The thread you choose determines the texture, sheen, and finish of your needlepoint.
Some fibers gleam, others stay soft and matte; some are divisible through plying, others ready to stitch straight from the card.
Below is a concise guide to the most widely used threads for 13-mesh and 18-mesh canvases, including how many strands to use where applicable.
COTTON
DMC Floss — 13 & 18 mesh
Six-strand divisible cotton with a smooth, matte hand.
• Use 6 strands for 13 mesh (full coverage)
• Use 4 strands for 18 mesh (balanced coverage)
DMC Pearl Cotton #5 — 18 mesh
Non-divisible and softly lustrous with a tight twist. Adds gentle relief and a subtle shine — lovely for outlines or textured stitches.
DMC Pearl Cotton #3 — 13 mesh
Thicker and rounder than #5; fills larger holes completely. The rope-like twist produces strong definition and light sheen.
DMC Floche — 18 mesh
Single-strand, softly twisted cotton that lays beautifully flat. Creates a refined surface — ideal for light coverage work.
DECORATIVE THREADS
Petite Silk Lamé Braid — 18 mesh
A fine silk-and-metallic blend offering understated sparkle without bulk. Perfect for small accents or areas that need a hint of shimmer.
Silk Lamé Braid — 13 & 18 mesh
The standard line covers both sizes. The silk core gives depth and body, while the metallic filament catches the light for elegant luminosity.
Fyre Werks — 13 & 18 mesh
Flat metallic ribbon with brilliant reflection. High luster sparkle. Sometimes helpful to use a laying tool.
Petite Very Velvet — 18 mesh
Nylon “velvet” that stitches into a soft, suede-like matte texture. Excellent for clothing, upholstery, or architectural details.
Very Velvet — 13 mesh
Thicker and more dimensional; adds plush depth and tactile interest. Wonderful for backgrounds or focal motifs.
Fuzzy Stuff — 13 & 18 mesh
A novelty fiber with a messy pile that expands when brushed. Ideal for fur, feathers, or cozy textiles.
SILK
Pepper Pot Silk — 13 & 18 mesh
Single-strand, non-divisible silk with a buttery glide and gentle sheen. Provides complete coverage on 18 mesh without stranding, and very good coverage on 13 mesh.
Planet Earth Silk — 13 mesh
A slightly heavier, tightly twisted single strand for 13 mesh. Yields a smooth, luminous surface with rich saturation.
Soie d’Alger — 13 & 18 mesh
Seven-ply French silk with natural luster.
• Uses 5-6 plies for 13 mesh
• Uses 3 plies for 18 mesh
SILK + WOOL BLENDS
Silk & Ivory — 13 mesh
A 50/50 silk-wool blend with creamy texture and light sheen. Smooth coverage that feels soft in hand yet durable on canvas.
Essentials — 13 and 18 mesh
A finer version of Silk & Ivory with the same luxurious feel, scaled down for tighter mesh. Excellent for fine backgrounds or light garments.
Milan — 13 mesh
Another silk-wool mix, slightly firmer in twist. Produces crisp stitches and clean edges; ideal for geometric or architectural designs.
SILK + WOOL BLENDS
Planet Earth Wool — 13 mesh
100 % merino wool, soft and non-fuzzy. Provides even, matte coverage with timeless character, perfect for classic or contemporary canvases.
