How Many Strands of Floss Should I Use for Cross Stitch?

22. August 2026

How Many Strands of Floss Should I Use for Cross Stitch?

If you're new to cross stitch, you've probably opened a pattern and seen an instruction such as:

“Use 2 strands of embroidery floss.”

It sounds simple enough — until you pick up your embroidery floss and wonder:

What exactly is a strand?

Do you use the whole piece of floss?

Do you separate it?

And why would you sometimes use one strand and sometimes two?

Don't worry. This is one of those cross stitch basics that becomes incredibly simple once someone explains it.

Let's look at how embroidery floss is made, how many strands you normally need, and how fabric count can change your choice.

First: What Does “Strands of Floss” Mean?

Standard stranded embroidery floss, such as DMC cotton embroidery floss, is made from six individual strands twisted together.

When you pull a length of floss from the skein, what looks like one thread is actually six very fine threads bundled together.

For most cross stitch projects, you do not stitch with all six strands together.

Instead, you separate them.

If your pattern says:

Use 2 strands

you separate two individual strands from the six-strand floss and stitch with those two strands together.

If it says:

Use 1 strand

you stitch with only one of those six individual strands.

This is probably the most important thing to understand:

One piece of embroidery floss is not one strand — it contains six strands.

Why Does the Number of Strands Matter?

The number of strands changes how your finished stitches look.

More strands create thicker, fuller stitches and cover more of the fabric.

Fewer strands create finer, more delicate stitches and allow more of the fabric to remain visible.

For example:

1 strand → delicate and fine
2 strands → classic cross stitch coverage
3 strands → fuller and heavier coverage

But the best choice also depends on the fabric you're using.

And this is where Aida count becomes important.

How Many Strands Should I Use on 14 Count Aida?

For most projects on 14 count Aida, two strands of embroidery floss are an excellent starting point.

This is probably the most common combination in counted cross stitch:

14 count Aida + 2 strands of floss

It usually gives you clear, attractive crosses while still allowing a little of the fabric to show between the stitches.

Some stitchers prefer three strands on 14 count because they like a fuller, more densely stitched appearance.

Neither choice is necessarily wrong.

If you're a beginner, however, start with two strands unless your pattern tells you otherwise.

How Many Strands Should I Use on 16 Count Aida?

Two strands also work beautifully on 16 count Aida.

Because the holes are closer together than on 14 count fabric, those same two strands provide slightly fuller coverage.

The result tends to look neat and crisp.

A good beginner starting point is:

16 count Aida + 2 strands

If you've already read our guide about 14 count vs. 16 count Aida, you'll know that increasing the fabric count makes the finished design smaller because there are more stitches per inch.

The same principle affects thread coverage.

How Many Strands Should I Use on 18 Count Aida?

On 18 count Aida, many stitchers use either one or two strands.

Two strands provide fuller coverage.

One strand creates a finer, more delicate appearance.

Which one you choose depends partly on the design and partly on the look you prefer.

If your pattern specifies the number of strands, follow the designer's recommendation first.

What About 20, 22 or Higher Count Fabrics?

As fabric count increases, the stitches become increasingly small.

On higher-count fabrics, one strand may be enough for many designs.

Using too many strands in a very small stitch can make the crosses bulky and can make it difficult to pass your needle through the fabric.

This is another reason why checking the instructions included with your pattern is important.

Quick Cross Stitch Strand Guide

Here's a simple reference to keep nearby:

Fabric	Good Starting Point	Typical Appearance
14 count Aida	2 strands	Classic, balanced coverage
16 count Aida	2 strands	Fuller, crisp coverage
18 count Aida	1–2 strands	Fine to full coverage
20 count Aida	1–2 strands	Delicate coverage
22 count and above	Often 1 strand	Fine, refined stitches

Remember: these are guidelines, not rules.

Your pattern instructions should always be your first reference.

How to Separate Embroidery Floss Strands

This is another small technique that can make stitching much easier.

Start by cutting a comfortable length of embroidery floss.

Around 18 inches (45 cm) is a good starting point.

Now look carefully at the end of your floss.

You'll see the six individual strands.

Instead of trying to pull two strands out together, try separating one strand at a time.

Hold the remaining floss gently and slowly pull one individual strand upward.

The rest of the floss may bunch slightly as you pull — that's normal. Once the strand is removed, the remaining floss will relax again.

If you need two strands, repeat the process with another strand and then place the two separated strands together.

This helps prevent tangles and keeps your floss smooth.

A Beginner Tip: Don't Use Floss Straight From the Skein

This is an easy mistake to make when you're starting.

You see the floss, cut a piece and thread it directly into your needle.

But remember: unless your pattern specifically says otherwise, that piece contains six strands.

Six strands are usually far too thick for standard cross stitch on Aida.

Always check how many strands your pattern recommends before threading your needle.

What Is the Loop Start?

Here's something useful once you've become comfortable using two strands.

If your pattern requires two strands, you can sometimes use a technique called the loop start.

Instead of taking two separate strands, take one long strand and fold it in half.

Thread the two loose ends through your needle.

The folded end creates a small loop.

When making your first stitch, you can pass the needle through that loop on the back of your fabric to secure the thread.

The advantage?

You can start your thread neatly without making a knot.

We'll cover this technique in more detail in another beginner guide because learning how to start and finish your threads neatly deserves a tutorial of its own.

Does Floss Color Affect Coverage?

Surprisingly, yes.

Two colors stitched with exactly the same number of strands may appear slightly different on the fabric.

Very dark colors, particularly black, can sometimes appear to cover the fabric differently from lighter shades.

Your stitching tension can also change how much fabric shows between your crosses.

That's why there isn't one perfect strand rule that works for every stitcher, fabric and color.

Your Stitching Tension Matters Too

Some people naturally stitch tightly.

Others stitch more loosely.

Neither is necessarily wrong.

But your tension affects how your floss sits on the fabric.

If you pull your stitches very tightly, your thread may appear thinner and expose more of the Aida underneath.

If your stitches are slightly more relaxed, the floss can spread naturally across the fabric and provide fuller coverage.

Try not to pull your thread so tightly that the fabric begins to distort.

Your stitches should sit comfortably on the surface.

Try a Small Test Before Starting

Here's one of the easiest ways to decide whether you prefer one, two or three strands.

Take a small leftover piece of your chosen fabric.

Stitch a little block using two strands.

Then stitch another small block using three strands.

Compare them.

Which do you prefer?

Do you like seeing a tiny amount of fabric between your crosses?

Or do you prefer almost complete coverage?

Cross stitch is a creative craft, and your personal preference matters.

What About Backstitch?

Backstitch is different from full cross stitches.

Many patterns use one strand for backstitching, even when the main cross stitches are made using two strands.

Why?

Because backstitch is usually used to create outlines and fine details.

A thinner line helps define the design without overpowering the cross stitches underneath.

Always check your pattern instructions, though, because some designs intentionally use heavier backstitching.

What If My Pattern Doesn't Tell Me How Many Strands to Use?

If you're stitching on standard 14 count Aida and the pattern doesn't specify the number of strands, two strands is usually a sensible place to start.

Make a few test stitches before beginning the actual design.

If they look too thin, try three.

If they look too bulky, return to two.

The goal isn't to follow an imaginary universal rule.

The goal is to create stitches that look beautiful to you.

The Most Important Rule: Check Your Pattern

Fabric count, thread color, design style and the effect the designer wants to achieve can all influence the recommended number of strands.

So while general guidelines are helpful, always check the instructions and color key included with your pattern.

A well-prepared cross stitch pattern should tell you the information you need before you begin.

At TinyStitch Studio, we want the chart to be something that helps you enjoy your stitching — not another puzzle you have to solve before you can start.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strands of floss should I use for cross stitch?

Two strands are commonly used for cross stitch on 14 and 16 count Aida. Higher-count fabrics may use one or two strands. Always check your pattern instructions first.

Does embroidery floss really have six strands?

Yes. Standard stranded cotton embroidery floss is made from six individual strands twisted together. You separate the number of strands you need before stitching.

Should I use 2 or 3 strands on 14 count Aida?

Two strands are a very common choice and a good starting point for beginners. Three strands provide fuller coverage if you prefer a denser appearance.

How many strands should I use on 16 count Aida?

Two strands are commonly used on 16 count Aida and generally provide good coverage.

How many strands should I use for backstitch?

One strand is commonly used for backstitch because it produces a finer outline, but always follow the instructions provided with your pattern.

Can I cross stitch with all 6 strands?

You can when a design specifically calls for a very thick effect, but six strands are generally too bulky for ordinary counted cross stitch on standard Aida.

Why can I see the fabric through my stitches?

A little visible fabric between crosses is completely normal. If you prefer fuller coverage, you can test an additional strand, but make sure the stitches don't become too bulky for your fabric.