Embroidery fabric / floss / thread recommendations

Hi everyone!

I was just wondering what other people prefer embroidering on. I am finding it tricky to find a fabric with a loose enough weave that it doesn't completely unravel the floss but that also doesn't pucker. I mostly embroider words or simple flower designs.

I am also looking for a nice metallic thread if anyone has any recommendations.

Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I prefer evenweave such as laguna for my cross stitch and hardanger...I buy it online from willow fabrics or sew and so. There's a shop in Hillsborough that stock threads, or Hobbycraft at Meadowhall Retail Park.

---------- Post added 17-05-2018 at 12:25 ----------

Have you tried using Thread Heaven? It's a wax like substance to help keep fibres together when stitching and is excellent when using metallic threads

Thank you so much for the advice Hayley1. That's really helpful.

Those websites are great. I can see myself treating myself to a few things off there come payday! I will definitely be getting myself some Thread Heaven or beeswax, I had never heard of that.

I only started doing a bit of embroidery as a past time, but now a couple of friends want me to do some for them. I don't think my poor fingers can bear attempting to stitch through a double layer tight weave again haha.