Embroidery Threads

Stranded floss or coton perlé?

DMC stranded cotton (Mouliné Spécial) is six fine strands loosely twisted together, 8 m to the skein. You separate them and stitch with as many as the work needs, so one skein does cross stitch, fine outlines and shading. It is the thread cross stitch charts are written for. Shades are grouped by color family in embroidery floss.

Coton perlé 8 is a single twisted strand that does not divide, 80 m to the 10 g ball. It gives a raised, even line with a sheen, which is why it is used for Hardanger, blackwork, redwork, smocking and French knots that should stand proud of the fabric. It also crochets and tats well. See coton perlé.

Both are 100% mercerised cotton, colorfast and washable up to 95C.

How many strands on which Aida?

• 6 count: all 6 strands, or perlé or tapestry wool, to fill the large squares.
• 11 count: 3 strands for full coverage.
• 14 count: 2 strands over one block is the usual coverage. 3 gives a fuller, more solid look.
• 16 count: 2 strands still cover well.
• 18 count: 1 or 2 strands, with a size 26 or 28 tapestry needle.

Back stitch outlines are usually worked in a single strand, so one skein of a dark outline color goes a long way. Cut lengths of about fingertip to elbow. Longer lengths wear thin from being pulled through the fabric.

Buy by shade number

Charts are keyed to DMC numbers, so buy by number rather than by eye. Two blues that look alike on a screen can be several steps apart in the skein, and a warm grey and a cool grey only show the difference once they sit side by side. Where two shades are too far apart for smooth shading, thread one strand of each together in the needle for the tone in between.

Metallics and clear thread

DMC Diamant is a single soft metallic strand, so it splits and frays far less than plied metallics. Use it for highlights in cross stitch. Diamant Grande is thicker, for bold outlines and lettering in surface embroidery. Work metallics in lengths of about 30 cm, with a needle eye large enough that the thread is not scuffed. For sewing on beads and sequins, a clear monofilament such as Prym's 0.25 mm lets the bead show and the thread vanish.