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Tricks and tips for stitching with multicolor and overdyed threads
Our designers share their techniques for cross stitching with multicolor threads
IF YOU WANT TO MAXIMIZE THE COLOR CHANGES
 Complete one cross stitch at a time
This is the most common technique. The idea is that when you complete one stitch, both half crosses will be the exact same color and the thread won't change color until you get a few cross stitches further. This technique was used by Helga Mandl for Pumpkin Jack using DMC Color Variations threads, making the most of the variation in color of the orange thread in the pumpkin area.
IF YOU WANT A MORE BLENDED EFFECT
 Stitch a row of half stitches and complete your cross stitches on the way back
This is the technique most stitchers use for regular cross stitching. When used with multicolor threads, it results in a more blended effect. This is how the little fox of Child and Fox ABC was stitched by Perrette Samouiloff.
Designer Perrette Samouiloff prefers this method because, she says "I like to blend the different hues of the thread together. The result is a very rich yet subtle color that does not appear striped yet is so much richer than a solid color"
 IF YOU WANT TO KEEK YOUR COLOR UNDER CONTROL
Observe your thread and check the sequence of color changes:
Take the example of DMC Color Variation floss. It changes color every 2 inches (5cm). That's about 5 stitches if you are stitching on 14ct Aida or 28ct linen. It then blends into a slightly different color, and so on.
Other overdyed threads have longer sequences, sometimes much longer and more irregular. The longer the sequence (same color before a change) the more "stripe" effects you will get.
Tip: A rule of thumb is that for every inch of floss you will complete about 3 stitches. By observing a length of thread you can guess what color your next stitches will look like.
When stitching her pumpkin pattern, Melanie, the designer of Tom & Lily kept her thread "under control", making sure the lighter parts were in the center of the pumkin, therefore reinforcing the dimensional effect.
Tom & lily - Autum fruit (detail) and corresponding DMC thread sample
IF YOU WANT TO GIVE YOUR STITCHES DIRECTION
 Vary the direction in which you stitch, horizontally, vertically or in a diagonal way.
 Designer Barbara Ana loves using multicolor threads. Almost all her patterns include some parts stitched with them. While she usually completes a stitch at a time and stitches one row after another, she also happens to change the direction of her stitching. Notice how this tree trunk and those pumpkins are stitched vertically, contrasting with other parts of the design.
Barbara Ana - Boo to ewe! (detail)
RANDOM EFFECTS
Why not keep your stitches random and enjoy the surprise!
After all, there is no right or wrong way of using these fun threads. Follow your instinct, just let your needle guide you. Your stitched piece will be unique. Enjoy!
There's more information on DMC's website for stitching with multicolor threads of the color variations range. >> Tips for stitching with Color Variations
More patterns and features related to multicolor threads on our website:
>> view our "stitching with nature's colors" topic and patterns: fabulous fall foilage colors using multicolor threads
>> see love-themed patterns with red and pink multicolor threads: love is in the air |
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