Cross stitch and embroidery are crafts that anyone can enjoy, but choosing the right embroidery thread can make a real difference to how your finished project looks. While standard stranded cotton is the most popular starting point, there are many other thread types available that can add shine, texture, softness, and depth to your designs.
Whether you are just starting out or looking to try something new, this guide covers all the main types of threads used in cross stitch and embroidery, so you can feel confident picking the right one for your next project.
What Is Embroidery Thread?
Embroidery thread is the colored thread you stitch your design with. Unlike regular sewing thread, embroidery thread is specially made to be stronger, more vibrant, and available in a wide range of finishes—from matte and soft to shiny and sparkly.
The most widely used type is stranded cotton, also commonly called embroidery floss. However, brands like DMC and Anchor also offer a variety of specialty threads designed to help you create more detailed, decorative, and professional-looking results.
At Willow Fabrics, you can browse threads from both brands in one place, whether you are a complete beginner or a more experienced stitcher working on complex designs.
The Different Types of Threads Used in Cross Stitch & Embroidery:
1. Stranded Cotton — The Standard Embroidery Floss
Stranded cotton is the most popular embroidery thread for both cross-stitch and hand embroidery. Each skein is made up of six individual strands loosely twisted together, which means you can separate them and use however many your pattern requires. Most cross-stitch patterns on 14-count Aida fabric call for two strands, while larger or smaller fabric counts may need adjusting.
Both DMC and Anchor produce stranded cotton in hundreds of color-fast shades, making it easy to match any design accurately. It is smooth, easy to handle, and widely available, which is why it is the go-to choice for stitchers of all skill levels.
Stranded cotton is also referred to as "divisible thread" because you can split the strands. This makes it very flexible for both fine detail work and fuller coverage stitching.
Best for: general cross stitch, detailed patterns, all skill levels, and beginners learning to stitch.
2. Pearl Cotton Thread
Pearl cotton, sometimes written as "perlé cotton," is a thicker, non-divisible thread—meaning you use it as a single strand without separating it. Because it is twisted rather than stranded, it creates bolder stitches with a slightly raised, rounded effect on the fabric that standard stranded cotton cannot replicate.
It is available in different sizes, with size 5 (thicker) and size 8 (finer) being the most commonly used for cross-stitch and embroidery. The higher the number, the finer the thread. Both DMC and Anchor offer pearl cotton in a wide range of shades, and many of the colors match their stranded cotton ranges.
Pearl cotton is a great choice when you want your stitching to stand out more clearly or when you are working on larger count fabrics where standard stranded cotton may look too thin.
Best for: Bold designs, decorative embroidery, larger count fabrics, and stitchers who want more visible and textured stitches.
3. Soft Embroidery Thread
Soft embroidery thread, also known as "cotton matt thread" or "cotton à broder," has a matte finish rather than a shiny one. It is thicker than standard stranded cotton but gives a softer, more natural, and traditional look to finished projects. Like pearl cotton, it is non-divisible and used as a single strand.
DMC produces a well-known range of soft embroidery thread that is particularly popular for traditional and folk-style embroidery designs. Because it does not need separating, it is also very straightforward to work with—making it a good option for those who find stranded cotton fiddly.
If you prefer a flat, matte finish over any kind of sheen, soft embroidery thread is the right choice for your project.
Best for: traditional embroidery styles, matte-finish projects, folk art designs, and stitchers who want a natural look without shine.
4. Satin Threads
Satin threads have a smooth, slightly glossy finish that makes colors look brighter and more vivid. They reflect light gently, giving stitching a clean and polished appearance without being overly sparkly. This makes them a popular choice for decorative cross stitch projects where a subtle, refined shine is needed.
DMC satin threads are one of the most widely used options and are available in a broad range of shades. They work especially well when used alongside standard stranded cotton — for example, stitching the main design in cotton and adding satin thread to flowers, clothing details, or highlights.
One thing to note is that satin threads can sometimes be a little more slippery to work with than cotton. Using shorter thread lengths helps keep them under control while stitching.
Best for: Decorative cross stitch, fine detail highlights, projects where a soft shine is needed, blending with stranded cotton.
5. Metallic Threads
Metallic threads are one of the most eye-catching thread types available for cross-stitch and embroidery. They have a bright, sparkly finish that adds real visual impact to a design, making them especially popular for festive projects, decorative borders, star and jewelry details, and Christmas-themed designs.
DMC Light Effects metallic thread is one of the most widely used options, available in gold, silver, copper, jewel tones, and even glow-in-the-dark varieties. Each metallic shade is designed to complement a matching stranded cotton color, so they blend naturally into your designs.
It is worth knowing that metallic threads can be slightly trickier to handle than cotton threads. They can twist, tangle, or fray more easily. To get the best results, use shorter thread lengths of around 30–35 cm and a needle with a larger eye to reduce friction.
Best for: Festive and Christmas designs, decorative borders, jewelry and star details, and adding sparkle and highlight stitching to any project.
DMC vs. Anchor: Which Brand Is Right for You?
Both DMC and Anchor are trusted, globally recognized embroidery thread brands, and both are stocked at Willow Fabrics. Here is a quick comparison to help you decide:
DMC has been producing embroidery threads since 1746 and is the most widely referenced brand in modern cross-stitch patterns. It offers over 500 color-fast shades of stranded cotton, plus a full range of pearl cotton, satin, metallic, and soft embroidery threads. If your pattern lists DMC color numbers, it is straightforward to match them exactly.
Anchor is another premium thread brand with over 250 years of heritage. It offers 460 shades of stranded cotton and uses its own color numbering system. Anchor threads are known for their vibrant colors and pull-free construction, meaning they are less likely to fray during stitching.
If your pattern specifies one brand, it is best to stick with it for accurate color matching. If you are choosing freely, both deliver excellent quality. DMC-to-anchor conversion charts are also available if you ever need to switch between the two.
How to Choose the Right Thread for Your Project:
With so many embroidery thread types available, here are a few simple things to consider before you buy:
Fabric count: Finer fabrics with a higher thread count, such as 18-count or 28-count evenweave, work best with thinner threads. Larger count fabrics like 11-count Aida suit thicker threads like pearl cotton. If you are unsure which fabric to use, check out our cross-stitch fabric guide.
Design style: Detailed and realistic designs usually need the flexibility of stranded cotton. Bold or decorative projects can work beautifully with pearl cotton or satin thread.
Finish preference: Think about whether you want a matte, satin, or sparkly finish before you start. Soft embroidery thread gives a natural matte look, satin thread adds subtle shine, and metallic thread delivers full sparkle.
Experience level: If you are new to cross stitch or embroidery, start with stranded cotton or pearl cotton. These are the easiest to handle and the most beginner-friendly. Once you are confident, try introducing metallic or satin threads in small accent areas of your design.
Final Thoughts:
Understanding the different types of embroidery thread is one of the best ways to take your cross-stitch and embroidery projects to the next level. Whether you choose the smooth versatility of stranded cotton, the bold texture of pearl cotton, the refined finish of satin thread, or the sparkle of metallic thread, each type brings something unique to your work.
If you are ready to explore new thread types for your next project, Willow Fabrics stocks a wide selection of DMC and Anchor threads suitable for all styles and skill levels. The right thread truly can transform a simple design into something beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the best thread for cross-stitch beginners?
Stranded cotton from DMC or Anchor is the best starting point. It is easy to handle, available in hundreds of colors, and used in most cross-stitch patterns and kits.
2. What is the difference between stranded cotton and pearl cotton?
Stranded cotton is made up of six separable strands, so you can use as many as your project needs. Pearl cotton is a single twisted thread that cannot be divided, and it creates thicker, more raised stitches.
3. Can I use metallic thread for all cross-stitch projects?
Metallic thread is best used for accent areas rather than full-coverage stitching. It adds sparkle to specific details but can be harder to work with than cotton threads.
4. What does "colorfast" mean for embroidery thread?
"Colorfast" means the dye in the thread will not run or fade when washed. Both DMC and Anchor threads are color-fast, which means your finished projects will stay looking vivid over time.
