I carry several sizes in Smooth Purl also know as Bright Bullion or Bullion Brilliant. The sizing is opposite to the bullion threads in which the smaller the number the larger the size. Please use purl threads instead of bullion threads if you are working on pictorial designs under 10 inch in size as my bullion threads are large threads intended for huge projects that stand out from a distance such as banners or alter frontals. There are smaller bullions (purl threads) that are made in France, my supplier of bullions is in the UK and the sizing differs but both purl threads and bullion threads are the same. No. 5 Smooth Purl: Approximately 1.8 mm across the width of the thread. No. 6 Smooth Purl: Approximately 1.5 mm across the width of the thread. No. 7 Smooth Purl: Approximately 1.2 mm across the width of the thread. No. 8 Smooth Purl: Approximately 1 mm across the width of the thread. No. 9 Smooth Purl: Approximately 0.8 mm across the width of the thread. No. 10 Smooth Purl: Approximately 0.6 mm across the width of the thread. Smooth Purls are made up of a very fine wire thread that is wound into a soft flexible hollow tube with a smooth shiny surface. The wire of the thread is copper based with a gold, silver or copper plating and will tarnish over time. The thread is manufactured in random lengths so one yard will comprise of two or three sections. The tube is cut up into chips (beads) and couched down onto the fabric – passing the needle and thread through the middle of the chip so the thread is hidden and can be sewn over felt or crochet cotton padding to give the area dimension – see the last picture. You will need to use size 12 crewel embroidery needles or size 12 short, sharp beading needles to sew down No. 8 and No. 9 and No. 9 smooth purl as the hole through the metal tube is very narrow and the No. 10 Crewel Embroidery needle will not fit through the hole. I suggest ordering enough for your entire project as the manufacturing batches of the smooth purl can vary in colour so you may not get an exact match the next time you order. Visit the Metal Thread Information page of my website for further information and pictures on how the thread can be used on an embroidery and FAQ about metal threads.
