14 facts that make you a Kreinik Blending Filament expert

By the end of this year, you're going to be an expert on Kreinik. You'll be in the Kreinik Crown Club. You'll know so much about Kreinik threads and products, you'll practically be a member of the family. You probably know a lot already, but in case you don't, our blog this year features "Kreinik A to Z." That is, the ABCs of Kreinik, providing useful information, inspiring ideas, and helpful tips.

When you know more, you grow more, which leads to creating more in your beautiful and relaxing hobby. Do you remember what you learned already, about Acid-Free Tissue Paper and Adhesive Press Cloths? Well it's getting even more exciting now…

B is for Blending Filament

Oops, we heard a few groans. Perhaps Blending Filament doesn't have the best reputation IN USE, but you have to admit that IN EFFECT, it's stunning. It offers the most subtle shimmer, adding light and a little bit of visual interest without adding any weight, texture, or over-the-top effects. It's perfect for people who like just a little bit of icing on their cupcake, for example; it lifts a piece from drab to dreamy without overwhelming.

Forget any negatives you may have heard. Grab a spool and explore this baby metallic with us. Let's talk about where, why and how to use Blending Filament so that it can add grace, whimsy and elegance your projects this year.

WHAT IS THIS BEAUTIFUL FIBER

1. It's a thin metallic thread, kind of like tinsel on a Christmas tree.
2. Because it is so thin, it was created to be used in combination with another fiber, ie, used with cotton embroidery thread, or with a knitting yarn (but you don't have to always use it that way; keep reading…).
3. The thinness means it creates the most subtle metallic effect. It's like a whisper, a metallic fiber whisper.
4. Kreinik began producing and selling it in the 1980s.
5. It comes in more than 100 metallic and glow-in-the-dark colors, giving you options for different effects.
6. Colors with "HL" after the color number (ie, 002HL) mean Hi Lustre, or the brightest metallic in the line.
7. Colors with "V" after the color number (ie, 003V) mean Vintage, or an antique finish.
8. Colors with "F" after the color number (ie, 052F) mean Fluorescent, or glow-in-the-dark.
9. Colors with "L" after the color number (ie, 001L) mean Lolographic, err, Holographic (the HL was already taken when we introduced this color line), as in variegated like a disco ball.
10. Blending Filament comes on 50-meter spools, but is also available by special order on cones of any amount.

HOW TO USE THIS MAGICAL METALLIC

1. Unwind a length from the spool; about 18 inches is good for a start. First you will notice it has two parts: a metallic fiber, and a non-metallic fiber. The latter is the supporting core, there to give a little strength to the baby-thin filament. It also helps reduce static. We recommend that you leave the core, but some stitchers prefer to remove it; so that is up to you. Experiment with both options to see which you prefer.
2. Since Blending Filament is so thin, it may slip off your needle while you are stitching. Not a problem: the easiest way to avoid this is to knot it onto your needle. See the diagram for details.
3. Now decide if you want to use it WITH another fiber, or AFTER another fiber—or even purely by itself! (What a versatile little metallic.) For example, you can:
   •  Use one strand of Blending Filament with two strands of cotton floss for perfect coverage in cross stitch on 14-count Aida. Simply add the floss to your knotted-on-filament needle and begin stitching. The key is, since you are using two different kind of fibers with different elasticity and tension at the same time, is just to stitch a little bit more slowly than you would if using just one kind of fiber. That's all, just let the slow rhythm of the stitching movement bring a few moments of zen as you watch a little sparkle fall into place.
   •  Do your stitching in the non-metallic fiber first, then later go over the area with Blending Filament by itself. This is idea for those who don't want to use two different fibers together. One advantage of this option is that the metallic lays on top of all stitches, which means you get more shimmer.
   •  Create illusions by using filament by itself, as in background stitches. This is fun, for example, if you use glow-in-the-dark filament to add hidden words, or moonlight streaming through clouds and other background effects.
4. Items made with Blending Filament are hand and machine washable, and dry cleanable. Tumble dry on low. Try not to iron directly onto the metallic; instead, use a press cloth between the iron plate and the stitchery.

Now that you know how unique and versatile Blending Filament is—and how to use it beautifully and easily—you may be asking: What's the negative? Well, it really isn't strong enough to use in the needle of a sewing machine, unfortunately (but we do make super-strong metallics for that). Also, if you want to combine it with big chunky yarns for knitting, it may not show up very well (but that's why we made heavier super-soft metallics like Kreinik Twist and Ombre). But aside from those, it's a jewel of a fiber to have in your stitching repertoire.

WHERE TO GET IT

To get some Blending Filament today, order from your favorite needlework store, or visit http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Blending-Filament.html


EXPLORE MORE TIPS AND IDEAS:

Glissen Gloss Rainbow Blending Thread conversion chart to Kreinik Blending Filament: http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Glissen-Gloss-Rainbow-Blending-Thread-TO-Kreinik-Blending-Filament-Conversion-Chart.html
The Secrets of Blending Filament Revealed: http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Secrets-of-Blending-Filament-revealed.html
Kreinik Blending Filment Threading Technique in detail: http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Kreinik-Blending-Filament-Threading-Technique.html
Uses and care for Kreinik Blending Filament: http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Uses-and-Care-For-Kreinik-Blending-Filament.html
Video gallery of Blending Filament ideas: http://www.kreinik.com/shops/VIDEO-Uses-For-Kreinik-Blending-Filament.html
In your quest to know more, grow more and create more, test this metallic thread to see what else it can offer. We'd love to hear from you and see photos of your projects. What do you think of Blending Filament?