Etoile in Hand Embroidery

Etoile gives embroidery shimmer with the ease of floss: the cotton-metallic blend lies flat in stem, satin and chain stitch and gleams like a pearl in French knots. It is the favourite sparkle thread for starry skies, moons, flower centres, wings, lettering and names. This category holds the Etoile colours for embroidery; the full guide and colour card are in DMC Etoile. For a stronger metallic sparkle see DMC Light Effects, for edges and outlines DMC Diamant.

Stitch, Strands and Needle

Stem stitch and outlines 2 strands, satin and filling 3–4, French knots 2–3, lettering 2; mixed 1+1 with floss it gives a light shimmer. Use a size 5–7 sharp embroidery needle and 40 cm lengths, separating and recombining the strands. It works well on dense calico and linen; on dark grounds C5200 white and C3821 gold stand out most. One skein covers all the shimmering details of a small hoop panel.