How Many Strands of Floss for Cross-Stitch?

Strands and needle size by fabric count

The strand counts are the Colonial Needle Company's starting points for full cross-stitches. The needle sizes are from World of Cross Stitching's needle size guide; a higher number is a finer tapestry needle. Where a guide does not list a fabric, the cell says so.

Why the count changes the strands

Count is the number of stitches per inch. On 11-count Aida each stitch is about 0.09" (2.3 mm) across; on 18-count it is about 0.06" (1.4 mm). A bigger square of fabric needs more thread to fill it, and a smaller one needs less, or the cross looks thin on low counts and crowded on high counts.

The size follows the same number. A 70-stitch-wide design is 6.36" (16.2 cm) on 11-count, 5" (12.7 cm) on 14-count and 3.89" (9.9 cm) on 18-count. Moving to a higher count shrinks the piece and, usually, takes a strand away.

How to separate floss strands

Adafruit's cross-stitch instructions describe the usual method: most embroidery floss is made of six strands, so cut an arm's length and separate the number you need, usually two or three. Pull single strands out one at a time and lay them back together, rather than splitting the bundle down the middle, which tends to tangle.

Some specialty threads differ. The same instructions note that some metallic floss has 12 strands, so read the label before you divide it.

Evenweave and linen: over one or over two

On evenweave and linen the count is threads per inch, and most designs are worked over two threads, so 28-count over two gives 14 stitches per inch, the same size as 14-count Aida. The Colonial Needle Company gives 2 strands for 25-count evenweave over two and 1 to 2 strands for 28- or 32-count linen over two. Worked over one thread, 25-count drops to 1 strand.

Backstitch, fractional stitches and the pattern key

Many patterns give different strand counts for full crosses, fractional stitches and backstitch outlines, and the Colonial Needle Company says to follow the pattern whenever a strand count is given. Read the key before you thread the needle: it is common for outlines to use fewer strands than the crosses they surround.

How far one cut length goes

A six-strand length gives three needle threads at 2 strands or two at 3 strands. Stitching with 3 strands instead of 2 therefore uses half as much floss again for the same area, so check the floss amount on the pattern before you change the strand count for fuller coverage.

Test before your next session

Stitch a block of ten crosses with 2 strands and ten with 3 on a scrap of your fabric, then look at them from arm's length. Pick the one where the fabric does not show through the crosses but the holes are not stuffed. The cross-stitch pattern maker on this site shows the finished size for each fabric count, so you can choose the count and the strands together.

Common questions

How many strands for 14-count Aida?

Two strands is the usual starting point for full cross-stitches on 14-count Aida, with a size 24 tapestry needle. Follow your pattern if it says otherwise.

How many strands for 18-count Aida?

One or two. One strand gives a flatter, finer look; two gives fuller coverage. Pair it with a size 28 needle.

Can I use 3 strands on 14-count for fuller coverage?

You can, but test it first, because the holes on 14-count can look crowded. Three strands also use half as much floss again as two, so check you have enough.

How many strands are in embroidery floss?

Most stranded embroidery floss has six strands, which you separate before stitching. Some metallic flosses have 12.