How Many Strands of Floss for Cross Stitch? Splitting DMC Thread
TL;DR: Standard DMC embroidery floss comes as a 6-strand bundle and you almost never use all six. For cross stitch, use 3 strands for 11ct, 2 strands for 14ct–16ct, and 1 strand for 18ct and finer. For backstitch outlines, use 1 strand on most counts, or 2 if you want the outline to read bolder.
Strand count chart
| Fabric count | Cross stitch strands | Backstitch strands |
|---|---|---|
| 6ct–9ct (waste canvas, very large) | 4–6 | 2–3 |
| 11ct Aida | 3 | 1–2 |
| 14ct Aida | 2 | 1 |
| 16ct Aida | 2 | 1 |
| 18ct Aida | 1 | 1 |
| 22–28ct evenweave / linen | 1–2 (over 2 threads) | 1 |
Why strand count matters
Too few strands and your cross stitches look thin, with Aida fabric showing through. Too many and stitches look puffy, holes look stretched, and you'll struggle to pull the needle through. The right strand count gives full coverage — the stitches look dense and the fabric beneath disappears.
If your finished stitches look sparse, you're probably one strand short of ideal for your fabric.
How to split DMC floss without tangling
The 6-strand bundle is two 3-strand groups twisted together. To separate strands cleanly:
- Cut a working length — about 45–50 cm (one arm's length). Don't be greedy; longer threads tangle faster.
- Find one end of the bundle and grab a single strand between thumb and forefinger.
- Pull straight up and out — slowly. The other 5 strands will scrunch up underneath; just smooth them back down with your other hand.
- Repeat until you have the number of strands you need.
- Lay the pulled strands flat, smooth them, then thread them together through your needle's eye.
The "railroading" trick for cleaner stitches
If you use 2 or more strands and you want each cross to lie flat instead of twisted:
- After bringing the needle up, gently separate the two strands with the tip of the needle (so they sit side by side, not twisted).
- Then complete the half-cross. The two strands lie flat next to each other.
- Repeat as you cross the second diagonal.
Railroading takes longer but gives a noticeably crisper finished look. Used most often on demanding pieces or contest entries.
What about specialty threads?
- DMC Light Effects (metallic) — typically 1 strand combined with 1 strand of regular DMC. They tangle easily; cut shorter (35 cm).
- Perlé cotton — used whole, not split.
- Variegated threads (Color Variations) — same strand count as regular floss for your fabric count.
How long should your working thread be?
45–50 cm is the sweet spot. Longer and the thread fuzzes from being pulled through the fabric over and over. Shorter and you waste time rethreading.
Common strand-count mistakes
- Using 6 strands for cross stitch. Almost never correct. The bundle is a transport unit, not a stitching unit.
- Using too few strands for 11ct. 2 strands on 11ct looks thin; go to 3.
- Using 2 strands of backstitch on a fine count. Outline becomes heavier than the stitches it sits on top of.
- Not adjusting between cross stitch and backstitch. Same project usually uses different strand counts for each.
Working on a new project?
Our kits include enough DMC floss for the design — just split to the right strand count for the included Aida.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many strands of floss for 14 count Aida?
2 strands for cross stitch, 1 strand for backstitch.
How many strands of floss for 11 count Aida?
3 strands for cross stitch, 1–2 strands for backstitch.
How many strands of floss for 18 count Aida?
1 strand for both cross stitch and backstitch.
Why do you split DMC floss?
The 6-strand bundle is a transport unit. Cross stitch needs 1–3 strands depending on fabric count for proper coverage without stiffness.
What is railroading in cross stitch?
A technique where you separate the strands so they lie flat side-by-side instead of twisted. Gives crisper, cleaner stitches.
Can I use 3 strands on 14 count Aida?
You can, and stitches will look denser. But coverage on 14ct is already full with 2 strands, and 3 strands makes pulling harder and stitches puffier.
In summary
Match your strand count to your fabric: 3 for 11ct, 2 for 14ct–16ct, 1 for 18ct. Backstitch is usually 1 strand. Split strands gently to avoid tangles, work with a 45–50 cm length, and consider railroading for show-piece work. Once you have the strand count right, your finished stitches will look full, even, and exactly like the pattern intended.