How Many Strands of Thread for Cross Stitch

No matter the technique you are employing in your sewing, you can be sure that you must use a thread. Yes, it is so apparent that you need one.

Now, you can have many different threads that you can choose. But you do not need a hundred of them to come up with a perfect stitch.

Different threads will fit different sewing situations. You, therefore, need to have your fabric with you so that you can make a good option.

The thread you need to use for cross stitching is the embroidery thread. You can also employ the Stranded cotton thread. But how much of this should you use? Let’s find out!

How Many Strands of Thread for Cross Stitch?

It depends on the fabric type you are using. But, generally, when dealing with a 14-count and the 16-count Aida, you will need two strands of stranded cotton.

The 11-count Aida will need three strands of the thread, and the 18-count Aida will use 1 or 2 strands. You might want to mix the number of threads you are using in a given project.

You can also change the touch of your fabric by using one or even three strands.

Types of Cross Stitch Thread

There are a variety of cross stitch threads that you can use depending on your project. Some use the stranded cotton threads, which are the most common, while others use embroidery threads.

Different types of thread include linen threads, rayons, and flower threads.

There are different types of stranded threads that you can use. In this section, you will learn about this. Below are the different kinds of Stranded threads.

1. Madeira Stranded Cotton Thread

Madeira is one of the most commonly used threads for cross-stitching. It comes in a few colors; therefore, it may be hard to select the thread color that matches your thread.

The storage of this cotton cross stitch thread makes it easy to use it. It comes in a plastic packet. Therefore, you can be able to do one with a particular thread length at a time.

As such, you can deal with some clean thread, not that which keeps on entangling. It will contribute to the neatness of your linen.

2. Anchor Stranded Cotton Thread

Anchor stranded cross stitch thread comes as six strands of yarn. You can get it in various colors, and it is among the best cross stitching threads you can use.

3. DMC Stranded Cotton Thread

Like the Anchor stranded thread, DMC also comes in as six-stranded embroidery threads. It has the widest variety of color ranges. Therefore, you can’t lack that which fits your fabric.

So, when we look at the three, DMC stranded cotton thread can give you the widest variety to select. You can get it from the store, and with it, be sure that you will have a color to match your material.

How to Cross Stitch With Multiple Threads?

Now that you know that you can have more than one strand of thread in cross-stitching, how do you deal with them?

The procedure is not as straightforward as when dealing with a single thread. But through practice, you can be able to perfect using multiple threads in a fabric.

You may decide to use multiple strands to come up with a specific pattern. In some cases, the type of fabric you are using will require you to use multiple strands.

Some materials such as linen or evenweave are examples that need numerous threads. So, how do you navigate this?

If you are dealing with two threads, you will be required to cross stitch over 2. Here, you will stitch on one hole, then skip the next and move on to sew the next hole.

Below is the procedure you can follow.

Step 1: Prepare Your Garment

Your linen needs to be ready for stitching. You can wash it and iron it to avoid tangling when cross-stitching.

Step 2: Thread Your Needle

After prepping your garment, you should then thread your needle. It is best to use different needles for the two threads or more threads.

It will ensure that your work is neat and navigating through it is easy.

Step 3: Start Stitching

When stitching with multiple threads, you can make one stitch then leave a “hole” for the other thread.

Go ahead to the next hole. You should start from one row to avoid confusion and to ensure that you have your pattern correct.

Once you finish stitching with one thread, start sewing with the other. Repeat the stitching process until you finish sewing all the holes.

Determining the Number of Strands of Threads Required for a Cross Stitch

Different kinds of fabrics will require a different number of threads. Also, the number is influenced by the type of pattern you are going to make.

Some of the things you should look at to know the number of strands include:

1. The Type of Fabric

Linen may need a particular number of strands for you to make a specific pattern. The same case applies to other different fabrics.

2. Your Fabric Count

Is your fabric large or small, or does it require multiple cross stitches? Once you can determine this, you will come up with a specific number of strands to use.

3. The Pattern You Want to Create

Different patterns will require a different number of strands. If you are looking to develop a more complex design, you will need to have many strands of thread.

Also, a complex pattern may require you to have more than ten different colors of the thread. Therefore, you need to be ready to work through the different number of threads.

Practical Ways to Determine Strands of Thread for Cross Stitch

Other methods you can use to determine the number of strands of threads include the following.

1. Make a Few Stitches

Cross stitching can be messy, especially if you do not know what you are creating. To avoid making mistakes and having the correct thread count, you can try to make a few stitches first.

From here, you will know if the number of threads you have is enough. Also, you will determine whether or not they bring out the pattern you want.

A neat-looking cross-stitch may require only a few strands of thread. You need not mix up a hundred colors and come up with something messy.

However, if you like your fabric to look fluffy with the stitches, you will make no mistake using more strands. You, however, need to ensure that your work is neat.

2. Determine Whether You Are Sewing Over

It is also an excellent method to identify the number of threads you require. Are you cross-stitching over one or stitching over two or even more?

Here the size of the fabric will guide you too. If you are going to sew over two or more, your material is extensive; hence you will be using more than two threads.

What Does It Mean to Check the Number of Threads?

The thread count on different fabrics will be separate. To check the thread count, you will be reviewing the number of threads used on the material.

As such, you can use the pattern at hand when trying to stitch another kind of fabric. Also, it can mean determining the number of threads that you will use for cross stitch.

You can achieve this thread count by choosing the pattern you want. The size of your fabric will also guide you.

Does the Number of Strands Depend on the Stitch Count?

Yes, the number of strands you will use for cross stitching will depend on this. Therefore it is of much importance to ensure that you get the thread count for your fabric right.

You don’t want to make any mistakes when cross-stitching. You can determine the strands by first making a few stitches on your fabric.

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Jessica

I'm Jessica Flores, a professional fashion designer and an expert seamstress.

Crafting has always been a deep-seated passion of mine, one that has flourished and evolved over the years.

I've dedicated considerable time to both studying and practicing in the realm of fashion and sewing, amassing a wealth of experience and skills.

It brings me great joy to share these insights and experiences with you all, hoping to inspire and foster a similar passion for the art of sewing.

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