thread is a tribute to the artistry of a time long past. Whether you are creating a historic sampler or an embroidered casket, The Cabinet of Curiosities Historic Colors Collection brings an age-old palette to life once again. Let each thread tell a story, and may your needle carry it forward, stitch by stitch.
