Get Technical: Fibers vs Threads

As needlepoint continues to grow and evolve, the terms that are associated with it are also set to expand and take on new meaning. As beginners start venturing into LNSs (local needlepoint shops) and search engines begin learning the lingo, brand references and generic terms tend to rise while more specific and older terms tend to fall away.

I've noticed this mostly in the use of "fibers" vs "threads" to describe the materials that are used to stitch needlepoint canvases. Formerly, we referred to the fundamental material used in yarn or fabric production as fiber and the resulting material produced as thread. Recently, a new age has emerged that uses the terms interchangeably. Is this wrong? Does it matter?

Ultimately, as long as you can get the point across, it does not matter. You could call it "string" if you want to, but you may get some dirty looks.

We do need to answer to the age old question though. Are all threads fibers or are all fibers threads? Essentially, fibers make up threads, so all threads are/were once fibers but not all fibers are made into the threads we typically see.

In needlepoint, where the fibers that make up the threads vary from brand to brand and even within brands from line to line, it is often more descriptive to use the fiber description when stitch feel and durability are more important to you. For example, when seeking maximum durability you may want to distinguish that you are looking for threads with wool or cotton fibers as opposed to silk fiber. However, when seeking a smoother stitch feel, you may want to distinguish that you are looking for silk fiber or a silk blend thread. Additionally, the sheen of the thread can be dependent on the fiber. While cotton and silk can tend to have a glossier finished result, wool can tend to be more matte.

On the other hand, if you are new or lack preference for durability and stitch feel, you may opt to describe them as threads. For example, a a warm creamy white thread that perfectly matches your golden retriever's favorite worn out chew toy. While fiber type and canvas mesh size will typically be follow up questions, it is apparent that the paramount factor is the product of the fibers and not the fibers themselves.

I like to think of it like how we use "salad" in America. You're telling me that pasta, fruit, eggs, and lettuce can all be bases for the same food? Not at all! In this example "thread" is your "salad". It can come in many thicknesses, colors, and feels, but at the end of the day, it's all thread. The fibers in this example are the pasta, fruit, eggs, or lettuce and are what make it distinctly different from the other types.

Truly, any needlepointer that you speak with will understand the "improper" use of fiber vs thread based on the context of the conversation, but it is important to consider what is important to you when describing what you're looking for. In adverting flexibility in either category, thread or fiber, may result in a less than satisfactory experience.