Perle Cotton for hardanger

by Margaret
(Sunderland, Tyne & Wear)

I have just taken up embroidery, and Hardanger in particular, but I am confused about all the threads available!

Is crochet cotton the same as cotton perle, for hardanger?

What are the best makes of cotton perle to use? I have a pattern which has used Venus cotton perle but the only two I know are Anchor and DMC.

Can you also tell me what the difference is between Aida cloth and evenweave cloth. Oh one more question does anyone know of any teachers of Hardanger in the North East of England.

Thanks




Carol answers

Margaret, crochet cotton is a much firmer thread than cotton perle, which is very soft. Perle also has a sheen to it, which the crochet cotton does not have. You cannot really use crochet cotton in place of the perle for your kloster block.

DMC, Anchor and Venus are all brand names for hardanger. I do have some Venus and tried using it for hardanger, but I found it broke often so I reverted back to DMC.

I am sorry but I am unable to help with the teacher availability in the North of England. Maybe there is a stitching group you could join, where someone else could show you the basics?

Regards,

Carol