Recommended Threads for Each Needlepoint Canvas Mesh
Choosing the right thread for your canvas mesh size can make a big difference in your stitching experience and final result. The thread should be thick enough to cover the canvas fully but not so thick that it distorts the stitches or becomes hard to pull through.
- Learn more about the threads you'll find for purchase at Unwind Studio in our dedicated blog post: Everything You Need to Know About our DMC Soft Matte Cotton (Retors Mat)
- Find our Guide to the World of Needlepoint Fibers here.
Here’s a guide to help you select the best thread types based on canvas mesh count:
What Is Canvas Mesh?
Canvas mesh count refers to the number of holes per inch. For example, 13-count canvas has 13 holes per inch, while 18-count has 18. The higher the count, the finer the canvas, and the thinner your thread should be.
Recommended Threads by Mesh Count:
10 Mesh
Best For: extra large designs, designs suitable for kids
Recommended Threads:
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Planet Earth Wool
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Appletons Wool
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Silk & Ivory
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Silk Ribbon (for decorative effects)
12-13 Mesh
Best For: Standard needlepoint kits, beginners, projects with lots of texture
Recommended Threads:
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Pepper Pot Silk
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Silk & Ivory
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Very Velvet (Petite)
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Straw Silk
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Flair (for accents)
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Neon Rays
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Planet Earth Wool
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Vineyard Silk
14 Mesh
Best For: Decorative needlepoint, Smaller Projects such as Key Fobs, Bookmarks, Bag Charms
Recommended Threads:
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Planet Earth Wool
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Vineyard Silk
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Pepper Pot Silk
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Silk Lame Braid
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Fuzzy Stuff
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Flair
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Splendor
18 Mesh
Best For: More detailed designs, fine needlepoint
Recommended Threads:
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DMC Perlé Cotton #5
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DMC Floss (6-strand, usually 4–6 strands used)
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Vineyard Silk
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Splendor
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Neon Rays+
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Kreinik #4 or #8 Braid
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Flair (used very lightly)
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Fuzzy Stuff (used sparingly)
A Few Extra Tips
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For more texture: Mix fibers like Soft Cotton with Velvet, Silk, or Metallics.
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For more shine: Use mercerized cottons like Perlé or silk blends.
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For sparkles or special effects: Add threads like Kreinik, Neon Rays, or Flair on top of standard cotton or silk.
Final Thoughts
Matching the right thread with the correct canvas mesh is key to achieving a polished finish and enjoyable stitching experience. If you're ever in doubt, test a small section to see how it feels and looks.
