At Sue Spargo's, we have an amazing selection of embroidery threads that vary in size, color, fiber content, dye technique, and sheen. We love discovering new and intriguing materials to stitch with, but there is one thread that we cannot live without: Sue's Eleganza Perle Cotton, of course!
Sue teamed up with Wonderfil Specialty Threads to design a product of the highest quality. Whether you're looking at Sue's Forest for the Trees Quilt, Pansy Pincushion, Toned-Down Circle Sampler, or practically any of Sue's other designs, Eleganza is bound to be there.
So, what makes Eleganza so special?
Sue's Eleganza Perle Cotton is manufactured from 100% Giza 88, the finest extra long staple Egyptian cotton available. This high-quality fiber is spun into a thread with extreme softness, strength, and luster. The two plies are spun together with an additional 15% twist for superior stability, uniformity, and sewability. In addition, Eleganza is double-gassed and mercerized, burning the lint from the thread twice. This process eliminates the buildup of lint and snub, creating a smooth and lustrous surface that glides beautifully through all types of fabric.
Sue Spargo Eleganza Original Collection
Sue's Eleganza Perle Cotton collection is split into two main groups: the Original collection and the Primitive collection. The Original collection has a wide variety of bright, saturated colors as well as basics and some contrasting variegates. It is available in three weights: Size 8 (70 yard spool), Size 5 (40 yard spool), and Size 3 (30 yard spool). There are 90 total colors, including 36 solids and 54 variegates.
Sue Spargo Eleganza Primitive Collection
The Primitive collection complements the Original Collection with softer, earthier tones, tone on tone variegates and fills in the color palette. It is available in two weights: Size 8 (70 yard spool) and Size 5 (40 yard spool). The Primitive collection contains 50 total colors: 25 solids and 25 variegates.
You will notice new colors are continually being added that are not yet included on color cards. Once the next collection is complete, a color card will accompany it.
Eleganza is primarily used for hand stitching and embroidery, but it may be used in a variety of ways. It is suitable for wool appliqué, sashiko stitching, crochet, knitting, weaving, big stitch and hand quilting, and other crafts such as tassels and pom poms. Eleganza can also be used in a sewing machine when paired with a #16 topstitching needle and 50wt cotton in the bobbin.
A big factor that sets Sue's Eleganza apart from other embroidery threads involves her unique line of variegated colors. Her line of variegates is purposely designed to contain extra-short variegations, providing rapid color change on small scale designs. With variegates measuring 2-3", you will get a variety of colors with a single length of thread.
The GREEN, PURPLE, and BLUE coloring of the Eleganza spools and our needle labels isn't just for show; it actually serves a helpful purpose! The matching needle tube and spool color indicate coordinating needles and thread. The needles in OMBRE tubes may be used for both thread weights represented by the colors. For example, a size 8 spool of Eleganza will be GREEN, so it can be used with the GREEN colored needle tubes.