Needlepoint Yarns: Stranded Embroidery Floss
- Astrid Vangenechten
- May 20
- 2 min read
Stranded embroidery floss is one of the most common threads used in both embroidery and needlepoint. Soft, smooth, and available in hundreds of colors, it’s a staple for stitchers around the world.
In our Maison Needlepoint kits, we use high-quality DMC stranded cotton, and we make it easy—you use all six strands together for great coverage, no separating required.
A Bit of History
Stranded embroidery floss has a long legacy. Originally made from silk, it became more widely accessible in the 19th century with the rise of mercerised cotton—a process that strengthens the thread and gives it a subtle shine.
What Is Stranded Embroidery Floss?
Stranded embroidery floss is a loosely twisted, divisible thread made up of multiple single strands (called plies). The most common version is six-ply cotton, but it can also come in seven-ply, depending on the brand or fiber.
Most embroidery floss is made from 100% cotton but can also be made from silk, rayon, wool, or metallic fibers. You’ll also find flosses that are blends of different fibers—for example, cotton mixed with metallic for a bit of sparkle, or silk blended with wool for added texture.
Why Stitchers Love Stranded Floss
Stranded embroidery floss is such a popular thread choice for a few good reasons:
Versatile – You can adjust thickness by using more or fewer strands
Affordable – Cotton floss is widely available and budget-friendly
Smooth and soft – Easy to stitch with, gentle on hands
Great color range – Hundreds of colors make it ideal for shading and detail
Widely used – You'll find patterns, color charts, and tutorials using stranded floss everywhere
This makes it the go-to thread for many embroidery and needlepoint projects—especially for those who love color and smooth stitches.
Do You Always Have to Separate the Strands?
Not necessarily. Stranded floss is made to be divisible, which means you can pull apart the strands and use fewer if the design or fabric calls for it. Some projects only need 2 or 3 strands to avoid bulky stitches or to create a more delicate finish.
Some stitchers separate all six strands and then put them back together again, believing it reduces tangling and helps the threads lie flatter. While that can be helpful in certain types of embroidery, it’s not a must for needlepoint —especially when the design was created with full strands in mind.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s made from cotton or silk, stranded embroidery floss is a beautiful and versatile thread to stitch with. It glides easily through canvas, comes in every color you can imagine, and gives your needlepoint that crisp, colorful finish we love.
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