House of Embroidery is a proudly South African Fair Trade company that has been in operation since 1995. Over the past 25 years, they have grown from a small, home-based dye works to a 10 member team with a factory where they meticulously hand dye 100% Cotton threads and other fibers.
House of Embroidery, or "HOB", provides employment for previously disadvantaged South Africans, particularly single mothers who are the sole breadwinners in their families. The majority of their staff have been with the company since its inception, and the knowledge and skill that they have is a great asset to their growth.
They pride themselves in providing opportunities for community outreach programs in South Africa such as the Imbali Visual Literacy Project and the Boitumelo Sewing Project, a division of the Outreach Foundation. HOB provides assistance with tuition for some of the students as well as sponsoring threads and ribbons for their various projects.
The Spargo’s roots are deeply grounded within the vast and beautiful country of South Africa. It is a place that is like no other. From the wildlife to the wild land, to the spirit and soul of the people.
From birth to her 30’s, Sue lived in Africa, and it continues to be a source of inspiration that drives many of her designs. It is a privilege to partner with Global Artisans and the House of Embroidery, and to be afforded this opportunity to create something special with a little piece of home.
Sourced directly from manufacturers who operate according to ethical standards, House of Embroidery threads and silks are of the the highest quality. Hand dyed in small batches with the utmost care, they provide an extraordinary range of colorfast threads from beautiful blushes to vibrant violets. The solid colors feature slight variation in tone, giving a more dimensional effect when used in stitching. The variegated colors have anywhere from 3 to 9 different tones that come together harmoniously.
Sue loves stitching with House of Embroidery perle cotton threads! They are silky smooth and lovely to work with, the hand-dyed threads have a gorgeous soft color palette and a beautiful subtle sheen. Best of all, we love knowing that every time we stitch with HOB threads we are supporting a wonderful cause!
Needles to Use
HOB Perle Cotton Threads are available in 8wt, 5wt, and 3wt sizes. The corresponding needles are as follows:
- Size 8:
#24 Chenille: TULIP ∙ Gold Eye ∙ Clover
#3 Milliners: TULIP ∙ Gold Eye
Tapestry #24
- Size 5:
#18 Chenille: TULIP ∙ Gold Eye ∙ Clover
#1 Milliners: TULIP ∙ Gold Eye ∙ Bullion Knot
Tapestry #20
- Size 3:
#18 Chenille: TULIP ∙ Gold Eye ∙ Clover
#15 Milliners: Gold Eye
Tapestry #20
Inspiration
With the launch of Critter & Clover around the corner (so exciting!), we took a closer look at the House of Embroidery threads used in a few of this quilt's delightful blocks.
Can you spot the stitching done with the HOB threads?
We've also been fawning over the new Embroidery Kits featuring House of Embroidery threads. Below are a few of our favs! They really show off the versatility and gorgeous silky texture of HOB.
HOB Winter Garden Embroidery Kit
HOB Leafy Greens Embroidery Kit
HOB Sunset Mandala Embroidery Kit
Shop All NEW HOB Embroidery Kits HERE
Stay Organized
Keep your HOB Threads neat, tidy, and tangle-free with Embroidery Thread Winders. Add a Thread ID Sticker to easily identify the color and size thread, too!
