Embroidery Floss and Thread Chart: Floss, Pearl Cotton and Wool
Six-strand embroidery floss, such as DMC Mouline, comes in 8 meter (8.7 yard) skeins of 6 divisible strands. Cross stitch on 14 count Aida usually uses 2 strands, pearl cotton is a non-divisible twisted thread for surface embroidery, and tapestry or Persian wool is used for needlepoint.
What types of embroidery thread are there?
| Thread | Length per skein | Strands | Uses | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Six-Strand Embroidery Floss (DMC Mouline Special 117) | 8 m (8.7 yd) | 6 | Cross stitch (usually 1 to 3 strands), Surface embroidery, Blackwork, Needlepoint on fine canvas | Separate the strands and recombine as many as the pattern calls for. |
| Pearl Cotton Size 3 (DMC 115) | 15 m (16.4 yd) | 1 | Needlepoint on 13 to 14 mesh, Bold surface embroidery, Big-stitch quilting, Sashiko-style stitching | Thickest DMC pearl cotton; lustrous twisted thread used as one strand. |
| Pearl Cotton Size 5 (DMC 115) | 25 m (27.3 yd) | 1 | Needlepoint on 14 to 18 mesh, Hardanger, Surface embroidery, Big-stitch quilting | Also sold in balls (45 m / 49 yd per retailer listings). |
| Pearl Cotton Size 8 (DMC 116 ball) | 80 m (87 yd) | 1 | Hardanger and drawn thread work, Fine surface embroidery, Needlepoint on 18 mesh and finer, Tatting | Length is for the ball put-up, the most common form for size 8. |
| Pearl Cotton Size 12 (DMC 116 ball) | 120 m (131 yd) | 1 | Hardanger cutwork, Fine embroidery, Smocking | Finest DMC pearl cotton. Ball length from retailer listings. |
| Persian Yarn (Paternayan 3-ply) | 8.05 m (8.8 yd) | 3 | Needlepoint (3-ply on 10 to 12 mesh, 2-ply on 13 to 14, 1-ply on 18), Crewel work, Rug hooking accents | Retailer listings: 10 strands of 32 in per skein. Loosely twisted plies strip apart. |
| Tapestry Wool (DMC 486) | 8 m (8.7 yd) | 1 | Needlepoint on 10 to 14 mesh, Tent stitch and background fill, Wool embroidery | Non-divisible 4-ply wool; some listings round the skein to 8.8 yd. |
| Crewel Wool (Appletons 2-ply) | 25 m (27.3 yd) | 1 | Crewel embroidery on linen twill, Needlepoint with several strands combined, Wool surface embroidery | Fine single strand; combine strands to match canvas mesh. |
How many strands and what needle for each fabric count?
| Count | Fabric | Cross stitch strands | Backstitch strands | Tapestry needle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 count | aida | 6 | 2 to 3 | 18 |
| 8 count | aida | 4 to 6 | 2 | 20 |
| 11 count | aida | 3 | 1 to 2 | 22 or 24 |
| 14 count | aida | 2 | 1 | 24 |
| 16 count | aida | 2 | 1 | 24 or 26 |
| 18 count | aida | 1 to 2 | 1 | 26 or 28 |
| 20 count | aida | 1 | 1 | 28 |
| 22 count | hardanger | 1 over 1, 2 to 3 over 2 | 1 | 24 to 28 |
| 25 count | evenweave | 2 to 3 | 1 | 24 |
| 27 count | evenweave | 2 | 1 | 24 or 26 |
| 28 count | evenweave | 2 | 1 | 26 |
| 32 count | linen | 1 to 2 | 1 | 26 or 28 |
| 36 count | linen | 1 | 1 | 28 |
| 40 count | linen | 1 | 1 | 28 |
- An 8 m skein of 6 strands gives 48 m of single strand.
- Starting and ending tails, travel on the back, and confetti stitching reduce coverage.
- Buy an extra skein for large areas of one color; dye lots can vary.
Floss and thread to start with
DMC Embroidery Floss Assortment, 100 Colors
$62.95One hundred colors of DMC six-strand floss.
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DMC Pearl Cotton 100 Skein Bulk Pack
$99.99A big pack of DMC pearl cotton for surface embroidery.
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DMC Tapestry Wool Collector's Tin
$35.99DMC tapestry wool for needlepoint.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a skein of DMC floss?
A standard skein of DMC six-strand embroidery floss is 8 meters, about 8.7 yards. An 8 m skein of 6 strands gives 48 m of single strand. Other brands use similar lengths, but check the label.
How many strands of floss should I use for cross stitch?
It depends on the fabric count. Most patterns use 2 strands on 14 count Aida, 2 or 3 on 11 count, 1 or 2 on 18 count, and 2 strands over two threads on 28 count evenweave. The table on this page lists the usual strands for every count.
What is the difference between floss and pearl cotton?
Stranded floss is six loosely twisted strands you separate and recombine to control thickness. Pearl cotton is a single twisted, lustrous thread that is not divided, sold in sizes 3, 5, 8 and 12 where a higher number is finer. Pearl cotton gives raised, glossy lines for surface embroidery and blackwork.
What thread is used for needlepoint?
Needlepoint on 10 to 14 mesh canvas traditionally uses tapestry wool or Persian wool, which separates into plies. Finer 18 mesh canvas often uses stranded cotton, pearl cotton or fewer plies of Persian wool. The goal is thread thick enough to cover the canvas without distorting it.
How much floss do I need for a cross stitch project?
Published estimates suggest one 8 meter skein covers roughly 1,000 to 1,500 full cross stitches on 14 count with 2 strands. Count stitches per color from the chart key, divide by that range, and buy an extra skein of big background colors to avoid dye lot mismatches.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.