Most cross stitch uses stranded cotton embroidery floss – six loosely twisted strands that you separate to the required thickness. DMC and Anchor are the two dominant brands, and most patterns specify colours using DMC codes.
This guide covers the main thread types, when to use each one, and how to match threads to your project.
Stranded Cotton (Embroidery Floss)
The standard thread for cross stitch. Made of 6 separable strands of mercerised cotton.
- Use: General cross stitch, the default for almost all patterns
- Strands: 2 strands for 14-count Aida, 1-2 for 18-count
- Brands: DMC (500+ colours), Anchor (400+ colours), Cosmo
- Pros: Huge colour range, colour-fast, widely available, affordable
- Cons: None significant – it is the standard for a reason
Browse the full DMC colour range on our DMC colour chart to find exact shade numbers and hex codes.
Metallic Threads
Add shimmer and sparkle to specific areas of a design – stars, jewellery, water highlights, Christmas ornaments.
- Use: Accents and embellishments, not full coverage
- Strands: Usually 1 strand, often blended with 1 strand of stranded cotton
- Brands: Kreinik, DMC Light Effects
- Pros: Eye-catching reflective finish
- Cons: Difficult to work with – twists, frays, and breaks easily. Use short lengths (12 inches max) and a larger needle.
Silk Threads
A premium option with a natural sheen that produces a luminous, smooth finish.
- Use: Heirloom pieces, elegant designs, areas where sheen matters
- Brands: Caron Collection, Silk Mori, Au Ver a Soie
- Pros: Beautiful lustre, smooth texture, excellent for blending
- Cons: Expensive, requires careful handling, limited colour range compared to cotton
Variegated Threads
Threads that change colour along their length, creating gradient effects without switching threads.
- Use: Backgrounds, natural elements (sky, foliage, water), decorative effects
- Brands: DMC Color Variations, Anchor Multicolor, Weeks Dye Works
- Pros: Dynamic colour transitions, less thread-changing
- Cons: Results are harder to predict – the colour change may not align with your design as expected
Linen and Rayon Threads
Linen threads have a slightly uneven, textured appearance. Good for vintage or rustic designs.
Rayon threads have a high sheen similar to silk but at a lower price. More fragile than cotton – handle with care.
Thread Comparison Table
| Type | Finish | Ease of Use | Common Brands | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stranded Cotton | Matte | Easy | DMC, Anchor, Cosmo | General stitching |
| Metallic | Shiny/sparkly | Difficult | Kreinik, DMC Light Effects | Accents, highlights |
| Silk | Lustrous | Moderate | Caron Collection, Silk Mori | Heirloom pieces |
| Variegated | Colour-changing | Easy | DMC Color Variations, Anchor | Backgrounds, gradients |
| Linen | Textured/matte | Moderate | Weeks Dye Works | Vintage, rustic designs |
| Rayon | High sheen | Difficult | Sulky, DMC Rayon | Decorative accents |
How to Choose the Right Thread
For most projects, stranded cotton is the right choice. Patterns specify DMC or Anchor colour codes, and these threads are what the designer intended.
Consider alternatives when:
- You want sparkle in specific areas (metallic)
- You are making an heirloom or gift piece and want a premium finish (silk)
- The design has large background areas that would benefit from colour variation (variegated)
- You are going for a vintage or rustic look (linen)
Thread and Fabric Pairing
| Fabric Count | Recommended Strands (Cotton) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 11-count Aida | 3 strands | Full, chunky coverage |
| 14-count Aida | 2 strands | Standard coverage |
| 16-count Aida | 2 strands | Standard coverage |
| 18-count Aida | 1-2 strands | Test on scrap fabric first |
| 28-count evenweave (over 2) | 2 strands | Same as 14-count |
DMC vs Anchor
Both produce high-quality stranded cotton. Most patterns use DMC codes because the colour range is slightly larger. Conversion charts exist for switching between brands.
Our DMC colour chart lists all available DMC colours with their hex codes, making it easy to find the exact shade you need. Patterns generated with our pattern maker automatically match image colours to the nearest DMC thread.
Practical Tips
- Thread length: Cut to about 18 inches (45cm). Longer threads tangle and wear thin from repeated pulling through fabric.
- Carrying thread: Do not carry thread more than 1 inch across the back of the fabric. End the thread and start again at the next section.
- Storage: Keep threads on bobbins or cards, labelled with the DMC code. Store away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Thread count per skein: One standard DMC skein is 8 metres. For large single-colour areas, you may need multiple skeins.
FAQ
What is the most popular cross stitch thread? DMC stranded cotton. It has 500+ colours, is colour-fast, affordable, and available worldwide.
How many strands should I use for cross stitch? 2 strands on 14-count Aida is the standard. Use 1-2 on 18-count, 3 on 11-count. The goal is full coverage without over-bulking the fabric.
What is the best thread length for cross stitch? 18 inches (45cm). This reduces tangling and wear.
How far can I carry thread on the back? Keep carried threads under 1 inch. For longer gaps, end the thread and start a new one.