How many strands of floss for cross-stitch?
Embroidery floss has six strands; how many to stitch with depends on your fabric. A simple guide for 11 to 18-count Aida, evenweave and backstitch.
By The Hoop & Paw team · Published · 2 min read
Six-strand embroidery floss is made of six thin strands twisted together. You separate it and stitch with only a few at a time, chosen to fill the holes of your fabric without crowding them.
The usual choice
| Fabric | Full crosses | Backstitch |
|---|---|---|
| 11-count Aida | 3 strands | 1–2 strands |
| 14-count Aida | 2 strands | 1 strand |
| 16-count Aida | 2 strands | 1 strand |
| 18-count Aida | 1–2 strands | 1 strand |
| 28-count evenweave over two | 2 strands | 1 strand |
Two strands on 14-count Aida is the classic combination, and it's what our patterns' thread amounts assume unless you choose another fabric.
More or fewer strands
- More strands give a fuller, raised look and hide the fabric completely — but use more floss and can look heavy.
- Fewer strands give a lighter, more delicate look where the fabric shows through. Some stitchers like one strand on 18-count for a soft, vintage feel.
Separating strands
Cut a length of about 18 inches. Hold it at the top, pull one strand straight up and out, and let the rest bunch up below — it untangles itself. Repeat for the second strand and put them back together. Separating each strand first makes the stitches lie flatter.
Tip: the loop start
If you're stitching with two strands, take one strand twice as long, fold it in half and thread the two cut ends through the needle. Make your first half-stitch, then pass the needle through the loop at the back — no knot, and a neat start.