Selecting Thread for Cross Stitching
From the classic softness of cotton floss to the shimmering elegance of metallic threads, the type of thread you choose can completely transform your cross stitch project. Learn about the most popular thread types, how to pick the perfect one for your design, and tips to keep your collection beautifully organized.
From the soft matte look of cotton floss to the shimmer of metallics, the thread you choose can transform a cross stitch project. Here's a guide to the most popular thread types, how to pick the right one for your design, and how to keep your collection organised.
What Types of Thread Are Used in Cross Stitch?
Cotton floss is the go-to for most stitchers. It's made of six separable strands, so you can choose the thickness to suit your fabric. DMC and Anchor are the best-known brands, each with hundreds of colours. Most charts are designed around DMC colour numbers.
Metallic thread adds sparkle and shine. It's ideal for accents: stars, jewellery, gold leaf and festive details. Kreinik and DMC's metallic ranges are popular. Metallics twist easily, so use shorter lengths.
Silk thread is smooth, lustrous and luxurious, giving a rich finish. It's beautiful on linen, but more expensive.
Rayon and satin threads have a silk-like sheen at a lower price and come in bright, vibrant colours. They can be slippery, so take your time.
Variegated and hand-dyed threads change colour along the strand, creating gentle shading and a handmade look.
How to Choose the Right Thread
- Colour: pick shades that work with your fabric. Some colours disappear on similar-toned fabric.
- Finish: matte, shiny or metallic finishes change the overall feel of your work.
- Thickness: more strands give fuller coverage; fewer allow delicate detail. See how many strands to use.
- Dye lots: buy enough of each colour for the whole project. Colours can vary slightly between batches.
- Colourfastness: quality brands like DMC are designed to hold their colour when washed. See caring for your finished cross stitch.
Substituting colours? It's fine to swap a shade you don't have for a similar one from your stash. Our tips on saving money on cross stitch show how.
Storing and Organising Your Threads
- Use floss bobbins. Wind each colour onto a bobbin and label it with its number.
- Store in a container. A plastic organiser box keeps bobbins tidy and easy to find.
- Avoid light and moisture. Keep threads somewhere cool and dry to prevent fading.
- Sort in a way that suits you, by colour number, colour family or project.
- Keep leftovers. Even short lengths can rescue a project later.
Working With Thread
Cut lengths of about 18 inches, separate strands one at a time, and let your needle dangle now and then to release twist. More tips in preventing twists and knots. For the whole picture on supplies, see Cross Stitch Essentials.
Final Stitch
The right thread makes all the difference to your masterpiece. Consider type, finish and thickness, store your threads with care, and you'll always have beautiful supplies ready for your next project.
Rather skip the shopping list? Our kits come with every colour your design needs.
