How Many Strands of Floss for Cross Stitch? Chart by Count
How many strands of floss to use for cross stitch on 11, 14, 16 and 18-count Aida and on evenweave, plus backstitch and how to separate strands neatly.
Embroidery floss such as DMC comes as six thin strands twisted together. You almost never stitch with all six. How many you use depends on the fabric: too few and the fabric shows through, too many and the stitches look lumpy and crowd the holes.
The quick answer
| Fabric | Cross stitch | Backstitch | Tapestry needle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-count Aida | 3 strands | 1 or 2 strands | 22 |
| 14-count Aida | 2 strands | 1 strand | 24 |
| 16-count Aida | 2 strands | 1 strand | 24 or 26 |
| 18-count Aida | 1 or 2 strands | 1 strand | 26 |
| 28-count evenweave, over two | 2 strands | 1 strand | 26 |
When in doubt, use 2 strands on 14-count Aida. It is the most common combination, and the one most patterns assume. The patterns on this site, and their skein counts, are worked out for 2 strands.
Why the count matters
The count is the number of squares per inch. On 14-count Aida there are 14 squares per inch; on 18-count there are 18, so each square is smaller. A smaller square needs a thinner thread to fill it neatly.
On 18-count, two strands give full, rich coverage, and one strand gives a lighter, more delicate look where a little fabric shows. Try both on a corner of the fabric before you start.
Test before you commit
Thread differs a little between brands and fabric between makers, so stitch a small test square of ten stitches each way:
- If you can see a lot of fabric between the crosses, add a strand.
- If the stitches bulge, the holes look stretched, or the thread frays as you pull it through, take one away.
Whatever you choose, use the same number for the whole piece, or areas will look different.
Separating strands without tangles
- Cut a length about as long as your forearm, around 18 inches. Longer threads tangle and wear thin.
- Hold the cut end and pull one strand straight up and out, slowly. The rest of the bundle bunches up below and then relaxes.
- Pull out the second strand the same way, then put the two back together side by side.
This step, called stripping, makes the strands lie flat and gives smoother, shinier stitches than pulling out two strands together.
Does the number of strands change how much floss to buy?
Yes. Three strands use half as much again as two, and one strand uses half. A skein of DMC is 8 meters of six strands, so at 2 strands you get three working lengths of the full 8 meters from each skein. The cross stitch calculator estimates the skeins for a design size and fabric count, and every free pattern lists the skeins for each color at 2 strands.
Special threads
- Metallic floss is often stitched with 1 strand of metallic blended with 1 strand of ordinary floss, which makes it easier to handle.
- Variegated floss (colors that change along the thread) works best if you finish each cross before starting the next, so the color change shows.
- Backstitch outlines use 1 strand on most fabrics so they stay crisp.
New to all this? Start with cross stitch for beginners, then try one of the small free patterns.