Thistle Threads

Silk Gimp - Single Tubes

$ 9.70

Quantity

Quantity on Spool

Each small tube of silk gimp contains 10 meters, while the larger tubes contain 18 meters. Please note, the small tubes will soon be phased out. Small numbers of spools are kept in stock.

Threads Structure

Silk gimp consists of a filament silk core wrapped with filament silk to completely cover the core. One strand is wound continuous on the spool and is not divided when used.

Uses of Silk Gimp

This innovative thread is a modern recreation of 17th-century examples found in period needlework. Its cord-like appearance is sleek and supple, providing an interesting surface texture. Silk gimps, similar to real metal threads, are applied to the surface with a couching thread for dramatic effect. It can be couched as an outline around counted work or in rows to fill shapes. Sometimes, it is twisted into loops and couched down to create textured elements, such as leaves on trees.

This version of silk gimp is also designed to be stitchable, allowing for techniques like French knots, needlelace, and plaited braids. It can be worked with a large-eyed, thick needle, which creates a spacious hole in the fabric, making it easier to manipulate.

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.

Thistle Threads