COTTON EMBROIDERY FLOSS

When you consider the number of hours that will be spent on a needlework project, Then you will see the importance of using good quality embroidery thread. Embroidery floss or stranded cotton is a loosely twisted, slightly glossy 6-strand thread, Usually of cotton but also manufactured in silk, linen, and rayon. Embroidery floss is available in cotton, silk, satin, silk or Pearl (perle) cotton.

Stranded cotton

The most popular cotton thread used in hand embroidery is undoubtedly stranded cotton, which is also called “embroidery floss” in the United States.

When embroidering with stranded cotton, you can choose to use any number of strands, from one to six. If you use one strand of cotton, the resulting embroidery will be quite fine. As you add strands, the resulting embroidery becomes heavier. If you stitch with all six strands, the stitches become chunky. The number of strands you choose depends on the look you’re trying to achieve. If you want to add more texture and dimension to your stitching, you can do so simply by using more strands in the needle at one time.

How many strands of embroidery floss to use

This will depend on what fabric count you are stitching on, or the effect you are trying to achieve. The following table will help when cross stitching on Aida or even weave fabrics.

If you are working on finer fabrics, such as 40 count silk gauze, then you may want to use just one strand and only stitch the first leg of the cross stitch, in effect working in petit point.

When preparing for an embroidery project, I try to make sure to cut the floss the length of my forearm (from my fingertips to my elbow). This prevents twisting or knotting of the floss as I stitch. If the floss becomes fluffy or dull looking, I recommend switching to a fresh piece of floss.