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Using rayon embroidery thread to add a touch of glamourDo you like the look of rayon embroidery thread but have been put of trying it by stories of how difficult it is to use? I think after reading this page you will agree that a little bit of care and attention is worth while to add some a lustrous, satiny shine to your needlework.The threads shown in the photograph below are (from left to right) a rayon bouclee from Stef Francis, two rayons hand-dyed by Jean Oliver, an Indian Natesh machine embroidery rayon, and Neon Rays, a rayon embroidery ribbon.
 Rayon fibres are perhaps best know for their use in Brazilian Embroidery, but they can be used in other techniques as well. For most other types of needlework you would probably just want to use them for a specific area, rather than stitching the whole piece in rayon. Rayon is a man-made synthetic fibre, which supposedly gives the appearance of silk, while being more economical. Silk, of course, is a natural fibre. Sometimes both materials are included in the manufacture of an embroidery thread such as Rajmahal Art Silks (65% rayon, 35% silk).
Anchor Marlitt Embroidery FlossPerhaps the most easily obtainable rayon embroidery thread, at least here in the UK, is Anchor Marlitt. This comes in skeins and it is a 4 ply yarn.To use it, you would first separate the strands. I like to dampen each individual strand by running it across a damp sponge, then I let them dry a little, before I recombine them and thread the needle. They don't take long to dry...perhaps 5 minutes at the very most. Using them while still damp can cause them to tangle and break, so you may want to prepare a number of strands and thread more than one needle at a time. This will also save time in the long run. Dampening them in this manner will help to get rid of any kinks from being in the skein. Pick a large enough embroidery needle. If you force the rayon through an eye that is too small it will "saw" away at the thread and cause it to fray and break. I like to use an even number of strands then I can take half as many, and thread them through the needle. By moving the needle to the centre of the strand(s) and folding the thread in half, creasing it with your finger, you can help to prevent the needle moving along the thread which causes friction and can damage the fibre. When I start work, I will tie an away knot at the end of the doubled strands and take it through the fabric, from the front, a few stitches in front of the first stitch. I can then work over the ends to secure them, and snip off the knot when I reach it.
Brazilian Embroidery threadsBrazilian embroidery traditionally uses rayon embroidery threads, of which the best quality are those manufactured by Edmar.Edmar threads are available in various forms, ranging from fine to chunky. They are all hand-dyed and colourfast. These are designed to be used as they are, there is no need to separate the strands. Before you start to stitch, pull the cut length to straighten it out. The types available are...
Other brands of Rayon Embroidery threadMadeira decora rayon floss is sold in tangle free, 5m spiral packs and is available in 80 solid colours and 10 variegated.DMC rayon a six strand divisible thread provided as an 8m skein which I believe comes in only 18 shades. Sulky Rayon Thread - the finer 40 wt. comes in 388 colours and the thicker 30 wt. is available in 102 (solid) and 54 (variegated) - both weights are ideal for machine embroidery or delicate hand embroidery
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