Can I hand embroider with this yarn?

[Barbara/Hopscotch]

I have spotted some Silk cord yarn and the description is 60/2nm.  Does anyone know what this means and can I hand embroider with it?

Many thanks

Barbara

[Linda]

Hi Barbara, I've never heard of it [that doesn't mean much, sorry], but would love to see a photo of it.  Can it be couched, or twisted before couching.  Is it very fine??  If it's silk, it should be strong.  Hope you can post a photo of it.  Cheers, Linda.

[Sibille Kreideweiss]

Hi Barbara, could this be knitting yarn? Have a look at this site, it has some explanation: http://www.miniknittingstuff.com/yarncount.htm. "Cord" might refer to the type of twist.

The other option could be silk tapestry thread. This is known to have a very tight twist and is usually only used on canvas. Like Linda suggested, it might be also suitable for surface embroidery, like couching.

I also found references to Mulberry cord (silk) which is also used by jewellers for necklaces and woven bangles because of its strength. Seems to be quite strong and not too thick.

I've never heard of silk cord yarn before. It might be known under different name.

[Barbara/Hopscotch]

Thank you both for your help on this :)

Barbara

[sharonb]

Hopscotch - I dont know the yarn but I would give it a go - anything I can get through a needle eye risks being used as embroidery thread in my hands. I just test it. If it works I have a new thread. If not I have lost 12 inches of thread and scrap piece of fabric.

[Barbara/Hopscotch]

I'm in the same carriage of that thought train, Sharon :)  Plus silk has me spellbound at the moment

Barbara

[Sibille Kreideweiss]

Yep, same idea here. I'm interested to see how you work with it.

[Rachel Wright]

I'm a bit rusty on yarn counts, but remembered that "nm" is an abbreviation for a weight of thread, so Googled it. Madeira have provided a page on understanding thread counts:

http://www.madeira.co.uk/index.php?id=4143

 

Personally, though, I'd play with it and see what I could do. Even thread too heavy to be stitched with can be couched!

[Barbara/Hopscotch]

What a disappointment! I thought, judging by th photo , the silk would be a lot thicker, but it is very fine the equivalent of one and a half strands of embroidery floss!

I am dyeing some and will use in multiple strands or maybe wind onto a bobbin and use in the machine?

 

Barbara

[Rachel Wright]

I've never been good with a machine, so I can't advise on that! 

 

You can certainly use multiple strands in a hand-needle, and maybe some of the Japanese embroidery people could tell you how they twist strands themselves?

[Barbara/Hopscotch]

Thanks for all the helpful advice, I'm sure it won't go to waste!

Thanks

Barbara