Our Favourite Threads: A Guide to the World of Needlepoint Fibers
When it comes to needlepoint, the thread you choose can transform your project’s look, texture, and feel. From soft cottons to shimmering metallics, each fiber has its own personality and part of the joy is discovering what works best for your stitching style.
In this guide, we’re sharing our favorite types of threads across four categories: Cotton, Decorative, Silk, and Wool (plus a special spot for Silk Ribbon).
- 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)
COTTON THREADS
These are the backbone of many needlepoint projects. They’re soft, affordable, easy to work with, and come in a wide range of colors and textures.
| Thread | Distributor | Fiber Type | Best for Mesh | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMC Soft Cotton | DMC | 100% long-fiber cotton (matte, non-mercerized) | 12-14 | Soft, matte finish. Great coverage. Non-divisible. Beginner-friendly. Available individually at Unwind Studio. |
| DMC Perlé Cotton #3 | DMC | 100% mercerized cotton (shiny, twisted) | 13–14 | Shiny, firm. Great for accessories and cording Used in some of our kits and sold individually. |
| DMC Perlé Cotton #5 | DMC | 100% mercerized cotton | 16–18 | Thinner than #3. Great for fine canvas or delicate texture. Can be used in embroidery too. |
| DMC Floss | DMC | 100% cotton (6-strand divisible) | 16–18 | Versatile. Separate into strands to adjust thickness. Often used in cross stitch or detailed needlepoint. |
DECORATIVE THREADS
These specialty threads add texture, sparkle, or drama to your stitching. Often used for highlights, embellishments, or dimensional effects.
| Thread | Distributor | Fiber Type | Best for Mesh | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMC Metallic | DMC | Polyester/metallic blend | 14–18 | Adds shimmer. Can be slippery, so stitch slowly or double thread for control. |
| Kreinik (Braids) | Kreinik | Metallic (various thicknesses) | #4: 18+, #8: 14+ | Widely loved for sparkle. Many sizes/colors. Slightly stiff. Great for outlines or ornaments. |
| Neon Rays | Rainbow Gallery | Rayon | 13–16 | Flat, ribbon-like, high shine. Use short lengths and lay flat. Gorgeous for accents. |
| Flair | Rainbow Gallery | Nylon tube | 13–14 | Hollow mesh ribbon, use sparingly. Adds dimension. Best when padded or couched. |
| Fuzzy Stuff | Rainbow Gallery | Nylon/acrylic | 13–14 | Great for fur, snow, or soft details. Can fray, use short lengths. Light texture when stitched. |
| Silk Lame Braid | Rainbow Gallery | Silk/metallic blend | 13–18 | Adds both shimmer and softness. Blends well with silks. Comes in multiple weights. |
| Splendor | Rainbow Gallery | 12-ply silk (divisible) | 16–18 | Buttery-soft, luxurious silk. Can be separated like floss. Great for smooth fills or blended shading. |
| Straw Silk | Silk Road Fibers | Silk (textured ribbon) | 13–16 | Unique, straw-like ribbon. Adds rustic texture. May fray, use short lengths and gentle tension. |
| Very Velvet (Petite) | Rainbow Gallery | Nylon | 13–14 | Velvety look and feel. Adds soft dimension. Avoid tight tension. Use for lettering or borders. |
SILK THREADS
Silk threads are known for their luxurious sheen, smoothness, and depth of color. They glide beautifully through canvas and are often used in high-end or heirloom projects.
| Thread | Distributor | Fiber Type | Best for Mesh | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepper Pot Silk | Planet Earth | 100% silk (non-divisible) | 13–18 | One of the most popular silks for needlepoint. Easy to use. Slight sheen. |
| Planet Earth Silk | Planet Earth | 100% silk (non-divisible) | 13–18 | Slightly thicker than Pepper Pot. Soft, with a subtle luster. Often paired with wool blends. |
| Vineyard Silk | Wiltex Threads | 100% silk (non-divisible) | 13–18 | Creamy texture, slight matte finish. Great for filling areas or backgrounds. |
| Splendor (also listed above) | Rainbow Gallery | 100% silk, 12-ply divisible | 16–18 | Smooth and shiny, behaves like cotton floss. Great for fine detail and color blending. |
| Silk Ribbon | YLI / others | 100% silk | 10–13 | Used for ribbon embroidery or couching. Creates bold, dimensional effects. Use gently to avoid fraying. |
WOOL THREADS
Wool threads are ideal for cozy textures and traditional needlepoint looks. They offer great coverage on a larger mesh canvas.
| Thread | Distributor | Fiber Type | Best for Mesh | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appletons Wool | Appletons | 100% British wool | 10–13 | Traditional texture. Comes as crewel or tapestry weight. Slightly rougher than merino. |
| Merino Wool (general) | Varies | 100% merino wool | 12–13 | Softer and more luxurious than standard wool. Great for a refined finish. |
| Planet Earth Wool | Planet Earth | 100% merino wool | 10–13 | Soft, even coverage. Non-strandable. Perfect for full coverage stitching. |
What About Silk Ribbon?
Silk Ribbon doesn’t quite fit into one category but it deserves a mention as well!
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Type: 100% silk, flat ribbon
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Distributor: YLI, Thread Gatherer, and others
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Best for Mesh: 10–13 (or for couching)
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Use it for: 3D floral effects, padded stitches, or couching over cotton
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Tip: Use a laying tool or finger to flatten it as you stitch. Avoid twisting.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “perfect” thread, only the one that’s perfect for your project, canvas, and style. We recommend building a stash of essentials (like Soft Cotton or Perlé) and slowly adding specialty threads as you explore.
At Unwind Studio, we design our kits and charts to be compatible with accessible, high-quality threads and we’re always here to help you choose or mix them creatively.
