Not just for stitching? These gold Kreinik ribbons would look pretty woven into an elegant updo, or wrapped around a wedding bouquet, or as Christmas ornament hangers.

20 Surprising Uses For Metallic Thread

Kreinik Calling! Exclusive to Mr X Stitch!

It’s Kreinik Calling! where Dena Lenham from Kreinik Manufacturing Company shares inspiration and innovation with threads!

Not just for stitching? These gold Kreinik ribbons would look pretty woven into an elegant updo, or wrapped around a wedding bouquet, or as Christmas ornament hangers.
Not just for stitching? These gold Kreinik ribbons would look pretty woven into an elegant updo hairstyle, or wrapped around a wedding bouquet, or as Christmas ornament hangers.

What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever done with metallic thread?

By “unusual,” I mean non-needlework related? Sure, they’re versatile fibers you can use in all kinds of needlework techniques, from cross stitch and needlepoint to huck weaving, crochet, felting, and Temari. But what about other uses? Kreinik polled stitchers on Facebook and got a lot of interesting responses.

PIck your favorite color and use it as a luggage identifier.
PIck your favorite color and use it as a luggage identifier. (I have Kreinik 1/4″ Ribbon on mine.)

The top non-needlework-related use for metallic thread is for making lures in fly fishing.

Yes, fish love shiny stuff just as much as we do. The material is really durable, and will last for years unless you lose the lure. Fly fishing fans also use the metallics to wrap their fishing rods (custom rod making). Other innovative uses, however, cover basic household chores plus decorative touches on just about anything. Check out this list for some creative inspiration:

Yes that's Kreinik Cord as the rigging on this model airplane.
Yes that’s Kreinik Cord as the rigging on this model airplane.
  1. Belly Dancing: “I have made tassels for my belly dance costume, and my nieces have used it in jewelry making“. (Vicki D.)
  2. Making Bookmarks: “I have used a length of flat braid [Kreinik Ribbon] when I was reading between bouts of needlework.” (Jess M.)
  3. Journaling decorations: (Susanne C.)
  4. School work: “The options are endless with a 7 & 9 year old for school projects!” (Steffany P.)
  5. Present Wrapping: “I like to tie up small gifts with Kreinik threads and ribbons.” (Judy L.)
  6. Sculpture: “It’s fantastic for adding detail to sculptures!!!” (Lisa F.)
  7. Friendship Bracelets: “My granddaughter used several yards for friendship bracelets!” (Kathy P.)
  8. Emergency shoe laces! (Jana B.)
  9. Travel safety: “Tie some on a suitcase to identify it” (Becki W.)
  10. Picture hanging (Beth P.)
  11. Decorating cards (Lena B.)
  12. Eyebrow hair removal — threading! (Nell L.) (Editor’s note: huh…really?)
  13. Tying off the end of braids (Nancy W.)
  14. Horticulture: “Use green colors to tie up plants“(Cricket R.)
  15. Weddings: “Wrap around small bouquets for weddings and favors” (Lucy T.)
  16. Jewellery designs (Kristen S.)
  17. Interior Design: Ornament hangers (Stacy N.)
  18. Beauty Tips: Add in to hair styles (Kim B.)
  19. Rigging on model airplanes (Rob S.)
  20. Drawstrings for clothes (Nicky F.)
The very thin Kreinik Cord looks perfect as guitar strings on this dollhouse miniature.
The very thin Kreinik Cord looks perfect as guitar strings on this dollhouse miniature.

Think outside the stitch

I frequently see stitchers post about finding a Kreinik stash at estate sales or on eBay. Same with bags of yarn, unlabelled cotton floss and such. Now we know even more uses for needlework fibres. So it’s okay, get that thread—you can definitely use it somewhere.

(If you have a non-needlework use for Kreinik threads, I’d love to hear about it!)

Tie one on! Adding metallic threads to a store-bought scarf makes it look a little more fun and interesting.
Tie one on! Adding metallic threads to a store-bought scarf makes it look a little more fun and interesting.
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