How-to guide
How many strands of embroidery floss should you use?
Use 2 strands for most hand embroidery on linen or cotton, including back stitch and satin stitch. Use 1 strand for whiskers, eyelashes and tiny details, and 3 for a bold outline you want to read from across the room. Embroidery floss comes as 6 thin strands twisted together, and you separate the ones you need.
What a strand is
Embroidery floss, also called stranded cotton, is a loose rope of 6 thin strands twisted together. When a pattern says "2 strands", it means you pull 2 of those 6 out and stitch with them together in one needle.
Floss isn't quite the same as thread. Floss is made to be split. Sewing thread and pearl cotton are used whole, as one twisted thread. Six strands let one skein do everything, from a hairline whisker to a chunky border: the more strands, the thicker and bolder the line.
Strands by stitch: one number each
How many strands to use, stitch by stitch, on linen or quilting cotton
| Stitch or job | Strands | Needle | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back stitch outlines | 2 | Crewel 7 to 9 | A clean, solid line that follows curves and covers a printed line |
| Satin stitch eyes and nose | 2 | Crewel 7 to 9 | Fills a small shape smoothly without bulging |
| The smoothest possible satin fill | 1 | Crewel 9 | Slower, but lies flatter and looks the most polished |
| Whiskers, eyelashes, tiny details | 1 | Crewel 9 | A hairline you can't get any other way |
| Fur strokes in straight stitch | 2 | Crewel 7 to 9 | Matches the outline, so the portrait reads as one drawing |
| French knots | 2 | Crewel 7 to 9 | A neat round knot; for a bigger knot, add strands rather than wraps |
| A bold border or a name that should stand out | 3 | Crewel 7 | Reads clearly from across the room |
That's what our dog portraits use: 2 strands of black for every line and every fill, so the whole piece reads like one ink drawing. See how to embroider a dog for the full order of work.
1 vs 2 vs 3 strands: what changes
- 1 strand makes a fine, delicate line. It's perfect for whiskers and small lettering, but an outline in 1 strand can look faint, and the printed line may peek out beside it.
- 2 strands is the everyday choice: crisp, easy to keep smooth, and thick enough to cover a printed line.
- 3 strands makes a bold line. On small, tight curves, like the tip of an ear, it gets chunky and harder to keep smooth.
- All 6 strands is for chunky, rustic work and laid threads in couching. It's rarely right for a portrait.
Does the fabric change it?
A little. On medium-weight fabric like linen or quilting cotton, 2 strands is right. On a fine, tightly woven fabric, 1 or 2 strands pass through more cleanly. On a loose or heavy weave, 3 strands fill the bigger holes. Whatever you pick, keep the same count for the whole piece so the lines match. More on choosing fabric in linen vs cotton.
How to separate floss without tangles
- Cut a short length. Cut from your fingertips to your elbow, about 18 inches. Longer thread twists, frays and knots before you use it up.
- Pull one strand at a time. Pinch the cut end, pick out one strand, and draw it straight up and out while the rest bunches below your fingers. It straightens itself as it comes free. Then pull out the next.
- Lay them back together. Line up the strands you need side by side and thread them together. Pulled one at a time, they lie flat and cover the line better than strands peeled off as a pair.
- Let it untwist as you go. Every stitch adds a little twist. Every so often, let the needle dangle and the thread will spin back on its own.
Don't wax or condition the floss. It's ready to use as it is, and coatings can dull it and pick up grime.
Questions people ask
How many strands for back stitch?
Two strands for a clean, everyday line on linen or cotton. Use one strand for very fine details, or three for a bold outline.
How many strands for satin stitch?
Two strands is the standard and fills small shapes like eyes and noses well. One strand takes longer but gives the smoothest finish.
Does strand count change with fabric?
A little. Fine fabrics suit 1 or 2 strands, and loose or heavy fabrics suit 3. For linen and quilting cotton, 2 strands is right.
What does 2 strands mean?
Embroidery floss is made of 6 thin strands. Two strands means you separate 2 of them and thread them through the needle together.
Is embroidery floss the same as thread?
Not quite. Floss is 6 loose strands made to be split, usually cotton. Sewing thread and pearl cotton are used whole, as one twisted thread.
Sources: DMC: How to use stranded thread · Needle 'n Thread: Pulling floss one strand at a time · Needle 'n Thread: Keeping it simple on hand embroidery needles · Needle 'n Thread: On thread conditioning and beeswax