Crafting Stories with Aurifil Threads

A big part of Zen Stitching is the community and the connections we make, and we are so grateful to have so many wonderful people in our corner. This includes readers, subscribers, students, and it also includes the lovely sponsors who support us. Our November 2024 Making Zen Online Retreat is coming up, and are delighted to have Aurifil Threads as a sponsor! 

^{Stitching with Wool collection - one of the giveaway prizes at Making Zen! (Image by Aurifil)}

When it comes to stitching, our materials matter - after all, our threads and fabrics become part of a bigger story. But what we might not think about is that they have a story behind them, too! In the case of Aurifil Threads, this is a story of quality, of artistic intent, and of commitment to craft. A family-owned operation, Aurifil is more than thread; it’s a mindful choice, a partner in the creative journey, and a way to honour the artistry of our stitches.

The Origins of Aurifil

Aurifil was founded in 1983 by childhood friends Adolfo Veronelli and Angelo Gregotti in Milan, Italy, specializing in fine natural threads. The company started as a small family business and has since grown into an internationally celebrated brand. When they first began, Aurifil was producing largely for industrial purposes. While this is still a large part of their business, they began to consider another audience who was looking for high-quality, beautiful threads after Angelo's daughter, Elena, visited a quilt show in France: crafters and textile artists.

^{Adolfo Veronelli and Angelo Gregotti (image from Aurifil)}

A Colorful Commitment to Craftsmanship

Aurifil has extensive range of available colours, born from a desire to provide makers with the ability to express themselves to the fullest. With more than 270 colours available in a range of weights and textures, you can always find the perfect element to add richness and depth to your project. Not to mention, it's great for us dabblers - there are weights and colours for every craft, from slow stitching to quilting to mending and more.

One of the unique aspects of Aurifil’s thread-making process is a technique called singeing - a step that involves passing the threads over a flame or heated surface to burn off tiny fibers, or “fuzz,” that naturally occur on cotton threads. This process leaves the thread with a smooth, lint-free surface that stitches beautifully, allowing for cleaner stitching and a more polished piece.

The singeing step is just one part of Aurifil’s comprehensive approach to creating threads that meet the highest standards. Each spool of Aurifil thread begins with 100% Egyptian cotton, chosen specifically for its long-staple fibers that are both durable and soft. These fibers are carefully spun and dyed to ensure consistent color, strength, and smoothness. After the singeing process, Aurifil applies a light coating to the threads, enhancing their smoothness and adding an extra layer of protection.

We might not think about all of these steps when we select threads for our project, but each one lends to the strength, longevity, and durability of the threads!

^{Some of the vast colour selection (image from Aurifil)}

A Mindful, Sustainable Choice

As makers, we believe that our materials are just as important as the finished piece - after all, they're what it's made of! Aurifil’s commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability means that when we support them, not only are we supporting a family business, but we are also making a positive choice for the longevity of our projects. By sourcing responsibly and focusing on durability, Aurifil supports a mindful approach to making. Their threads are crafted to be long-lasting and reliable, allowing us to mend, upcycle, and create in a way that honors both our materials and our work.

Threads That Inspire 

Aurifil’s journey from a small Italian family business to a global thread brand mirrors the journeys of many of us – starting from humble beginnings, growing with care, and finding purpose in creating something meaningful. Each spool tells its own story, connecting the hands that make it to the hands that create with it. For makers and artists in our community, choosing Aurifil Threads means joining in this shared legacy of artistry, craftsmanship, and creative exploration.

Thank you to Aurifil for your sponsorship of Making Zen! Aurifil has generously donated some prizes for us to give away during the retreat - you can register for Making Zen for free here!

^{Floss image from Aurifil}

The images contained within this post are from Aurifil. Aurifil Threads is a sponsor of the Making Zen Online Retreat. We have not been asked to write this post, and the opinions contained within are our own.