French wire and purl for goldwork

Purl is a fine wire coiled into a hollow spring. You cut it into short lengths and stitch it on like a bead – which is why a single metre can travel across a whole motif. It is the material behind military insignia, ecclesiastical embroidery and the metallic surfaces of haute couture.

The four kinds

Pearl purl is firm and beaded, used for outlines. Smooth purl gives a mirror-bright, even surface. Check purl is faceted, so it sparkles from every angle. Rough purl sits between the two, with a softer matt shine. Most designs use two or three of them together.

Working with purl

Cut it on a velvet board with sharp scissors kept only for metal, and thread the pieces on a fine needle. Because the wire is soft, keep it away from damp hands and store the coils flat.

Ordering and delivery

We ship worldwide from Lithuania (EU). Delivery usually takes 1-3 working days in the Baltics, 5-10 working days in Europe, the UK and the USA, and 5-15 working days to other countries.