The Needlepointer’s Guide to Thread

Everything You Need to Know About Thread Types, Dye Lots, Ply, and Choosing the Right Fiber

If you’ve ever walked into a needlepoint shop (or browsed online) and seen walls of colorful thread, you probably had the same thought many beginners do:

“Why are there so many options… and how do I know which one to use?”

It’s one of the most common questions new stitchers ask.

At first glance, thread might seem simple, but in needlepoint, thread selection is part of the art. The fiber you choose affects the look, texture, durability, and even the stitching experience of your canvas.

The good news?

Once you understand a few key concepts, thread becomes one of the most fun parts of needlepoint.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know so you can choose thread confidently whether you’re shopping online or visiting your Local Needlepoint Store (LNS).

Why You Can’t Use Just Any Thread

One of the biggest beginner mistakes is assuming any needlepoint thread will work on any canvas.

In reality, thread must match the canvas mesh size.

Needlepoint canvas is measured in mesh, which means the number of holes per inch.

The higher the mesh number, the smaller the holes, and the thinner the thread must be.

Using the wrong thread can cause:

• Poor coverage

• Bulky stitches

• Difficulty pulling thread through canvas

• Uneven finished results

Choosing the right thread ensures your stitches sit beautifully on the canvas.

The Most Popular Types of Needlepoint Thread

There are dozens of thread options available, but most fall into a few main categories.

Silk Thread

Silk is one of the most luxurious fibers used in needlepoint.

Why stitchers love it:

• Beautiful sheen

• Soft texture

• Strong and durable

• Smooth stitching experience

Popular silk threads include:

• Vineyard Silk

• Pepper Pot Silk

• Silk & Ivory

Silk is incredibly versatile and works well on both 13 and 18 mesh, depending on the thickness.

Wool Thread

Wool has been used in needlepoint for centuries and remains a classic choice.

Why stitchers love it:

•Traditional look

• Great coverage

• Very durable

• Ideal for home decor

Popular wool threads include:

• Persian Wool

• Crewel Wool

Wool with its thicker look and feel works especially well on 13 mesh canvas.

Cotton Thread

Cotton threads offer a matte finish and crisp stitching.

Why stitchers love it:

• Smooth texture

• Great for detailed designs

• Widely available

A popular example:

• DMC Perle Cotton

Cotton is commonly used on 18 mesh canvas.

Specialty and Novelty Fibers

One of the most exciting things about needlepoint is the variety of specialty threads available.

These include:

• Metallic threads

• Velvet threads

• Fuzzy threads

• Sparkle threads

• Ribbon fibers

These threads add texture and dimension to your project.

Most stitchers combine specialty fibers with traditional threads to add interest to certain areas of a canvas.

Understanding Ply

Some threads are made up of multiple strands twisted together.

This is called ply.

Examples:

• 3-ply thread

• 6-ply thread

Certain threads allow you to separate the strands, which is called stripping the ply.

This helps adjust the thickness of the thread for different canvas sizes.

What Is a Skein?

A skein is the packaged bundle of thread you buy in a store.

Once you cut thread from the skein to stitch with, each individual piece becomes a strand.

Most skeins contain several yards of thread.

Why Dye Lot Matters

Thread is dyed in batches called dye lots.

Even when the color name is the same, slight variations can occur between batches.

If you run out of thread and buy another skein from a different dye lot, you may notice a subtle color shift.

Because of this, it’s always smart to:

buy slightly more thread than you think you’ll need.

It’s much easier to have extra than to try matching dye lots later.

How Long Should Your Thread Be?

Another common beginner question is how long thread should be when stitching.

The general rule:

Cut thread about 12–18 inches long.

Threads that are too long can:

• Twist easily

• Fray

• Lose their sheen

• Tangle while stitching

Shorter lengths create smoother stitches and are easier to manage.

What Are Those Little Pieces of Thread Called?

When stitching, you’ll notice small leftover thread pieces that accumulate.

These are often affectionately called:

• Thread tails

• Thread snippets

• Ort pieces (probably the most common)

The container where stitchers collect these pieces is called an ort jar.

Many stitchers love keeping a jar of colorful thread snippets as a fun visual reminder of their stitching progress.

Matching Thread to Canvas Size

Here is a quick reference guide many stitchers use.

13 Mesh Canvas

Best thread choices:

• Silk & Ivory

• Pepper Pot Silk (multiple strands)

• Persian Wool

These threads are thick enough to fill the larger holes of 13 mesh.

18 Mesh Canvas

Best thread choices:

• Vineyard Silk

• DMC Perle Cotton

• Planet Earth Silk

These threads provide excellent coverage while still allowing for detail.

Thread Is Part of the Creative Process

Choosing thread isn’t just technical, it’s creative.

The fiber you select can change the entire look of your finished canvas.

Threads can add:

• Shine

• Softness

• Texture

• Sparkle

• Dimension

This is why thread selection is often one of the most fun parts of needlepoint.

Quick Needlepoint Thread Cheat Sheet

Remember these basics:

• Match thread thickness to canvas mesh

• Buy extra thread to avoid dye lot issues

• Cut thread 12–18 inches long

• Explore silk, wool, cotton, and specialty fibers

• Keep an ort jar for thread snippets

Final Thoughts

Thread can feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand a few basic concepts, mesh size, fiber types, dye lots, and ply, the entire process becomes much easier.

And the truth is:

There’s rarely just one “right” thread choice.

Much of needlepoint is personal preference and experimentation.

At AW Needlework Designs, we believe needlepoint should feel fun, relaxing, creative, and a much needed break away from it all!

The right thread simply helps your stitches shine.

Enjoy every stitch!

Happy Stitching!
AW