Whether you are a beginner to the craft or looking to refine your skills, this guide will help you navigate shopping for DMC threads, an accessible, affordable, and beautiful thread option for needlepoint stitching.
Understanding Thread
When starting a needlepoint project, one of the most critical decisions, other than design and color, is the type of thread you’ll use. There are many different needlepoint threads, but it boils down to a few features: strandable or non-strandable thread, weight, and fiber content. Choosing a good thread for your project is essential since the thread's quality will impact your project's final look. Some lucky needlepointers have easy access to Local Needlepoint Shops, and can shop to their heart's content for all kinds of incredible thread options. If you don't have a needlepoint shop nearby, or if you are a needlepoint beginner wanting a budget-friendly choice, DMC threads are a great option! DMC thread is used by the best and is affordable for even the tightest craft budgets.
DMC: The Trusted Choice
DMC thread is well-known for its reliability, versatility, and durability in many types of needlework circles, including embroidery, cross stitch, and needlepoint. It is the most affordable and accessible brand since you won’t have to go to a specialty fiber or craft store to find a selection. You can find it in any Michaels, Joann’s, or Hobby Lobby! It is the most popular brand across the fiber arts for a reason – it has been producing thread and floss for embroidery since 1746. With the broadest available range of colors, high quality and durability, ease of use, and versatility, DMC is a no-brainer choice for needlepointers willing to embrace it.
DMC Floss
DMC Floss is strandable, meaning that it comprises several strands that can be split apart individually. Strandable threads typically have the best end results, as you can customize the coverage you want on your project by using more or less strands. DMC Floss is a 6-ply thread with six individual strands that make up the thread. I recommend using four strands of DMC Floss on 18 mesh canvas and six strands on 13 mesh canvas.
Floss has a few advantages, such as its affordability and accessibility. It is available in over 500 colors for between $0.50 and $1.00 in major craft stores, making it accessible for any craft budget. It is strandable, which makes it very versatile and gives you many options for coverage on your canvas. It has a flatter texture, which will lay flat on your canvas. However, floss has a tendency to tangle if it isn’t handled carefully. It also comes in a smaller skein, so you will need to purchase multiple skeins for a large area of stitching.
DMC Pearl
DMC Pearl is a heavier cotton thread that is wound up into twisted skeins, and features twisted individual thread for a different texture than floss. DMC Pearl Cotton is not strandable, which can cause some issues with twisting. The cotton thread is quite thick, which can make it difficult to manipulate when working with it on canvas, especially when comparing it to wool yarn, which is very squishy and malleable. Because it is not strandable, it can also become bumpy as you work, which is not quite the right look for detailed stitching. I recommend using DMC Pearl number 5 for 18 mesh canvas and number 3 for 13 mesh canvas. Just be aware - DMC Pearl number 3 is my least favorite thread to work with. But if you love it, keep using it! Don't let me yuck your yum!
Is it Spelled Pearl or Perle?
Both spellings are correct! DMC is a French company, so you may see the French spelling "Perle" and the English spelling "Pearl" used interchangeably. The name of the thread refers to its high shine.
Tips for Using DMC Floss
Thread Length
So you’re all ready to start your project! Cutting the right amount of thread is crucial to keeping your stitches clean and tidy. I recommend measuring the amount of thread using this method.
First, pinch the end of your thread between your pointer finger and thumb. Then, form a straight line between your fingers and your elbow, measuring enough thread to reach your elbow. Cut where the thread meets your elbow.
With this method, you will have enough thread to cover a substantial area of your project without worrying about tangles after you’ve threaded your needle! Remember, it’s better to rethread your needle early and often rather than deal with messy, tangled threads as you work.
Avoiding Tangles
DMC Floss is notorious for accumulating tangles if you aren’t careful. Thankfully, there are a few ways to avoid tangles and keep your thread nice and neat.
DMC Floss has a short label and a long label. In order to keep your skein tidy while in use, first find the end of the thread towards the long label. Hold the skein in your dominant hand with the long label at the bottom, holding both labels inside your fist to keep them in place. Then, pull the end of the thread at the long label to the desired length. When you are done, you can cut the thread, and your skein will remain intact with no tangles! That way, your skein will be kept neat and can be stored easily.
If you prefer to store or display your thread, you can also unwind your skeins onto bobbins. Bobbins allow you to completely unwind your skein and store it hassle-free and tangle-free. When using the bobbin method, you can also check for any imperfections in the thread, which can be helpful if you are inheriting your thread from a friend or family member or purchasing it second-hand.
How to Strand Threads
When stitching with a strandable thread or floss, it is vital to completely separate each strand from the base thread so that each thread will lie flat across your canvas. To separate the strands, find the end of your thread and pinch it between two fingers. Gently twist the thread between your fingers to isolate each thread. The thread will look frayed at the ends, but don’t worry– this will help you to separate the individual strands. Then, you can pull each strand from the group and thread your needle.
Do not try to pull more than one strand away from the group at once, as this can cause tangles. Lay each strand flat across your canvas or workspace as you prepare to thread your needle!
Keeping Strands Flat
It can be a challenge to avoid tangles with threads as a beginner needlepointer, especially when working with DMC Floss for the first time. By using a laying tool, you can ensure that your strands lay flat on your canvas while you’re stitching, especially when using thread that is prone to twisting when the strands need to lay flat. A laying tool can be beneficial for making decorative stitches with long strands clean and precise while also keeping a simple basketweave smooth.
Using a Laying Tool
A laying tool can be a valuable addition to your needlepoint kit. The laying tool is a small, pointed instrument that guides thread through stitches as you work and helps thread lay flat, especially thread that tends to twist up. To use it, lay it flat across the canvas as you pull your thread through the bottom of the canvas. As you insert your needle to complete the stitch through the top, catch your thread with the tip of the laying tool to lay each strand flat across your canvas. Pull through to complete the stitch, with each strand flat and untangled. A laying tool is not always necessary if working a basketweave, but it can be helpful for beginner needleworkers to get cohesive coverage.
I have found that the laying tool is a great way to make your stitches that much neater. I’ve started carrying both Trolley Needles, which attach to your finger like a ring for easy use, and The Best Laying Tool in my shop!
Finishing Up
The best way to learn a new skill is to learn from others who have been there and done that before you. To discover new techniques, we have to learn from each other. I’m proud to share my tips and tricks with you across platforms!
Now that you have a window into the world of needlepoint and a cohesive guide to getting started, it’s time to anchor in! I hope you are excited to get started on your new journey of needlepoint. Stitch up some magic!
