Embroidery Thread & Floss – DMC Floss, Perle Cotton & More

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Six-strand floss or perle cotton? DMC embroidery floss separates into strands for fine detail and cross stitch, while #8 perle cotton is a single, twisted thread with a soft sheen that stands out on quilts, redwork and big-stitch binding. Find every color here, then pick up hoops, needles and kits in our embroidery supplies shop. read more

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Six-strand floss or perle cotton? DMC embroidery floss separates into strands for fine detail and cross stitch, while #8 perle cotton is a single, twisted thread with a soft sheen that stands out on quilts, redwork and big-stitch binding. Find every color here, then pick up hoops, needles and kits in our embroidery supplies shop.

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Embroidery Thread & Floss – DMC Floss, Perle Cotton & More

There are many different attitudes about embroidery thread. Some stitch away without giving a single thought to the weight or the quality, while others own a well-organized library of embroidery threads in every hue and type imaginable. Most of us fall somewhere in between, but if you are unsure about what kind of hand embroidery thread to choose, let us help with a few tips for choosing the right embroidery thread type for your next project.

Embroidery Thread Types


Cotton embroidery thread or perle cotton thread is a heavyweight thread that is often used for hand quilting, embroidered embellishments, cross stitching, and other thread art like friendship bracelets and crochet. It is not used in embroidery machines.


Hand embroidery floss is sometimes also called six strand embroidery floss. As the name suggests, it consists of six individual strands of thread that are lightly twisted together to form a single strand.


One of the benefits of six strand embroidery floss is that it allows for greater versatility in terms of the thickness and texture of the thread used in an embroidery project. The individual strands can be separated and used individually or combined to create a thicker thread. This makes it possible to create different textures and effects in an embroidery design, from fine details to bold, chunky stitches.


When it comes to embroidery floss vs. thread, the main differences between perle cotton and embroidery floss is the thickness and fiber content.

What is the best embroidery thread?


Ultimately, this will come down to personal preference and project type. Six strand embroidery floss is great for a variety of hand embroidery projects and cross stitch, but if you would like to add embroidery onto a quilt project, our Presencia Perle cotton thread is the perfect choice for hand embroidery on quilts. It is 100% extra-long staple Egyptian cotton, mercerized for strength, colorfast, and shrinkfast. This affordable thread also is great for punch-needle embroidery, edge stitching, sashiko, and big-stitch quilting. New to stitching? Start with one of our embroidery kits, or browse hand embroidery patterns and pick your thread colors to match.

Embroidery Thread Sizes


Size 8 perle cotton thread is equivalent to approximately three strands of embroidery floss. It’s much thicker and can’t be separated easily like embroidery floss, so keep that in mind. And while embroidery floss can be used in hand quilting, it isn’t always an ideal choice as previously mentioned. Whichever thread you choose, pair it with the right hand embroidery needles – a larger eye for perle cotton – and keep your fabric taut in an embroidery hoop.


If you’re searching for “embroidery thread near me” and happen to be near Hamilton, Missouri, we’d love to have you visit Quilt Town to buy some of the best embroidery thread around! If you can’t visit us in person and are searching for embroidery threads online, you’ve come to the right website!

Embroidery Thread & Floss FAQs

What's the difference between embroidery floss and perle cotton?+

Embroidery floss is six fine strands lightly twisted together that you separate to suit your stitch. Perle cotton is a single, tightly twisted strand that isn't meant to be separated. Our reviewers say perle feels stronger and doesn't twist up the way loose floss strands can, which is why many save it for quilts.

How many strands of embroidery floss should I use?+

Most hand embroidery patterns call for two or three strands of six-strand floss. Use one strand for tiny details and lettering, and four to six for bold outlines. Size 8 perle cotton stitches up about as thick as three strands of floss.

Can I use perle cotton for hand quilting?+

Yes – it's one of the most popular uses. Customers use our #8 perle cotton for big-stitch hand quilting, tying quilts and big-stitch bindings, and say it glides through all three layers without tangling and shows up well even on busy prints.

Is DMC floss good for cross stitch?+

DMC is the floss most cross stitch charts are written for, so color numbers match your pattern key. Our customers describe it as consistent, continuous thread without knots or breaks – one reviewer has stitched with DMC for more than 60 years.

What else can I stitch with perle cotton?+

Reviewers use it for redwork, embroidered quilt labels, embroidery panels and kits, and even needlepoint on 18-mesh canvas. A little thread wax or conditioner keeps it smooth if you're working long lengths.