Frequently Asked Questions

Embroidery, in its most basic terms, has been with us since time immemorial. Over the centuries, basic stitches have evolved into the more complex and elaborate needleworks we know today. Embroidery of any kind uses stitches known and used for hundreds of years in countless ways and for many different purposes. Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery is no exception. The difference is that it doesn't limit itself to specific stitches: it uses stitches from all types of needlework. Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery is a style of embroidering where you can choose from the whole palette of stitches and knots you know.

Another difference in this style of embroidery is the thread. Rayon was introduced in the mid 1800's and by the turn the century, was the first man-made fiber in full production. Although it is man-made, rayon is not a synthetic fiber but regenerated natural fiber (cellulosic material, generally wood pulp). Rayon has long been the preferred thread for this style of embroidery because of its sheen and smoothness. Most stitches, especially bullions (which are used extensively for their dimensional effect), are much easier to make because of the thread's smooth texture.

Now we come to the question if the stitches aren't Brazilian and rayon isn't Brazilian, what does Brazil have to do with Brazilian embroidery? Well, many times throughout history, credit goes not to the inventor, but to the ones who popularize an item. Brazil started producing multicolored rayon threads in several weights. The popularity of the thread spread rapidly throughout Brazil to the point where variegated rayon embroidery became known as vari-cor embroidery. It wasn't long before the rest of the world noticed its popularity and immediately adopted it as "Brazilian".

In 1979, the EdMar Company started manufacturing variegated rayon thread in the U.S. and has witnessed its steady growth in popularity, not only for Brazilian Dimensional style embroidery, but in all areas of needlework. Today there are many organizations and an International Guild that are exclusively dedicated to the art and advancement of Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery.

EdMar Co. is a manufacturer and wholesaler. Our products are available through retail stores or online resellers only. We don't sell to the public directly.

For links to all the relevant pages on ordering, use the ordering option under "More" on the navigation bar above or click this link: ORDERING

Opening & Storing Skeins

To open the skein, move the tag to one side to reveal the knot. You can cut through the knot or on both sides of it. Some colors, depending on the thread, will have a small white spot at the knot. In this case, simply cut out the area of the knot that is white. The strands will now be about one yard long. The threads can be steamed with a steam iron to smooth out the wrinkles and small kinks. Lay the strands flat out on a thick cloth and gently run the hot steam iron over them. They are now ready for stitching and storage.

Threads can be put in an EdMar Plastic Organizer or hung from the tag. To store it in the plastic organizer, cut the knot and slide off the tag. To insert the thread into the slot, use a skein threader; a long plastic strip bent on one end or a hooked wire. Insert the hook through one of the long slots, fold the skein in half over the hook and pull it up the slot. Pull it slightly over the seam under the label leaving the folded part of the thread showing. Trim the sides of the tag leaving the name and color number for reference. Insert the tag into the top small slot over the thread. Each plastic organizer will store 16 skeins. To keep the thread hanging from the tag, cut off the knot and pull on one side of the strands to make one side longer than the other. Insert a crochet hook or a piece of plastic strip bent on one end through the label where the thread was pulled longer. Bring the long strands to the hook and pull them through the label (tag). Even up the ends and pull the loop against the tag. When one strand is needed, just pull it from the loop under the tag.

The following tips are highly recommended when using EdMar rayon threads. If followed, they greatly reduce the chances of frustration and possible damage to your work.

• EdMar Rayon threads are to be used as they are; never split the plies.
• We recommend that the embroidery be worked with the fabric held taut in a hoop. Work stitches with uniform tension to prevent the fabric from puckering.
• Rayon threads are very slippery and one end of the thread will unravel more than the other. To find out which one unravels, get the two ends together and twist them back and forth between your fingers 3 or 4 times. The one that unravels the most is the side that should be knotted or woven before you start stitching. At the end of your stitches, secure your thread by knotting or weaving.
• When tying a knot, make it small and very secure.
• Stitches should be worked clockwise and from left to right. This will keep the thread from unraveling and fraying.
• Before making any stitches that require wrapping the thread like bullion, roll the threaded needle counterclockwise in-between your fingers in order to unwind the twist of the thread a little. Wrapping the thread clockwise for the stitch will then twist it back to normal. Without doing this, the thread will be wound too tight, kink up and possibly break.
• Bullion and cast-on stitches should be wrapped loosely on the needle. You don't want them so tight that you can't pull the needle and thread through. The thickness of your bullion is not determined by the thickness of your needle; it is the weight of thread you are using and how your bullion is "pulled". You don't want the individual wraps separated so all bullion should be pulled nice and taut.
• When making bullion or cast-on stitches, secure the threads on the back before starting the next one. This will prevent a "chain reaction" if one of the other stitches break.
• Try to keep the back of your project clean and organized. Avoid "jumping around", threads will show onto the front like a shadow if you do. Eliminate loose ends by securing them down.

EdMar rayon threads are colorfast, meaning the color will not fade or change under normal washing, handling, and exposure. This does not mean that they are impervious to damage. Bleaches will bleach the thread, solvents, acids, and alkaline substances will damage the thread and prolonged exposure to sunlight may fade or change certain colors. With a little care, your embroidery projects will last for generations with the same brilliance and luster as it had on the day you finished it.

Although the threads are colorfast, some colors are more prone to bleeding than others. This is particularly true with the reds due to the large amount of dye needed to color the thread. Bleeding occurs when excess dye is released from the fiber and drawn onto the fabric. Excess dye is not permanent and will wash out completely. To reduce the chances that your embroidery will bleed, dry the piece promptly after washing. If you find that colors have bled, immerse the article in hot water and detergent for 30 minutes and then rinse in cold water until all of the detergent is gone. Dry the article promptly to prevent the fabric from wicking any excess dye from your embroidery.

The following method has proven highly effective in cleaning and caring for embroidered articles. If followed, it greatly reduces the chances of permanently damaging your work.

• Wash completed embroidery only, never the skeins by themselves or unfinished projects.
• Soak the embroidered article in water and mild detergent for 15 to 30 minutes. Use detergents recommended for colors and avoid bleaches.
• Rinse once and soak in water and detergent again for at least two hours, but preferably overnight.
• Rinse several times in cold water until all of the detergent is gone. To restore the sheen of the thread, mix three tablespoons of white vinegar per quart of water in the last rinse.
• Roll the embroidered article in a towel and squeeze it without wringing. Standing on the rolled towel is also very effective in removing the excess water from the embroidery. Spread it out flat in the open, or in a stretching frame to air dry. Never leave damp embroidery in the towel, folded, or bunched together. Wet fabric wicks excess dye easily from embroidery threads. Reduce the chances of bleeding by allowing the article to dry promptly.
• Iron face down if necessary. You may also machine wash, boil, or dry clean your embroidery if needed.
• In the event that the fabric is stained or colors have bled, immerse the item in hot water and detergent for at least 30 minutes and follow the rinsing steps. Oxyclean is safe to use. Pay particular attention to your drying technique to help prevent bleeding from occurring.
• Since no thread is 100% colorfast in every circumstance, you should assure yourself by a preliminary test of the threads suitability to its use. EdMar Co. cannot be held accountable for any damage to any article incurred as a result of the use of the thread or these washing instructions.

DON'T PANIC

Although the threads are colorfast, some colors are more prone to bleeding than others. This is particularly true with the reds due to the large amount of dye needed to color the thread. Bleeding occurs when excess dye is released from the fiber and drawn onto the fabric. Excess dye is not permanent and will wash out completely. To reduce the chances that your embroidery will bleed, dry the piece promptly after washing. If you find that colors have bled, immerse the article in hot water and detergent for 30 minutes and then rinse in cold water until all of the detergent is gone. Dry the article promptly to prevent the fabric from wicking any excess dye from your embroidery.

The following method has proven highly effective in cleaning and caring for embroidered articles. If followed, it greatly reduces the chances of permanently damaging your work.

• Wash completed embroidery only, never the skeins by themselves or unfinished projects.
• Soak the embroidered article in water and mild detergent for 15 to 30 minutes.
• Rinse once and soak again for at least two hours, preferably overnight.
• Rinse several times in cold water until detergent is gone.
• Roll in a towel and dry flat promptly.
• Iron face down if necessary.
• Use Oxyclean if needed and follow proper rinsing.
• Always test thread before use.

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