How to use Kreinik Ombre™ 

In your Year of Becoming A Kreinik Thread Expert, it's time to learn about this unique thread: Kreinik Ombre™. You can use it in needlepoint, samplers, weaving, knitting, crochet, embroidery, cord making, Temari and bobbin work, among other techniques. It's a loosely twisted metallic designed to give a loosely woven effect in needlework. The core color range is variegated, going along with the origin of the word, which gives you interesting color effects. 

The word "ombre" in general refers to the gradual blending of one color hue to another. The color effect is popular in hair styles right now, as well as fashion (skirts, shirts, handbags), home decor (pillows, window treatments), and even nail polish.

In needlework, the Kreinik thread Ombre is best used in specialty stitches such as Satin Stitch, Herringbone, and others that show off the loose twist and the variegated color. It was one of the first non-Braid threads Kreinik made back in the company's early days, and was particularly popular when machine knitting was in vogue. Since the unique texture of Ombre became so useful to stitchers for creating various effects, the Kreinik family started making it solid colors as well as variegated. 

Ombre offers you a unique thread with elegance and texture. Get at least one solid color (we love 3200 Pearl for snow and 2000 Gold or 1000 Silver for Christmas) and one variegated color (1600 Misty Lavender is popular) to start experimenting in your projects. Read on to learn more.

What is Kreinik Ombre?

• An 8-ply softly twisted metallic thread
• In nine variegated colors
• Also in four solid colors (Gold, Silver, Pearl, Copper)
• Comes on 15-meter spools or larger cones (by special order)
• Mmost often used in needlepoint, bobbin work, counted thread (samplers), card making, knitting, weaving, embroidery, Temari, cord making
• For an interesting look in cross stitch, use Ombre for French Knots — they'll be fluffier
• Iit is meant to be used straight off the spool, as it comes, not separated

Why would you want a loose twist?

• It creates a stitch that "lifts" off the surface of your canvas/fabric, creating added loft, texture, and dimension.
• In knitting and crochet, it gives you a metallic look but in a super-soft thread. It is one of the softest metallics you'll ever feel.
• In needlepoint and counted thread, it gives you a unique, fluffy texture—imagine snow drifts, jacquard fabrics, and other "risen" effects.

Why would you want a metallic?

• Adds elegance
• Makes a design look more expensive
• Adds light reflection
• Adds a different texture
• For visual interest

How to use Ombre:

• In hand stitchery, use it straight off the reel, with a #22 Tapestry needle or a #18 Chenille needle; longer or decorative stitches are best for showing off the fuzzy texture or variegated color.
• In crochet and knitting, use it as a carry along to dress up alpaca, cotton, wool, silk or any yarn.
• In bobbin work, use a coordinated color of #60 or #80 cotton, mono, or rayon thread in the top; makes lovely raised, nubby effects in particular with zig zag and decorative stitches—lengthen stitch length slightly. Lovely in digitized embroidery designs or programmed machine stitches (looks like you have stitched with glitter). 

For more information:

• Color range: http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Ombre.html
• Ombre cones: http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Ombre-250m.html
• How to use it in bobbin work (video): http://www.kreinik.com/shops/VIDEO-Kreinik-Ombre-Metallic-TM-In-The-Bobbin.html
• Bobbin work how-to with Louis Carney (video): https://youtu.be/GzWu6bK49y8
• Free crochet pattern (scarf) by April Garwood using Ombre (shown in photo below): http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Spring-Frost-Scarf.html
• Free crochet pattern (bridal necklace/choker) by Gwen Blakely Kinsler: http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Bridal-Baubal-Choker.html

Share how you use Kreinik Ombre in your projects. We'd love to hear and see!