The Discussion group has been mulling over the new Craft Thread released by DMC being seen in  catalogs, and  elsewhere commercially. It seems to be a close if not exact equivalent to pearl 5 - some of the group have ordered it to investigate and come up with the following. We are interested in pursuing others' thoughts as to whether this is a viable alternative, and if so a more cost effective one for Temari. If you are using this thread, drop a line and let me know what you think of it.......

Temari worked with Craft Thread by Harreit S. (Click and view for larger image)

04/03 - From Janet:  I bought a package of this to use for Temari and while it's marketed as being "less expensive" then pearl cotton, it is much smaller
skeins (about half the amount), so actually it is just as expensive as pearl. However it is less shiny, so it gives a different "look" to the ball. I liked it, but I don't think I'll use it again.  I don't like that you have to buy it in pre-selected packages (which might not be the colors I want) and that, while numbered, so it could be available by the skein, no one seems to carry it that way. I am thinking I will end up with a big pile of partly used threads which will end up as needlepoint scrap bag threads.

2/7/02 - From Leo M - it's ok, but tends to unravel and get fuzzy...  isn't the best but can make do.

1/22/02 - Susan C. says:  I'm going to play Devil's Advocate on this one.  I think there is quite a difference in the threads themselves, which along with the packaged marketing of the craft thread probably does justify the price differential.  I find the craft thread to be noticibly softer, to have less twist, to have less sheen and to fray easier than perle - all of which leads me to suspect that it is spun from shorter staple cotton.  Not that it doesn't have its place - and I do use it - but not for my "best" balls (the ones I'm doing for special gifts.)  The biggest drawbacks of craft thread to me are that you cannot purchase multiple shades of a color and, of course, you can't purchase an individual color if you run short.  Susan in Atlanta

8/22/01 - Sue H writes: I too have been using the DMC craft thread for my load of temari ( 59 done, 11 to go) that I'm making for our Anniversary Celebration over Labor Day weekend.  I find that having all the colors in either the pastel or the brights makes it easier to find colors that will look nice together... just choose from one pack or the other!   

8/21/01 - Nora writes: I use DMC Craft Thread all the time, and I've had no problems with it whatsoever.  I've used it alone and in conjunction with the regular pearl cotton and I have a hard time telling the difference. The price is right, that's for sure.  If nothing else, it's worth checking out to see if you like it.  In my area, the JoAnn Crafts store sells it in their bargain bins for around $4.95 a package.  They usually have at least the pastel and rainbow colors and the color selection is really nice. 

8/21/01 - Ryan writes: I've just read the info on DMC craft thread on Temarikai.com.  I compared the price to pearl 5.  Craft thread is less than $.02/yd and pearl 5 is almost $.05/yd. .....

8/22/01 - Carol writes: I am one that has used the new DMC Craft Thread with satisfactory success.  I purposely used it on an all-over ball to see what effect excessive handling would have on it. (Did DV's Ring on Quite Waters) There was no pilling or fuzzing.  As to the sheen, I just put it under my Ott light along with Karen McPoyle's Daisy Ball that I used DMC Perle #5  and I can detect no difference.  Both these balls were done using pastel colors. I have the other packages of the craft thread but have only used the brighter colors on making Karen's Temari Cards.  No problem there either. The only drawback that I can see is that you can not buy individual skeins. (at least as far as I know)  If you run out, you will have to buy the whole package. Of course to those of us that are addicted to this art, that won't be a problem. We will find a use for the extra thread. Carol M in Ohio

5/01 - Phyllis writes:  I'm attaching the make-up of the various DMC thread kits I got this week.  Just as a reminder - this thread is what I consider a close equivalent to DMC #5, but comes in 10 yd skeins, (webmaster's note - comes in packs of 36 skeins of assorted colors) at a much cheaper price from Herrschners (standard disclaimers go here.)  The color matches were done under artificial light - with one eye on the TV - so don't be surprised if you think the color matches are quite different. On the one ball I've worked with this thread, I can't tell much of a difference from #5 (except cost.)  Does anyone else have any opinion to share on this stuff?

DMC Craft Thread Pack - Starter Colors

Color	DMC Craft Number	DMC Pearl Number equiv	Quantity in pak
White	6170	White	6
Black	6189	310	5
Red	6010	666	5
Green	6108	700	5
Yellow	6132	726	5
Ecru	6160	822	5
Turquoise	6062	3845	5

DMC Craft Thread Pack - Rainbow Colors

White	6170	White	2
Black	6189	310	2
Gray	6185	318	2
Blue Violet	6056	333	2
Mid Blue	6052	799	2
Turquoise	6062	3845	2
Brown	6165	433	2
Purple	6048	552	2
Maroon	6015	814	2
Rose	6042	600	2
Pink	6040	604	2
Red	6010	666	2
Orange	6139	740	2
Gold	6135	3854	2
Yellow	6132	726	2
Green	6108	700	2
Spring Green	6105	702	2
Ecru	6160	822	2

DMC Craft Thread Pack - Pastel Colors

White	6170	White	2
Rose	6028	335	2
Orange	6138	3705	2
Green	6096	943	2
Mid Green	6094	3851	2
Mint Green	6092	955	2
Purple	6047	552	2
Mid Purple	6046	553	2
Lavender	6045	211	2
Blue	6054	798	2
Mid Blue	6052	799	2
Light Blue	6050	775	2
Ecru	6160	822	2
Yellow	6133	743	2
Light Yellow	6131	745	2
Coral	6137	353	2
Pink	6025	776	2
Light Pink	6020	818	2

DMC Craft Thread Pack - Variegated Colors

Gray	6209	53	3
Brown	6205	105	3
Purple	6199	95/52	3
Burgundy/Red	6195	115/75	3
Red Orange/Coral	6194	57	3
Rose/Pink	6190	48 ??? Closest?	3
Orange/Yellow	6207	51	3
Yellow	6206	90	3
Blue	6198	113/121	3
Turquoise	6196	91	3
Green	6203	125	3
Yellow Green	6201	92	3