Goldwork Embroidery: A Thread Tidbit

Here’s a wee tidbit on the real metal thread called “flatworm” that’s used in goldwork. This is going to make a Really Short Post, but I thought the information was interesting, nonetheless…

Flatworm is a real metal thread used for embroidery. It is also called “oval” thread, and is made just like smooth passing thread used in goldwork, but then it is rolled between two rollers to flatten it out.

This is what the wonderful, lustrous stuff looks like! Flatworm! Ahhhhh – a Bee-yoo-tee-ful goldwork thread! I’ve written about Flatworm before, and I still have a bit of an infatuation with it every time I see it. And yet, I have not done a lick of stitching with it. But it’s pretty, isn’t it? And it’s got a great name!

While none of this information so far is too unique, this is the part I like:

Flatworm really does have a connection to its namesake, the Worm. It has been and is produced for the fly fishing industry. Fly fishing enthusiasts cut up the flatworm for making fishing lures, hoping to trick the little fishies (actually, they probably want to trick the Big fishies) into thinking that the somewhat twisted, flat broad reflective metal thread is a worm.

I never quite felt as akin to fish as I did when I learned this bit of information. In fact, I have never felt akin to fish at all.

But now, I admit that I can relate. If I were a fish, I’d go for a flatworm lure. Wouldn’t you?

Info from a goldwork threads manufacturer who contacted me to explain! Thank ye kindly!