A Brief Guide to Cotton Hand Embroidery Threads ”

(64) Comments

Brenda Campbell says:

Thank you Mary, this is very useful information to have and especially since I have started with Sharon’s TAST program. I especially like that you have given us some starter sources for the less common threads, the internet can be such a daunting and never ending place when searching for a particular item. Short term memory loss is not very helpful there and copious notes have to be taken. Thank goodness for copy and paste into word documents to help remember where, what and cost.
I truly enjoy reading your blogs every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The are entertaining, enlightening, and informative presenting in such a chatty way. Once again ~ Thank you.
Regards
Brenda

Mary Corbet says:Glad you enjoy it, Brenda! Sharon’s TAST series is great fun, isn’t it?Phoebe161 says:

Thank you for explaining the differences in cotton thread. I have a question; what is DMC Retors and its uses? I found a skein of it in a thrift shop, and I couldn’t resist purchasing it.

Mary Corbet says:Jean P in Chico says:

I appreciate the mention of Danish flower thread! I had never seen the 2008 comparison article before. I’ve used a lot of Danish flower thread, because I lived in Denmark for a while as a teen and it’s widely used there. If I get to go to Solvang (in California), the needlework shop is always a favorite stop and so I have a stash of kits, not to mention an elderly book of Christmas patterns that I love. There is a lot to say about Danish flower thread!

Anita Simmance says:

Dear Mary It’s good to review cotton thread and the different threads available on the market and their specific uses in hand embroidery. My favourite cotton thread is floche and coton a broder they are really silky soft threads. The only problem with these threads is that they are hard to come by in the UK but I really like them. Thanks for sharing with us your thoughts on cotton threads and for the photos showing their different uses and for the links to your articles on them. I hope you have a great weekend. Regards Anita Simmance

Mary Corbet says:

Thanks, Anita! I wish I could track down a source for Floche in the UK, so I could refer people there. So far, no luck!

Sabine says:

Dear Mary, I live in Belgium and I like your very specialized writings
I believe that in Europe “coton floche” is “Fil DMC broder special’, white or color size 16, 20 25, 30.

DMC branded products

DMC is a world-renowned brand of embroidery threads, which have been produced since the mid-1800s. DMC's range includes a variety of threads made with high-quality materials that come in over 450 colors, allowing for vibrant color palettes and exquisite designs. DMC threads are available in a range of materials, including 100% cotton 6-stranded embroidery floss, DMC Light Effects, DMC Satin Floss, DMC Color Variations, DMC Metallic Pearl Cotton, DMC Fine Braid, DMC Cebelia Crochet Cotton, DMC Babylo Cotton, DMC Cordonnet Special and DMC Perle Cotton Threads. DMC threads are ideal for a variety of embroidery projects, from cross-stitch to sashiko. DMC is also the leading provider of embroidery kits and accessories, with products available for all levels of experience, from beginners to expert designers. DMC is committed to providing superior quality threads and products for all of its customers, ensuring that crafters have the best tools possible to bring their creative visions to life. DMC threads are designed to stand the test of time, making them perfect for long-lasting projects that you can admire for years to come. DMC is a must-have in any crafter's arsenal, and provides an excellent way to bring fun and creativity into your projects. DMC is sure to bring out the artist in everyone!

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Where to Find These Threads

If you’re ready to take the plunge and try a different cotton thread, you might need some resources for where to find the threads mentioned above!

The more “obscure” cotton threads above are not usually available at local needlework shops, let alone craft or sewing stores, so they normally have to be found online.

Vaune.com carries floche and coton a broder #25 (colors).

Danish Flower Thread is available in the UK from the Danish Handcraft Guild and in Australia from All Threads. In the US, it’s available through Ingebretsen’s in Minnesota. I’m curious about the flower thread form Ginny Thompson. I’ve not tried it, but if you have, I’d love to hear feedback!

A Brief Guide to Cotton Hand Embroidery Threads

Even if you’re new to embroidery, you probably already realize that there’s more to the Wonderful World of Embroidery Thread than regular stranded cotton.

But perhaps the whole gamut of all the thread available out there – the “embarrassment of riches” that we enjoy in the needlework world today – is a bit overwhelming to you.

Perhaps you know there’s other thread you could try, but, being unsure of what’s what, you feel it’s better to stick with what you know rather than to venture into the unknown.

Often, our inhibitions to try something new are due to a lack of confidence, which stems from a lack of understanding or knowledge.

So occasionally, I like to delve into a bit of thread talk, exploring different types of threads for hand embroidery. For beginners and non-beginners alike, understanding what threads are what may encourage you to try new-to-you threads with a little more confidence!

Throughout the article, I’ll provide links to other articles on Needle ‘n Thread that will give you more information on the thread. If you want to really understand the thread, how it’s used, what it can be used for, and what it looks like in relation to other threads, feel free to explore the links for more information!

Cotton embroidery floss (or “stranded cotton”) is one of the most commonly used fibers in hand embroidery. Not only is it is widely available, but it comes in a massive range of colors and is affordable.

Besides cotton floss, though, there are different types of threads made for hand embroidery. While they’re all made from the same fiber, they vary by weight (thickness) and twist.

Let’s start with the most familiar and then move on to less familiar cotton threads.