3 Best Hand Embroidery Threads
These are the three best threads to use for hand embroidery, especially for beginners.
There are many different threads that are designed for hand embroidery. Besides that, you can also do hand stitching with other fibres not specifically designed for embroidery.
Watch the video for my opinions on the three best hand embroidery threads and scroll down to see close up images of stitches made with different threads.
Video
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Thread comparisons
The three best threads for hand embroidery (in my opinion) are 6-strand embroidery floss, perle cotton and wool.
See how stitches look made with each of these threads.
6-strand embroidery floss
Embroidery floss is a great thread because it is economical, versatile and easily available.
You can create threads of different weights by using different numbers of strands.
See more about using embroidery floss HERE.
running stitch in 6-strand floss
back stitch in 6-strand floss
chain stitch in 6-strand floss
Perle cotton
Perle cotton is a non-divisible thread with a beautiful sheen.
Because it can’t be divided, you need to choose your thread weight for the size of stitches you want. The thread is available in different weights.
The sizes of thread are numbered, and the smaller the number, the larger the thread. The most common weights for surface embroidery are 5, 8 and 12.
running stitch with perle cotton
back stitch with perle cotton
chain stitch with perle cotton
Wool
Wool thread gives a totally different finish from cotton threads.
Wool thread is available in different widths, but there is no standardized sizing. You have to find the size you need with experimentation and flexibility.
running stitch with wool thread
back stitch with wool thread
chain stitch with wool thread
These embroidery threads can be used alone or mixed together for lots of fun effects.
More embroidery resources
See tutorials for lots of embroidery stitches in the stitch directory.
Explore surface embroidery with these hand embroidery tutorials.
Get beginner-friendly embroidery patterns in my shop.