Retors d'Alsace 12 Skeins - DMC

DMC Retors D'Alsace Size 12 – Brilliant Embroidery Thread for Hardanger and Reticello

100% Double Mercerized Egyptian Cotton | 20g – 240m | Size 12 – 2 Twisted Strands

📋 Key Features

• Composition100% long-staple Egyptian cotton, double mercerized
• Skein weight20 grams
• Lengthapprox. 240 meters
• Structure2 perfectly twisted strands
• Size12
• Recommended needleembroidery needle no. 24-26
• Washingwashable at high temperatures, diluted bleach permitted
• Ideal forHardanger, reticello, punto antico, free embroidery

🧵 The Thread

DMC Retors D'Alsace 12 is a brilliant embroidery thread made of two perfectly twisted strands, crafted from 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton with double mercerization. This process gives the thread exceptional luster and superior strength, making it ideal for embroiderers seeking professional precision and quality in Hardanger, reticello, and punto antico projects.

Each skein weighs 20 grams and offers approximately 240 meters of thread, a generous length that allows for the completion of medium-sized projects without needing to switch skeins. Its size 12 makes it perfect for work requiring a medium-thickness thread, capable of creating embroidery with a relief effect and sharp definition on fabrics such as linen, Aida, and Hardanger fabric.

🧬 Technical Composition: Why it works

Long-staple Egyptian cotton is the foundation of this exceptional thread. Unlike standard cotton, long fibers ensure greater tensile strength and a smoother surface, resulting in a thread that flows easily through the fabric without twisting or knotting during work. This feature is fundamental for complex techniques like Hardanger, where every stitch must be precise and uniform.

Double mercerization is the process that distinguishes Retors D'Alsace from common embroidery threads. This chemical treatment, applied twice, modifies the fiber structure, making it shinier, stronger, and more capable of absorbing dyes effectively. The result is a thread with vivid, long-lasting colors that maintain their brilliance even after numerous washes at high temperatures. Double mercerization also increases abrasion resistance, making embroidery more durable.

📦 Format and Yield of the Skein

With a 20-gram weight and 240-meter length, a single skein of Retors D'Alsace 12 is sufficient to complete a small Hardanger doily (approx. 15x15 cm) or to create decorative borders on tablecloths and towels. For larger projects, such as tablecloths with extensive embroidery, it is advisable to calculate approximately 3-4 skeins for every 30x30 cm of embroidered surface, depending on the density of the design.

It is important to purchase all the skeins needed for a project at the same time, preferably from the same production batch. Color batches may show slight shade variations, which, although minimal, could be visible on large embroidered surfaces. DMC guarantees a tolerance of ±5% on the stated yardage, a standard variation in the textile industry.

🧶 Recommended Usage

An embroidery needle no. 24-26 is the ideal size for working with Retors D'Alsace 12. This size allows the thread to pass smoothly through the fabric weave without force, reducing wear on the thread and maintaining its original luster. A needle that is too small would force the thread to rub excessively against the fabric, while one that is too large would leave visible holes, compromising the aesthetics of the embroidery.

This thread is particularly suitable for techniques requiring precision and definition: Hardanger benefits from its twisted structure to create uniform blocks of stitches, reticello utilizes its strength for bars and picots, while punto antico enhances the brilliance of the mercerized cotton. Even simpler techniques like stem stitch and chain stitch gain elegance from the thread's shine. For beginners, we recommend starting with simple designs on 14-count Aida fabric, while experienced embroiderers can dare to use fine-weave linen for refined results.

✨ Why choose DMC Retors D'Alsace 12

Compared to standard single-mercerized embroidery threads, Retors D'Alsace solves the issue of twisting during work. Many embroiderers abandon complex projects because the thread knots continuously, slowing down the work and compromising the quality of the result. The two-strand, perfectly twisted structure of this DMC thread almost completely eliminates this drawback, allowing you to focus on creativity rather than material management.

In daily life, the difference is immediately noticeable: embroidery made with Retors D'Alsace maintains its brilliance even after dozens of washes, whereas lower-quality threads tend to dull and lose definition. If you are embroidering table linens or household goods that will be washed frequently, this thread ensures your work remains beautiful over time, justifying the initial investment.

🎨 What you can create

Retors D'Alsace 12 is the benchmark thread for Hardanger embroidery, a Norwegian technique that combines satin stitches and geometric openwork. It is also perfect for reticello, where thread strength is essential for creating durable bars and picots. Punto antico benefits from its shine for elegant borders on tablecloths and sheets. For simpler projects, you can use it for free embroidery with stem stitch, chain stitch, and satin stitch on clothing or accessories.

👩‍🎨 Suitable for whom

This thread is suitable for both beginners and experienced embroiderers. For beginners, the non-tangling feature makes learning more enjoyable and less frustrating, allowing focus on technique rather than material management. For the experienced, the professional quality of DMC ensures flawless results even in the most complex and detailed projects.

Retors D'Alsace 12 is particularly appreciated by hobbyists embroidering table linens and home decor, by artisans selling handmade creations on commission, and by those looking for a quality gift for embroidery enthusiasts. The range of 56 available colors allows for the creation of sophisticated monochromatic projects or vivid multicolor compositions.

🧼 Care and Maintenance

• WashingHand wash or machine wash at high temperatures with mild soap or detergent for colored fabrics
• BleachingAllowed with diluted bleach (1 teaspoon per 1 liter of water)
• Spin dryingWrap in a towel to remove excess water, avoid aggressive spin drying
• DryingDry flat to maintain the shape of the embroidery
• IroningIron on the reverse side on a clean towel to preserve the embossed effect, temperature adjusted according to the fabric
• StorageStore in a dry place, away from direct light to preserve the colors

📌 Important note

📊 Technical data summary