What is the difference between Kreinik Blending Filament and #4?

cute.panda.sue

Hi guys, this may sound like a stupid question, but I'm curious what the difference between the Kreinik Metallic Blending Filaments and  #4 braid? Are they for different purposes? Is one easier to work with than another? Or are they interchangeable? The blending filament I saw in store was half  the price of the #4 for more than double the length... Any insight would  be great :D

htsear13

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catusiana

I think the difference is the thickness. By the length and price, the first should be thinner.

cute.panda.sue

catusiana replied at 2013-8-11 15:55

                               
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I think the difference is the thickness. By the length and price, the first should be thinner.

Is there a difference in the usage? if the chart asks for Kreinik 4 DMC 32 would  that be the #4 thread?

rosebud

Blending filament (BF) is very light/thin and typically threaded in your needle with another strand or two of floss.  Braid can be used the same way or on its own, however braid is thicker.  The #4 Petite Braid size is (I think) the smallest size and it is perfect for cross stitch and embroidery.  BF has a lightness to it and offers a bit of reflection/sparkle.  Braid does the same but offers for more sparkle because in a single strand it is thicker and it is braided tiny threads.  BF has a single foil-like thread and a very fine clear synthetic thread twined with it.  

Personally, I do not like to stitch with BF at all.  I find it to break too easily.  It is easier to use if you use a shorter length of thread (maybe 10-12" versus 18") because it tangles VERY easily and is more difficult to keep secure in your needle.  It slips about all the time.  And it can easily snap in half if you tug on it too much - very frustrating!

This is why I prefer Petite Braid #4, Kreinik and Rainbow Gallery (RG) are the two that I use most.  They are comparable to one another but I just like RG best.  And the petite braid #4 is thicker than the BF but for a stitching project it can be interchangeable with the BF.  If anything, it will make a stronger sparkle to your project.

I actually prefer the RG Petite Treasure braid #4 because it is called for in more of the charts that I stitch, and I can find it on-line easily.  Also I just think it is easier to work with than the Kreinik #4 braid.  Just know that you do get a lesser amount than when you buy BF but I think it is 100% easier to stitch with.  Also you can blend it with other threads or again, use it alone.  And it rarely twists and tangles, and it is much stronger than the BF.  The only thing I would suggest, is that you use a needle with a larger eye because it is somewhat thicker and it will glide easier.  For myself, I will not use BF any longer because I can substitute the braid instead, and even though it is more expensive it is definitely worth the cost, whether using Kreinik or RG.  

Hope that gives you a better idea of the two, but of course, as always just my experience/opinion of stitching with the two.  :)

cute.panda.sue

rosebud replied at 2013-8-11 21:25

                               
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Blending filament (BF) is very light/thin and typically threaded in your needle with another strand  ...

I've only worked with BF for now, it came with my Dimensions kit... GOODNESS, it was FUSSY! I had  to keep trimming the ends to try to thread it, and then the shiny plasticky part likes to be separated from  it's own very thing thread, so I'd have to smooth it out again so it lays evenly and not twist... And it doesn't sparkle that much.. I was very sad... But this time, for my pattern, I bought the 4braid, because I assumed that that was what HAED ones were asking for... Hopefully it works better!

rosebud

Yenilaia replied at 2013-8-11 17:30

                               
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I've only worked with BF for now, it came with my Dimensions kit... GOODNESS, it was FUSSY! I had  ...

I think you will find the #4 braid much easier to stitch with.  I hope you like it.  :)

rosebud

Yenilaia replied at 2013-8-11 17:30

                               
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I've only worked with BF for now, it came with my Dimensions kit... GOODNESS, it was FUSSY! I had  ...

I almost forgot to say thank you, Yenilaia for the rate/coins.  I'm happy to help!

GrannyNeedle55

I remember using BF and that was the only project I didn't finish and hated :Q the whole time doing it because of that thread.  I would gladly buy the more expensive thread.  

cute.panda.sue

Kathy2eggs replied at 2013-8-12 13:01

                               
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I remember using BF and that was the only project I didn't finish and hated  the whole time doing  ...

Especially with how little the metallic threads are actually used, I would think it's worth it. I think, after some research, the main differences is that the blending filament is often used in conjunction with another plain thread and it doesn't add too muck bulk, while you probably can't "blend" with the 4 braid on finer count fabric that you only use one strand of thread to stitch... But, I could always go in with the 40% off coupon from michael's or joann and get it that way XD.

petrica

Es cierto, puede ser un poco complicado bordar con algunos de estos hilos, pero con paciencia y probando varias técnicas yo he logrado controlarlos ;P y hasta me gustan.