In the late 2000s, DMC decided to come out with a whole new idea, somewhat similar to their linen thread experiment, but I think DMC Secret Perfume threads actually has some legs. And I want to see it come back!
The History
When it comes to crazy ideas in the world of cross stitch, most people jump to Anchor’s spool failure, but DMC is far more adventurous with their threads, both now, and then. We’ve covered a few of these in the past, such as DMC Étoile Threads, DMC’s printed aida, and even those US only DMC threads, but some of these ideas really do fail on launch. Secret Perfumes threads were one of them, which launched in 2008, and were discontinued in 2008; the very same year.
What Are They?
In essence, the Secret Perfume threads are a simple sell. They’re standard colors from their range, but unlike normal threads, they have subtle scents added to the threads.
Each color within the range (of 12 threads) had its own unique smell which matched the color. The threads were then further broken up into 3 sets; flower bouquet, tutti frutti, and delicious.
As you stitched, the smell would engage and remind you of the piece you were working on.
Each of these threads were sold individually, but you could also pick up one thread in an official Secret Perfume threads “mini kit”, which was a pattern designed around that thread’s scent.
The whole range was released in 6 major markets, with the English-speaking world being the main market.
| Thread Number | Set | Scent |
|---|---|---|
| SPBlanc | Flower Bouquet | Lily Of The Valley |
| SP340 | Flower Bouquet | Lavender |
| SP603 | Flower Bouquet | Rose |
| SP745 | Flower Bouquet | Honeysuckle |
| SP321 | Tutti Frutti | Strawberry |
| SP703 | Tutti Frutti | Apple |
| SP726 | Tutti Frutti | Lemon |
| SP741 | Tutti Frutti | Orange |
| SP738 | Delicious | Almond |
| SP801 | Delicious | Chocolate |
| SP977 | Delicious | Toffee/Caramel |
| SP3823 | Delicious | Vanilla |
Why Did They Fail?
The idea behind the Secret Perfume threads is a solid one, and one I will defend later, but there were a few major hiccups that stopped the threads from becoming a success.
The Limited Range
First off was the limited range. 12 threads is a nice idea, but once the initial draw has faded, and everyone has tried one of the 12 scents, the whole idea kind of feels a little random.
However, if you had a selection of 100 threads, with 100 different scents, you could see people putting together fantastic artworks with smell combinations that would drive people to stitch them, beyond the visual.
The Mix Of Compatability Of Threads
Talking of blending scents, that was another issue.
The idea of each “set” worked well, but for some reason, the scents they picked just didn’t combine.
Lily of the valley mixed with chocolate? No.
Lemon and Almond? No.
The thing is, that even within each of the sets, scents still didn’t mix. Orange and strawberry don’t mix. Rose and lavender don’t mix.
Therefore, each of these scented threads really needed to be used alone, massively limiting the draw of their use.
I really think they missed a trick here too. Imagine walking past a cross stitch of a black forest gateau, and smelling the chocolate, cherry, and cream. This really could have been wonderful.
The Random Factor
However, all the above said, I still think the range had some legs, but there was one decision DMC took that stopped that in its tracks. Each thread was sold with its set name only. You have no way of knowing which scent you’d get. And yes, the kits were good, each showed off that one thread scent with a design of that scent, but most people buy threads individually, and have a random lucky dip approach, where you don’t even know what smell you might get just leaves people feeling uneasy.
It also means it’s almost impossible to add to your other stitches.
DMC did actually catch on to this, and some of the later threads have small stickers applied with an image of the scent on them!
Time
The final factor that really didn’t help was simply a timing factor. Apart from the 12 kits, these threads were sold individually as well. But would you really want to swap out your standard 741 for a scented one on a project that wasn’t about oranges? The answer is no.
Therefore, the only reason to use these threads outside of the official kits would be to make your own pattern. But back then, people didn’t do that.
With the accessibility of cross stitch pattern generators now everyone can make a pattern, or at least pick one up on Etsy. But back in the 2000s, unless you were very techy, no average cross stitcher would be able to make their own patterns and add in these threads as a clever idea.
Why Should We Bring Them Back?
OK, so now you’ve heard all the bad news, and yes, it is rather damning, but I think this idea really could work.
Instead of an odd activation mechanic for the scents, imagine just walking past your piece and smelling it. A beautiful geisha with a sweet smell of perfume would only elevate the work so much more. Right now cross stitch is visual and thanks to the hobby very sensory for feeling, but scent would just tip it off as a whole package!
They would need to improve a few things though. Firstly, we need more scents, 12 isn’t enough. And those expanded scents NEED to work together. The scent should stay after stitching, and please; tell people what scent they’re getting!
That said, once washed and ironed, you could just spray some perfume on your work…
Should You Pick Them Up Now?
In a word; no.
Whilst you can get your hands on them still, and if you’re going for a complete collection of DMC threads like me you’ll buy them anyway, now they’re just normal threads. The scent doesn’t last 15 years apparently, meaning you’re just buying an expensive thread that’s still in production.
Have you heard of the Secret Perfume threads by DMC? And do you think they should bring them back?
Happy stitching!
Lord Libidan
I literally just picked some up the other day. The pattern book with them is quite nice, however I suspected the scents wouldn’t have lasted.