Diamant in Hand Embroidery

Diamant is the thread of gold and silver lines in embroidery: single-strand, unbreakable and spooled, it draws flat, glossy outlines in stem stitch, backstitch and couching. It is the choice for Ottoman and illumination motifs, monograms and names, star and crown details. This category holds the Diamant colours for embroidery; the full guide is in DMC Diamant. For filling and scattered sparkle use Light Effects or Etoile.

Stitch, Needle and Method

Stem stitch and backstitch single for fine outlines; 2 threads together in satin fills. In couching, lay 2–3 Diamant side by side and catch them down every 3–4 mm with one strand of matching floss; this traditional goldwork method does not wear the thread and gives the straightest line. Use a size 7 sharp large-eye embroidery needle and 35–40 cm lengths, knotted in the eye. It works best on dense linen and velvet; one spool covers several monograms or an illumination panel.