How Many Strands of DMC Thread Should You Use

It is one of the most common questions a new stitcher asks, usually somewhere around their second or third project: do I use all six strands of this DMC thread, or just some of them? The honest answer is that it depends on what you are stitching and on which fabric, but once you understand the basic logic behind it, you will never need to wonder again.

What a Skein of DMC Thread Actually Is

Every skein of DMC stranded cotton, like our DMC 223 Light Shell Pink Stranded Cotton, is made up of six fine strands twisted loosely together into one length of thread. These strands separate easily by hand, which is exactly the point. Rather than buying different thicknesses of thread for different projects, you simply pull apart however many strands you need from the one skein.

This is genuinely one of the cleverer things about DMC thread as a system. One skein, used in different combinations, covers an enormous range of projects.

The Standard Rule for Cross Stitch

For most cross stitch on 14 count Aida fabric, which is the most common fabric for beginners, the standard is two strands for a full cross stitch. This gives good coverage over the fabric without the stitches looking bulky or uneven.

If you move to a finer fabric, such as 16 or 18 count Aida, many stitchers drop down to one strand, since the smaller holes in the fabric cannot comfortably hold as much thread. On a coarser fabric, such as 11 count, three strands sometimes gives better coverage.

As a simple starting rule: the finer the fabric, the fewer strands you generally need.

Backstitch Uses Fewer Strands

Backstitch, the fine outlining often used for detail like facial features, lettering, or thin boundary lines, is almost always worked with a single strand, even on standard 14 count fabric. Using the same two strands you used for your cross stitches will usually look too thick and heavy for this kind of delicate line work.

French Knots and Specialty Stitches

French knots, used for things like eyes, flower centres, or texture, are more flexible. One or two strands will give a smaller, neater knot, while using all six strands creates a larger, more textured knot. This is really a matter of personal preference and the effect you are going for, rather than a strict rule.

A Simple Table to Keep in Mind

As a general guide for cross stitch on standard 14 count Aida:

Full cross stitch: two strands.
Backstitch and outlining: one strand.
French knots: one to two strands, depending on the size you want.
Coarser fabric, such as 11 count: three strands.
Finer fabric, such as 18 count: one strand.

These are starting points rather than rigid rules. Many experienced stitchers adjust slightly based on how a particular pattern looks once they have stitched a small section.

Separating Strands Without Tangling Them

The easiest way to separate strands cleanly is to cut a workable length of thread, usually no longer than about 45 centimetres, then gently pull one strand upward and away from the rest while holding the bundle firmly near the top. Letting the strand twist slightly as it comes free, rather than yanking it straight out, avoids most of the tangling that frustrates new stitchers.

Working with shorter lengths overall also helps. A very long length of thread is more prone to fraying and tangling regardless of how many strands you are using.

Why This Matters More Than It Seems

Getting strand count right is not just a technical detail. The right thickness is a big part of why a finished piece looks crisp and even rather than patchy. For Emily, who enjoys trying new techniques and mediums, understanding strand count properly was the thing that made her stitching suddenly look noticeably more polished, without changing anything else about her technique.

Common Questions About Strand Count

What happens if I accidentally use the wrong number of strands? Nothing disastrous. Too few strands will look a little thin and may show the fabric underneath, while too many will look slightly raised and bulky. Neither ruins a project, and both are easy to correct by unpicking a small section.

Do all thread brands use six strands per skein? DMC and most major stranded cotton brands use six strands as the standard. It is worth checking the label on anything unfamiliar, since this can occasionally vary between brands.

Should I match strand count exactly to what a kit's instructions say? For a kit, yes, since it has been designed around a specific fabric count and effect. For your own projects, the general guidelines above give you room to use your own judgement.

Can I mix strand counts within the same project? Absolutely, and in fact most patterns do. Cross stitches, backstitch, and any French knots in the same design often use different strand counts from each other.

Building This Into Habit

Once you have stitched a handful of projects, choosing strand count becomes second nature rather than something you need to think through each time. Until then, keeping a simple reference like the guide above on hand, or jotting it inside the cover of your project notebook, takes the guesswork out of it entirely.

Stock Up and Keep Stitching

Our full range of DMC stranded cotton is sold individually, so you can build exactly the colour range your current project needs without buying more than you will use. Browse our DMC thread range alongside our cross stitch kits and embroidery supplies, and stitch with confidence knowing exactly how many strands to reach for.

Kind regards, the Crafty Hobbies team