Although the bulk of your stitching will be done with stranded cotton (DMC, Anchor, Madeira etc.) there are times when your chart may ask you to use different types of thread, These are often called speciality threads. There is a separate post on this blog giving an overview of speciality threads which you can read here. In this post, I am going to show you how to use two of the most popular types of speciality threads- metallic threads and Wisper thread. 

Metallic Threads

Metallic threads are usually made form plastic- often polyester combined with nylon- which is what gives the metallic threads their beautiful shine. However, working with plastic does come with some considerations which I will outline here:
1) make sure to use the correct thickness of thread. This will usually be specified on your chart. For example, if your chart asks you to use Kreinik #4 braid, the #4 refers to the thickness. 
2) Use shorter lengths than you would if stitching with cotton
3) If your threads get twisted, allow it to untwist by holding the threads near where it last exited the fabric and hen let the needle dangle freely to untwist the thread. 
4) Usually, we stitch with only one strand of metallic thread. This will be roughly the same thickness as two strands of cotton. 

My personal favourite metallic threads are Rainbow Gallery’s Petite Treasure Braid, Kreinik’s #4 braid, and DMC’s Diamant (which you can find for sale here). Your chart will specify which metallic thread to use but it is possible to substitute a different brand if you prefer. Conversion charts are available online. Personally I am a lot more confident substituting metallic threads than I am substituting stranded cotton as I feel it is not as important to get an exact colour match. 

Wisper Thread

Made from mohair and nylon, Rainbow Gallery’s Wisper Thread is a fluffy thread, perfect for stitching beards, animal fur and fur trim on clothing. If your chart asks you to use Wisper Thread, it may instruct you to use a specific number of threads or even to combine it with another thread. If not, my preferred way of using Wisper is to combine it with one strand of DMC (or any stranded cotton) in a matching shade. Just like with metallic thread, I generally stitch Wisper  with a needle slightly larger than that which I used to stitch the rest of the piece (for example, I may have used a size 28 to stitch the cross-stitches but use a 26 or 24 for the Wisper). Wisper can be tricky to get through the eye of your needle so you may need to use a needle threader. I sometimes like to twist the end of my Wisper and DMC together until they curl up into a little loop and then push this loop through the eye of the needle.
You can stitch with Wisper as your would stranded cotton, working full crosses (unless, of course, your chart instructs you to do otherwise). Wisper is a sticky thread and can be prone to knotting so I would advise working with shorter lengths than you would regularly use when stitching with cotton. When you have finished stitching your piece, you can use a toothbrush or some velcro to fluff it up!