Uploaded April 2022 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
This tutorial will teach you how to embellish your cross stitch with silk wrapped gimp. I briefly explain the three different types of gimp - silk wrapped, striped, and double twist - as well as the color range they are available in.
The instructions on the use of silk wrapped gimp start at 4:50 if you are already familiar with gimp and the Thistle Threads CoC historic color line. I cover plunging gimp for when it is worked through your ground fabric, couching for surface applications, and sealing your cut ends so the gimp does not ravel.
Used: a size 20 chenille needle is used to plunge regular silk wrapped or silk striped gimp, a size 18 is used for the thicker double twist gimp. I've used a size 10 milliner's needle for the couching, with fine silk thread.
Jade 403 PVA or tacky glue to seal cut ends
The different gimps discussed can be purchased from Needle in a Haystack (scroll down to header 'Fine silk gimp'): needlestack.com/WebStore/Thread/Goldwork_Purl_Gimp.html
Or Thistle Threads: thistle-threads.myshopify.com/collections/silk-gimps
Please note that Thistle Threads has the full range but doesn't ship as often as NIAH.
This tutorial will teach you how to embellish your cross stitch with silk wrapped gimp. I briefly explain the three different types of gimp - silk wrapped, striped, and double twist - as well as the color range they are available in.
The instructions on the use of silk wrapped gimp start at 4:50 if you are already familiar with gimp and the Thistle Threads CoC historic color line. I cover plunging gimp for when it is worked through your ground fabric, couching for surface applications, and sealing your cut ends so the gimp does not ravel.
Used: a size 20 chenille needle is used to plunge regular silk wrapped or silk striped gimp, a size 18 is used for the thicker double twist gimp. I've used a size 10 milliner's needle for the couching, with fine silk thread.
Jade 403 PVA or tacky glue to seal cut ends
The different gimps discussed can be purchased from Needle in a Haystack (scroll down to header 'Fine silk gimp'): needlestack.com/WebStore/Thread/Goldwork_Purl_Gimp.html
Or Thistle Threads: thistle-threads.myshopify.com/collections/silk-gimps
Please note that Thistle Threads has the full range but doesn't ship as often as NIAH.
