Glow in the Dark Quilting Thread

Glow in the dark quilting thread is a fun way to add another dimension to your embroidery, needlepoint and quilting. Like all specialty threads, it takes a little getting used to working with them, but it’s well worth the effort.

Glow-in-the-dark threads are made of polyester fibers that have phosphorescent pigments imbedded in them. They absorb light during the day, store it, and then emit it once the lights go out. The more light that is absorbed, the brighter the thread will glow. Some glow-in-the-dark threads glow for hours once charged; others have a shorter lifespan and emit a fainter glow.

There are many different brands of glow-in-the-dark thread, and they come in a range of colors. Most of them glow a greenish color, but some have other hues that glow a bit more brightly, such as yellow and orange. If you want a very vibrant glow, choose a thread that has been dyed to a more intense color in daylight, such as Madeira’s Luna.

Some glow-in-the-dark embroidery threads have a bonded coating that helps them hold their shape and keep the friction down when you stitch with them. They also tend to be a little thicker than regular hand embroidery threads, so you’ll need to change your machine settings to use them. Some of these threads are sensitive to heat, and some can even melt or degrade if you iron them.

Once you’ve finished your project, it’s important to charge the thread by exposing it to light for a few minutes. Most glow-in-the-dark threads require sunlight, but some can be recharged using artificial light as well. The thread will gradually lose its glow over time, but it can be recharged again and again.

If you’re going to be sewing with glow-in-the-dark thread, try choosing a design that has large areas of one color so it can show up the best. This type of thread is perfect for highlighting letters and other outline stitches, or for creating a bold applique border. For maximum glow-in-the-dark effect, stitch the thread in dense fill or satin stitches rather than a lightweight running stitch. You can also find digitized designs online that are specially digitized for glow-in-the-dark thread.