Two Reds from the Same Family
Milan Card Strawberry 2550 and Milan Card Radish 2551 both come from Planet Earth’s Milan Fiber line, a 50% silk / 50% wool blend that gives needlepoint threads a subtle sheen and soft hand. They share the same base fiber, length (10 yards), non-strandable construction, and compatibility with 13 or 18 mesh canvases. The real difference lies in the shade of red each card delivers.
If you are choosing between them for a project, the decision comes down to whether you want a warm, fruit-toned red (Strawberry) or a cooler, earthier red (Radish). Both are versatile, but they create different moods on the canvas.
Thread Details at a Glance
- Milan Card - Strawberry 2550: 50% silk / 50% wool, non-strandable, 10 yards, suited for 13 or 18 mesh. Strawberry 2550 is a bright, pinkish red that works well for floral details, fruit motifs, or any area needing a lively pop of color.
Milan Card - Strawberry 2550 - Milan Card - Radish 2551: 50% silk / 50% wool, non-strandable, 10 yards, suited for 13 or 18 mesh. Radish 2551 is a deeper, slightly muted red with a hint of purple, making it a good choice for backgrounds, shadows, or more subdued accents.
Milan Card - Radish 2551
How the Colors Differ
Based on the color names and typical needlepoint thread ranges, Strawberry 2550 leans toward a bright, pinkish red—think ripe berries. Radish 2551 is a deeper, slightly muted red with a hint of purple, like the skin of a radish. The actual appearance on canvas will also depend on your monitor settings and dye lot variations, as noted in the catalog: colors may differ based on computer graphics and dye lots.
- Strawberry 2550: Warm, bright red with pink undertones. Best for flowers, fruit, or any area that needs a cheerful, attention-grabbing red.
- Radish 2551: Cooler, deeper red with a touch of purple. Works well for shaded areas, backgrounds, or when you want a more sophisticated red.
Choosing Between Strawberry and Radish
For a strawberry or cherry motif, Strawberry 2550 is the obvious match. For a radish, beet, or any vegetable-themed canvas, Radish 2551 offers a more natural hue. If your project includes both bright and shaded red areas, you could use Strawberry for highlights and Radish for shadows, creating depth without switching fiber types.
Both threads work on 13 or 18 mesh, so your canvas mesh count won’t limit your choice. Because they are non-strandable, you use the thread as-is—no separating plies. This simplifies stitching but means you cannot adjust thickness. If you need a thinner line, consider a different fiber or a strandable thread.
Practical Considerations
Each card holds 10 yards, which is enough for small to medium areas. For larger sections, you may need multiple cards. The 50% silk / 50% wool blend gives a subtle sheen that catches light nicely, but it also means the thread is less matte than pure wool. If your canvas has a lot of matte painted areas, the sheen might stand out more than expected.
Since the catalog does not include care instructions, treat these threads as you would any silk blend: avoid excessive moisture and heat, and store finished pieces away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
