Part of the process
Floss and strands
A skein of embroidery floss is 8 m of six loose strands. Patterns rarely use all six: 2 strands is the standard on 14 count. Cut lengths of about 18 inches and separate the strands one at a time.
- Standard skein
- 8 m (8.7 yd), six strands
- Cross stitch on 14 count
- 2 strands
Embroidery floss, embroidery thread and stranded cotton are the same thing: six fine strands twisted loosely together so they can be pulled apart. A standard skein holds 8 m (8.7 yd). Pearl cotton is different: it is one twisted thread that is never divided, sold in sizes 3, 5, 8 and 12, with 3 the thickest. The floss sizes chart lines them up.
How many strands to use depends on the fabric. On 14 and 16 count aida the standard is 2 strands for crosses and 1 for backstitch; 11 count takes 3, and 18 count takes 1 or 2. The full table is in how many strands of floss to use. Cut a length of about 18 inches, pull out one strand at a time and put the number you need back together. That keeps the strands flat and stops most tangles.
Patterns list colors by number, usually DMC. If your floss is another brand, the floss conversion chart gives the closest match where the maker publishes one. To work out how many skeins to buy, see cross stitches per skein: the answer is always a range, because stitching habits differ.
Common mistakes at this stage
- Stitching with all six strands because the pattern did not say otherwise.
- Cutting a long thread to save time: it knots, twists and wears thin.
- Pulling two strands out of the length at once, which tangles the rest.