Cotton Thread vs. Embroidery Thread

[Former_Member]

Hello!

When I first started making friendship bracelets, I used 'friendship thread' (cotton two ply thread) that I got in a giant pack from wal-mart. The colors are fairly saturated, and for 10.00 I can get 100 skeins in every possible color. The only downside is that the color fades, and the string breaks while knotting sometimes.

Lately, I've been using more expensive embroidery thread. I noticed right away the colors were brighter and the bracelet looked more professional. However, it's soo much more expensive. Ten cents a skein vs. forty? Eww. Also, I have to buy one color at a time and I'm never sure which colors I need ahead of time.

Has anyone else noticed any differences between the two? Any preferences? I'm not sure if I should switch to embroidery or keep with my cotton.

:)

[Former_Member]

I use DMC embroidery floss ($.35 a skein at Michael's). Still 100% cotton, but much stronger than the cheapo stuff they sell at places like walmart. It can withstand a lot of force (including my very tight knotting) and the color lasts much, much longer.
You could stand to raise your prices a bit, so if you go with the more expensive thread, just work it into the price. By the time you pay etsy and paypal fees, you aren't making any money off of a $2 item.

[Former_Member]

I use cotton crochet thread size 10. There isn't as big of a variety of colors but you can buy it at Walmart and at other craft stores. I like to order mine online. They come in rolls of about 350 yards for about $2.50, depending on what brand and size you get. I really love this stuff! The strands don't separate while you're working with it either. I haven't had it break while knotting either.

[Former_Member]

I use Anchor Embroidery Thread - there are some really good deals on Ebay if your prepared to bulk buy! The quality is really good and the colours are stunning. All the bracelets in my shop are made with that.

[Former_Member]

i agree with Hattie, you get what you pay for.
I like to keep stock of as many colors I possibly can, since I'm constantly making bracelets. the cheaper ones always snap from my tight pulling, and although i've figured out a method on repairing it and continuing on, it's quite annoying.

[Former_Member]

DMC looks soooo much better than the Walmart stuff that I think it's completely worth it. I just have a big box full of all sorts of colors.

[Former_Member]

You do get what you pay for. If you are willing to pay a little more then it is worh it.I use DMC embrodery floss and have for years and I love it. I might try a different one for a different texture but DMC is the way to go especially when doing tight knots as it won't break as others tend to do. I know it is hard to price your items because you want to sell but don't want to seem like you are charging to much. Keep in mind etsy and paypal fees when you make your prices. You can charge more and have less work to do and make more with less sales. If you have a cheaper price you might make a lot of sales but you won't make as much. It takes work to make your shop successful and you can't get discouraged and the more you do to promote it then sales will come. I hope this helped!

[sillylittlesheep]

I use 100% cotton embroidery thread made in the Czech republic. There are differences in prices too, some are said to fade more and the more expensive ones are said not to fade so much, but I use the cheaper ones and honestly I do not think there is a difference at all..