DMC Eco Vita is a new range of threads, yarns, patterns, books and accessories. They have been developed with their environmental impact in mind for a more sustainable crafting choice.
We’ve got our hands on a set of DMC’s Eco Vita 360 – a naturally dyed organic wool thread collection. It's perfect for use in a whole range of different needlecrafts, which we're excited to try out! Find out if it’s worth the hype with our comprehensive and independent review below.
Overview
DMC Eco Vita 360 Naturally Dyed Organic Wool Thread is available in 60 shades, making it the world's largest range of naturally dyed thread. They contain infusions of completely natural ingredients, such as walnut, rhubarb, indigo and juniper to add a wonderful range of new colours to your thread collection.
It's a versatile 2-ply 100% wool thread that can be used for a wide range of crafts. Try Eco Vita 360 with cross stitch, hand embroidery, weaving, visible mending, punch needle and much more.
If you're new to needlecrafts, check out our handy how to cross stitch and how to embroider guides to learn all about them.
You'll also find a great range of patterns to start using them with in The World of Cross Stitching and Love Embroidery magazines.
How we tested
We tested the DMC Eco Vita naturally dyed organic wool threads with a focus on cross stitch and hand embroidery as the primary use, evaluating them against the following criteria:
Key features
- Materials: 100% organic non-mulesed wool and 100% natural dyes
- Skein length: 16 metres
- Number of divisible strands: 1
- Thickness: 2-ply
- Number of shades: 60
- Price: RRP £1.75 per skein
About the expert: Fiona Baker
With over 15 years’ experience in needlework publishing, professional cross stitch designing and a lifetime of stitching, Fiona Baker has tried and tested numerous thread brands over the years. Fiona is an avid crafter and is always on the lookout for exciting new products to try.
Throughout her career, Fiona has contributed to well-known publications in her role as Senior Technical Editor for The World of Cross Stitching, and featured as a designer in other needlecraft titles including Love Embroidery magazine.
Fiona especially enjoys sharing her expertise and knowledge with craft enthusiasts around the world, and has the experience to put this product through its paces to give you a thorough and honest review you can trust.
DMC Eco Vita 360 Naturally Dyed Organic Wool Thread review
Colour Range - 4/5
With 60 naturally dyed colours in the Eco Vita 360 range, there’s a whole spectrum of shades to pick from, from soft neutrals to bold hues in all the colours of the rainbow.
The range isn't quite as comprehensive as DMC Mouline Special stranded cottons, however. This means you won't get quite the same gradient shade combinations, but every main colour appears to be covered.
I would love to have seen more yellow options, with only one skein of what I would class as a true yellow tone. Perhaps this is down to the natural dye options at present. Those fluffy yellow chicks I had in my designer mind's eye may have to wait for now!
Whilst you’d be hard pressed to find a pure white colour from natural dyes, it comes pretty close with 001 (‘Frosted Juniper’). This is an off-white, slightly creamy hue, which is worth bearing in mind.
The natural dye ingredients in Eco Vita give the thread a gently mottled appearance, so you can expect some slight colour variation. This gives a very subtle variegated effect, whilst still giving your stitching a rich, full colour look.
A variety of natural dyes are used, including rhubarb, juniper, walnut, woald, safflower, myrtle, copper, henna and more. DMC claim this is the world’s largest collection of naturally dyed threads, so they’ve certainly invested heavily into the range.
The Eco Vita collection has its own numbering system, from 001 to 710 – although confusingly they’re not sequential, so expect large jumps in the list. Perhaps this is a sign there’s more colours to come to fill the gaps… or maybe whoever came up with the system simply isn’t into nicely numerical thread organisation?!
Whatever the reason, there’s some beautiful sounding names given to the shades, such as ‘Cinnamon Rhubarb’, ‘Storm Indigo’, 'Fresh Walnut' and ‘Lemon Safflower’.
Although these names are listed in DMC’s official Eco Vita shade card, they don’t seem to appear on retailer sites at present. This is a shame as the colour description gives an insight into the natural dye used for the thread. Given it’s the focus for their marketing, this seems an oversight that may be rectified in time.
Unlike the DMC Light Effects and Satin ranges, where it's easy to interchange like-for-like shades, the Eco Vita thread number doesn't denote the same shade as their Mouline Special stranded cotton counterparts. Instead, you’ll need to determine the closest match to Eco Vita for yourself.
You could try this free DMC stranded cotton to DMC Eco Vita conversation table, created by Orphaned Wool, to use as a starting point. Just be aware they won’t be exact matches due to the nature of the different dying processes though.
Ease of Use - 4/5
Unlike DMC Mouline Special stranded cottons, Eco Vita 360 crewel wool thread is used whole. This means it's a single strand as pulled from the skein, rather than divisible. You could use it as this single strand or double it up for extra thick texture in your stitching.
One strand of Eco Vita 360 is approximately the same thickness as three strands of DMC Mouline Special stranded cotton, or 1/3 of the thickness of DMC tapestry wool, so it sits somewhere between the two in terms of weight.
For cross stitch, DMC recommend using Eco Vita wool threads on 14 count aida or 28 count evenweave.
You can stitch on almost any fabric for embroidery projects. You could even try the new DMC Hemp Embroidery and Punch Needle fabric, created as part of the Eco Vita collection. Hemp is seen as a more eco-conscious choice, using less natural resources to produce than cotton.
I tested the threads out with a small cross stitch design, using a single strand of Eco Vita in seven different colours (203, 305, 408, 501, 604, 607 and 707) on DMC 14-count white aida.
The Eco Vita wool threads were very pleasing to stitch with and handle. Although surprisingly a little coarser than they look, I didn’t feel it was any more effort to stitch with than normal stranded cottons. There is definitely a more pronounced, raised effect to the final stitches though, so definitely avoid knotting the thread on the back to avoid extra bulk.
It was easier than predicted to thread one strand through a size 24 tapestry needle, however you need to cut a fresh end to thread through the eye, as the ply starts to untwist as soon as it’s cut.
I did struggle threading two strands though, and anything smaller than a size 24 needle eye was virtually impossible. So, if you’re using a different fabric and needle size, a needle threader could be a useful accessory – and a bit of patience!
The thread does twist whilst stitching so, as with stranded cottons, let the needle hang loose every so often to naturally unwind. I'd also suggest cutting a shorter length than you would normally. This helps limit fraying with the friction as it passes through the fabric.
It also gives a rather satisfying textured sound whilst stitching, if you’re into sewing ASMR!
Be wary if you make a mistake, however – the dreaded frog paid a visit needing to unpick a few stitches, which I found extra tricky to do. The wool fibres made it difficult to see individual strands to pull out. They also fuzzed up with the extra wear of passing back through the fabric. So this is worth keeping in mind to be extra vigilant with every stitch!
Quality - 3/5
Woolmark certified, DMC state the dyes have undergone rigorous colourfastness testing for light, washing, rubbing and sweating, making it a versatile thread for homewares as well as clothing, and can be safely hand washed up to 30 degrees centigrade.
To test this out, I hand washed my small test sample of completed Eco Vita 360 cross stitching using clean water at 30 degrees, with a tiny drop of Percil Colour Protect detergent. I also added the leftover cut lengths of thread from my stitching, to see how they fared too.
I left it soaking it in the water for a few minutes, and avoided rubbing the fabric so as not to distort the fibres. Then rinsed everything thoroughly under a cold running tap.
The sample and thread lengths were then dried hanging vertically outside on a washing line to test for colour runs, exposing the threads to 10 hours of direct sunlight, peaking at around 35-degree centigrade heat (thanks heatwave timing!)
Upon inspection, I initially thought there was no change after washing, however when comparing my piece of white aida against a fresh piece, the fabric is now noticeably duller in colour. Whilst unable to identify the culprit thread(s), it could simply be a combination of multiple colours leaching into the water it was washed in.
I ironed the fabric under a cool-medium heat to see how the threads held up, and found no sign of damage or burning when pressed.
The cut lengths are significantly more springy after washing, although the ply has stayed intact and they could still be used again for stitching. There appears to be no noticeable colour difference when compared alongside the original skeins.
Whilst DMC don't state not to use detergent when washing, this may be necessary for washing clothing or home wears with stains. I would feel wary about using this fabric detergent if washing again, and probably just use clean water, to be on the safe side.
If you’re therefore using this thread on clothing, and likely to be washing it often, this may be something you’ll want to consider.
Compatible Projects - 4/5
DMC Eco Vita is a standalone thread range and, whilst a little thicker than standard stranded cottons, it’s still possible to use them together in the same projects.
As this is a relatively new collection you may not find too many patterns using it just yet, so being able to interchange them for standard floss is a plus. I've no doubt more patterns will soon come though, as the threads enter the designer mainstream of consciousness.
I think the range would be especially lovely for stitching animal fur. Or natural details such as plants and flowers in a landscape, to coincide with the theme of the collection.
Depicting woolly winter wear in a design could be another delightful twist on the finish, too. Check out this Santa cross stitch design, by Helz Cuppleditch, in issue 364 of The World of Cross Stitching magazine. Eco Vita 360 threads were used to create Santa's gloves and scarf, creating a warm and cosy knitted look.
If you’re after exclusively Eco Vita designs, DMC’s book: The Botanist’s Cabinet (RRP £10.90) contains 14 cross stitch and embroidery patterns.
Or there's a selection of free DMC Eco Vita patterns available. These are mostly limited to embroidery, knitting and crochet patterns at present, but could be fun to try out a new craft with.
Purchasing the DMC Eco Vita Collectors Box of 30 threads also comes with two patterns – one cross stitch and one embroidery, to help get you started.
One question I was keen to answer was if it could also be a substitute for Madeira Lana thread.
Madeira Lana is manufactured from 50% wool and 50% acrylic, compared to Eco Vita’s 100% wool content. It’s known for creating a unique, furry texture when brushed.
Testing a small swatch of cross stitching in DMC Eco Vita (shade 410) on 14-count white aida with a stiff nylon brush did fluff it up in a similar way, adding a raised fuzz, so it looks like it could be a promising substitute. A wire wool brush was much too harsh for it to handle, however, with the threads easily pulling out. Bring on those fluffy bunny tales and fuzzy fur designs though!
Value for money – 4/5
Eco Vita costs £1.75 per skein – 30p more than DMC’s Mouline Special stranded cotton range.
Although double the length of a 8m cotton skein, you’ll end up working your way through it much quicker due to the non-divisible strands.
The sustainability factor and 100% organic wool and dyes are attractive selling points for those looking for more eco-friendly stitching options. Therefore, paying a little more is to be expected for these new colours.
However, with few specific Eco Vita 360 projects available on the market currently, you’ll likely be substituting it into your work in place of other colours for the time being. This may mean you won’t need the full collection to add to your stash just yet anyway.
Investing in the full set may be worthwhile though. Especially if you intend to experiment with them a lot for lots of different crafts.
There's also the DMC Eco Vita Collectors Box to consider, containing 30 shades for £56.95. Although mathematicians among you may be wondering how this is better value, equating to around £1.90 per skein... I think I’m as baffled as you on this!
Otherwise you could stick to buying the full set of 60 individual skeins for RRP £105.
Our verdict: Should you buy DMC Eco Vita 360 Wool threads?
DMC’s marketing of a ‘love letter to nature’ certainly holds true for these naturally dyed threads. There's a gorgeous array of brand new colours to pick from and enjoy using in your stitching.
The durable, soft-ply thread is perfect for use in cross stitch and embroidery, on counted as well as non-counted fabrics.
If you’re looking for a more sustainably sourced and manufactured thread, this could be your answer.
With few patterns on the market at present you may not get full use from the collection just yet, however.
It’s certainly one to start investing in though. Try them out by switching into existing designs – or even have a go at creating your own! Just be extra careful with washing, especially if using on clothing.
Explore more in the DMC Eco Vita range
The full DMC Eco Vita range extends to more than just threads. Check out these fantastic accessories and explore more crafts to add to your collection today!
Eco Vita Needlecraft Cross Body Bag
- Buy now from DMC – £60
Always have a relaxing craft project in easy reach with this sustainable Nomad Cross Body Bag with adjustable shoulder strap. It provides easy access to the contents with long side zips which allow you to open the bag out.
Eco Vita Small Needlecraft Project Pouch
- Buy now from DMC – £18
Keep crafting essentials at your fingertips with this sustainable Nomad Project Pouch, ideal for storing small craft accessories and skeins of floss. The stylish khaki pouch has a metal zip and a tab you can attach to your bag.
Eco Vita 4
- Buy now from DMC - from £11.45
Made from upcycled cotton, Eco Vita 4 is a thick, tubular yarn. It's perfect for macrame, knitting or crochet.
Find your perfect thread storage solution
Looking for somewhere to store your Eco Vita threads? Check out our full review of the DMC Vintage Wooden Chest for the perfect storage solution.
