crafting | Mr X Stitch

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 Kreinik 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. (I have Kreinik 1/4" Ribbon on mine.) The top non-needlework-related use 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. Glance at this list for some creative inspiration: I have made tassels for my belly dance costume, and my nieces have used it in jewelry making. (Vicki D.) Book mark. I have used a length of flat braid [Kreinik Ribbon] when I was reading between bouts of needlework. (Jess M.) Journaling decorations. (Susanne C.) The options are endless with a 7 & 9 year old for school projects! (Steffany P.) I like to tie up small gifts with Kreinik ribbons. (Judy L.) It's fantastic for adding detail to sculptures!!! (Lisa F.) My granddaughter used several yards for friendship bracelets (Kathy P.) Emergency shoe laces! (Jana B.) Tie on a suitcase to identify it (Becki W.) Picture hanging (Beth P.) Decorating cards (Lena B.) Eyebrow hair removal — threading! (Nell L.) (Editor's note: huh…really?) Tie off the end of braids (Nancy W.) Use green colors to tie up plants (Cricket R.) Wrap around small bouquets for weddings and favors (Lucy T.) Jewelry designs (Kristen S.) Ornament hangers (Stacy N.) Add in to hair styles (Kim B.) Rigging on model airplanes (Rob S.) Drawstrings (Nicky F.) 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, unlabeled cotton floss and such. Now we know even more uses for needlework fibers. 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!) Yes that's Kreinik Cord as the rigging on this model airplane. Tie one on! Adding metallic threads to a store-bought scarf makes it look a little more fun and interesting.