All about BE threads

A lot of visitors to my blog have asked this question many times either through mail or comment - What thread do you use for Brazilian Embroidery ? Where do we get it from? I've replied everytime and today atlast the bulb in my brain lit up --Why not post the answer once and for all !!

So, here it is :

Brazilian Embroidery is carried out with Z twist Rayon threads. The cotton threads we usually get for embroidery are S twist .They don't have the sheen or the lustre of Rayon. The stitch instructions with Z twist threads differ when compared to S twist threads .Unlike the 6 stranded floss, which can be split and used as needed, BE threads are not split - infact that's the speciality - there are 7 types of threads of varying thicknesses available to be used as needed.

These BE rayon threads are manufactured predominantly by Edmar in U.S.A . By Indian standards, these are pretty expensive - each skein ranges from 50 Rs (1$) to 80 Rs(1.5$). But if you fall in love with BE as I did, you wouldn't bother much about the expense,since the outcome is so beautiful.

Let me introduce you to the different types of BE threads from the heaviest to the finest in that order. Click on the image for a better view.

This thread is called Nova - its a very thick(heavy), 6 ply thread.

This one is called Lola - you can see the name on the tag - this is also heavy ( but not as heavy as Nova). It is one of the most commonly used thread for embroidering flowers ,stems and leaves. In India, the cone threads we get do resemble Lola. Unfortunately , for the other 6 types of threads there are no substitutes.

There is another thread called Cire (cee-ray) which is also heavy but loosely twisted.If you stitch the same flower twice with Lola and Cire, the look achieved will be totally different.

Frost, is a medium 3 ply tightly twisted thread which again gives a different look to the flowers. It is much lighter than Lola and Cire.


This delicate beauty is called Iris.It is a 2 ply medium heavy thread.

Here is the slim beauty of the family - Glory ; used for fine growth.This is the most delicate thread I've ever used.

And , finally, here's the special one - this one is name Boucle(boo-clay).It is a kind of knotted thread used for some special dimensional effect.

In any project, these threads are mixed and matched to create the beautiful dimensional effect. You cannot do BE with one type of thread alone. Imagine a floral design with just Lola...ugh!! - it wouldn't be pretty at all.

I hope this has cleared your doubts about BE threads. Next time I'll show you my thread stash .

Till then,
Love,luck and sunshine
Deepa