|
Bullion
threads, are very fine wire threads in a tubular shape, very similar
to purl threads but slightly softer and stretchier. All of the
bullion threads are a hollow soft and flexible metal tube. The tube
is cut up into pieces and sewn down like a bead.
I
like to use the bullion threads for modern goldwork projects and use
the purl threads for traditional goldwork embroideries.
Bright
Check Bullion has a faceted surface and is shiny.
Wire
Bullion has a smooth surface and is matte in appearance.
Bright
Bullion has a smooth surface and is shiny in appearance.
Back
to Goldwork Supplies Page! |  View
Shopping Cart
Metal
threads are packaged in clear acid free plastic or paper bags or
tissue paper.
HOW TO USE BULLIONS
I
have used the same pictures for the Bullion threads as the Purl
threads. The pictures below are of Purl threads but as Bullions look
the same I have used the same pictures for examples of what the
Bullion threads look like. One of the main differences between Purls
and Bullions is that Bullions come in much larger sizes and if you
want to do pictorial work such as the pictures below I would suggest
the No. 1 Bullions which is the smallest size. If you want the
goldwork to stand out at a distance such as a alter frontal then the
larger Bullion sizes are suitable.
Bullion
threads typically come in two or three lengths to make up one
yard. All of the Bullion threads are a hollow soft and flexible metal
tube. The tube is cut up into pieces and sewn down like a bead using
a double strand of waxed Polyester
Sewing Thread. It is a good idea to cut the chips on
a Velvet
Board, this soft surface keeps the chips in
one place rather than skidding all over a table top.
The
sewing thread is waxed using Bees
Wax this is to help the Bullion chips slide down the
thread. A No. 10
Crewel Embroidery Needle is used to sew down Bullion chips.
Bullions
are generally sewn over padding i.e. Felt
or Crochet Cotton
and are always sewn down in the fashion of Bugle Beads and never
taken to the back of the work or couched over so that the thread is
showing. A pair of fine tipped Tweezers
are a great tool for working with purl threads as you can use the
tweezers to pick up the chips and position them and you can use the
tweezers to unpick a wrong size chip.
Visit
the free instructions for the goldwork Fleur
De Lys to view pictures and instructions on how to
sew down felt padding and Bullion chips.
Sizes
range from No. 1 being the smallest to No. 10 being the largest.
1. Example of
Wire Bullion Sewn Down over Crochet Cotton Padding |
2. Example
of Wire Bullion and Bright Bullion Sewn Down over Felt |
|
 |
 |
1:
A stem is worked in a Wire Bullion over crochet cotton padding. The
bullion is cut into approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) lengths and sewn
over couched down crochet cotton at a 30- degree angle. The purls
lays most aesthetically if the chips are sewn over the crochet cotton
at an angle rather than straight across.
2:
A leaf is worked in Wire Bullion for the main body of the leaf and
Bright Bullion on the tip of the leaf over felt padding. Bullions are
cut to the length required to cover the felt. The contrast between
the Wire and Bright Bullion can be seen clearly demonstrating how the
two golds can be used together to create a dimensional piece.
3.
Example of the use of Wire Bullion, and Bright Bullion |
4. Example
of alternating between one Bright Check Bulion and two Bright Bullion. |
|
 |
 |
Leaf
3. is worked in Wire Bullion for the lower portion of the leaf over
crochet cotton and felt padding. The s-ing vein down the center of
the leaf is worked in Bright Bullion.
Leaf
4. Is worked alternating between one Bright Check Bullion chip
and two Bright Bullion Chips. The s-ing vein line down the center of
the leaf is worked in Wire Bullion. The sewing down of the different
metal threads brings a special quality of light play to the embroidery.
|
5. Example
of Bright Check Bullion |
6.
Example
of Bright Check Bullion |
|
 |
 |
5.
The bottom part of a Fleur
De Lys
is worked in Bright Check Purl / Bullion over crochet cotton padding.
6.
The center of a flower is worked in Bright Check Bullion over felt
padding. Chips of Check purl are cut up into 1/16th of an inch (3 mm)
length and sewn down randomly over the felt covering the entire surface.
See
below the Bullion threads that I offer. |
