Comparison
Embroidery floss vs pearl cotton: what's the difference?
Embroidery floss is six fine strands that you separate and stitch with a few at a time. Pearl cotton is a single twisted thread with a soft shine that you use whole, in sizes 3, 5, 8 and 12, where 12 is the finest. For a fine line portrait, use floss: 2 strands give a delicate, pen-like line.
Side by side
Stranded embroidery floss and pearl cotton compared
| Six-strand floss | Pearl cotton | |
|---|---|---|
| Made of | Six fine strands, loosely twisted together | One tightly twisted thread |
| Can you split it? | Yes: you stitch with as many strands as you need | No: it's used whole, straight from the skein or ball |
| Thickness | Set by how many strands you use | Set by the size: 3 is thickest, 12 is finest |
| The look | A flat, smooth line | A rounded, twisted line with a satin sheen |
| Sold as | Small skeins | Skeins and balls |
| Good for | Fine lines, satin fills, anything from one strand to six | Bold outlines, borders, couching; also crochet and needlepoint |
How pearl cotton sizes compare to floss
There's no exact conversion, because strands of floss and one twisted thread don't match one to one. Needle 'n Thread stitched them side by side and found 2 strands of floss close in size to size 12 pearl cotton, the finest size. Sizes 8, 5 and 3 are thicker, in that order.
The surest way to match them is to stitch a short line of each on a scrap and compare.
Floss vs thread
Floss is a kind of embroidery thread, made to be split. Pearl cotton and sewing thread are used whole, as one twisted thread. Six strands are what let one skein of floss do everything, from a hairline whisker in one strand to a chunky border in six. More in how many strands of embroidery floss to use.
Where pearl cotton fits in a dog portrait
Not in the face. Our patterns place a dot about every 1/8 inch, drawn for 2 strands of black floss, and a thicker thread would crowd the lines.
- A bold leash or collar, laid on top and tacked down with couching.
- A chunky border in chain stitch around the hoop.
- The wrapping thread on a line of whipped back stitch, for a rounded cord.
Pearl cotton needs a needle with a bigger eye: a crewel needle in a low size, or a chenille needle. See embroidery needle types and sizes.
Questions people ask
Can you use pearl cotton for embroidery?
Yes. It's made for it, and it's lovely for bold lines, borders and couching. Because you can't split it, pick the size for the line you want: 12 is finest and 3 is thickest.
What's the difference between floss and thread?
Floss is a kind of embroidery thread made to be split: six strands you separate and recombine. Pearl cotton and sewing thread are used whole, as one twisted thread.
How many strands of embroidery floss is perle 8?
There's no exact match. Needle 'n Thread found 2 strands of floss close to size 12 pearl cotton, the finest size, and size 8 is thicker than that. To match them, stitch a short line of each side by side.
Which is better for a dog portrait?
Floss. Two strands of black make the fine, even line our patterns are drawn for. Save pearl cotton for a bold collar, a leash or a border.
Sources: DMC: How to use pearl cotton · Needle 'n Thread: Comparing cotton threads, stitched · DMC: How to use stranded thread