When I first started cross stitching, I had no idea how much the thread choice mattered.
I grabbed whatever I had, thinking, Thread is thread, right? Wrong!
My stitches looked uneven, some were too bulky, and others barely showed up. It was frustrating! I wondered why my projects didn’t look as neat as the ones I saw online.
The secret was in the thread-to-fabric ratio. If you’ve been struggling with tangled floss or stitches that don’t sit right, don’t worry. I’ve been there.
Thread
So I normally think cotton thread with 20 inch length is the perfect cross stitch thread.
Let’s dig in and find the perfect thread to make your cross stitch shine. And get to know Cross stitch thread chart.
Table of Contents
What Is The Difference Between Embroidery Thread And Cross Stitch Thread?
First, you must think all threads are the same. But that’s not the case. Each thread has a different purpose and strength. So, each thread is used in a different area for a different case. That’s the same with embroidery and cross stitch.
The main difference between embroidery thread and cross stitch thread is in their texture, usage, and how they are made.
Rather than that, there is more,
| Feature | Embroidery Thread | Cross Stitch Thread |
| Material | It can be cotton, silk, rayon, or polyester | Usually 100% cotton (stranded floss) |
| Strands | Varies (single or multiple) | Comes in 6 separable strands |
| Texture | Can be smooth, shiny, or matte | Mostly matte for even coverage |
| Usage | Used for various embroidery techniques (satin stitch, crewel, freehand embroidery) | Specifically designed for cross stitch |
| Finish | Can be glossy or matte, depending on the type | Mostly matte, giving a traditional cross stitch look |
| Availability | Comes in skeins, spools, or cones | Typically in skeins (e.g., DMC, Anchor) |
| Best For | Decorative stitching, detailed designs, and freehand embroidery | Counted cross stitch and needlepoint projects |
Types Of Cross Stitch Thread
Finding the right thread for cross stitch can be a game-changer. I learned this the hard way—using the wrong thread can leave stitches looking uneven, colors dull, or worse, unraveling after all that hard work.
But you don’t have to do the hard work. Here’s a list of threads i would like to use for my all cross stitch.
Stranded Cotton (Embroidery Floss)
This is the most commonly used thread for cross stitch, and for good reason. It has 6 separate strands. So, it allows you to adjust the thickness of your stitches. This is the perfect cross stitch pillow.
I normally use,
2 strands are used for 14-count Aida fabric. But you can increase or decrease the number depending on your fabric type and desired effect and counted cross stitches.
Pearl Cotton
Unlike stranded cotton, pearl (or perle) cotton is a single, non-divisible strand with a twisted texture, giving stitches a slightly raised, decorative look. You can make a bookmark with this thread.
The fun fact is,
It Comes in different thicknesses (sizes 3, 5, 8, 12, etc.), with lower numbers being thicker. So it’s Strong, lustrous, and adds texture to your work. It can be harder to work with due to its thickness. And it can cause messy back.
Metallic Thread
Metallic thread adds a shiny, reflective quality if you love a little sparkle in your cross stitch. However, it’s notoriously tricky to work with—it tangles, frays, and sometimes refuses to behave! This thread is perfect for outlining cross stitch pattern.
It’s best for adding highlights, Christmas designs, or any project that needs a touch of shimmer. Use short lengths (around 12 inches) to prevent fraying, and consider using a thread conditioner to make stitching easier.
Variegated Thread
This thread subtly changes color along its length. That means you can create beautiful gradients and shades without switching colors. I sometimes use this thread for punch needle embroidery, too.
I use this thread when I want to add Backgrounds, sky or water effects, and floral designs. Since the color change is gradual, it’s best to stitch in a consistent direction (one row at a time) to maintain the effect.
Silk Thread
If you want a luxurious, ultra-smooth finish, silk thread is the way to go. It has a natural sheen and glides effortlessly through fabric.
High-end or heirloom-quality projects where you want an elegant look. Like stranded cotton, it often comes in multiple strands that can be separated for different effects. I use this thread for stardew valley cross stitch and it’s turn out so good.
What Is The Best Thread For Cross Stitch?
After experimenting with all kinds of threads, stranded cotton (embroidery floss) is the Best cross stitch thread. It’s easy to work with, blends smoothly, and gives the most polished look. Pearl cotton is great for bold, textured stitches but stiff.
Metallic thread adds a beautiful shimmer, but it tangles and frays like crazy—a challenge! Silk thread glides like butter and looks luxurious but expensive and delicate. That’s why go to cotton thread.
It’s perfect and not a hassle to handle it. And perfect for all kinds of cross stitch methods.
Cross Stitch Thread Organizer
If you are a messy person like me, then keeping all those threads organized is a hardest thing ever. So, A cross stitch thread organizer helps keep your floss neat, tangle-free, and easy to find.
You can use bobbins in a storage box, thread cards with rings, floss bags in a binder, or even hanging organizers. Each method keeps your colors sorted and ready to use, making stitching more enjoyable and stress-free!
How Many Strands Of Thread To Use For Cross Stitch?
After choosing the right thread, the next struggle comes. That is many strands to use. Oh, the struggle of figuring out how many strands to use I’ve been there.
Too many, and your stitches look bulky. Too few, and the fabric peeks through like it’s begging for more coverage.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
2 strands work best for 14-count Aida—it’s the sweet spot for good coverage without being too thick. Move up to 16- or 18-count, and you can get away with 1 or 2 strands. It depends on how fine you want the details. If you’re working with 22-count or higher, just 1 strand will do, or things get too crowded.
If you are confused, use a cross stitch thread calculator. It will reduce your hassle and time.
Cross Stitch Thread Chart
When I first started to cross stitching, I used super long thread, thinking it would save time.
Spoiler alert: it didn’t. Instead, it tangled, frayed, and became a nightmare to work with.
The sweet spot for cross stitch thread is around 18 to 24 inches (about the length from your fingertips to your elbow). This keeps it manageable. Long enough to get a good number of stitches in but short enough to avoid knots and wear.
If you go longer, the thread weakens as it passes through the fabric repeatedly, making it look fuzzy and uneven.
So, when in doubt, keep it on the shorter side! You can always cut more, but dealing with a tangled mess? No, thank you!
Even if you feel lost after reading this guide, buy Riolis cross-stitch kits. They will have everything you need to do cross-stitch embroidery.
Frequently asked questions(FAQ’s)
What Happens If My Thread Is Too Long?
If your thread is too long (over 18 inches), it tends to tangle, fray, and weaken as you stitch, making your work look uneven.
Can I Use Shorter Thread Lengths?
Yes! Shorter lengths (around 12 inches) are easier to manage, especially if you’re working with delicate threads like metallics.
How Do I Know If My Thread Is Too Short?
If you’re constantly rethreading your needle after just a few stitches, it’s probably too short. Aim for a balance between efficiency and avoiding tangles.
What Dmc Thread To Use For Cross Stitch?
For cross stitch, DMC Stranded Cotton (DMC 25) is the go-to thread. It’s made of six easily separable strands so that you can adjust the thickness depending on your fabric and design. Typically, 2 strands are used for 14-count Aida fabric, while 1 strand works best for finer details on higher count fabrics.
Sum up
That’s all you need to know about cross stitch thread. So what’s your favorite thread so far? Or do you have any other recommendations? Feel free to let us know.
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