Pearl cotton embroidery thread is designed to be used straight from the ball or skein. It is a versatile twisted thread that can be used for a wide range of needlecrafts including crochet and needlepoint. We have been producing DMC Pearl Cotton, in our factory in Mulhouse, France since the 1850’s. It is the benchmark for quality pearl cottons. Below we explain how to use this popular thread.
What Do the Sizes of Pearl Cotton Mean?
DMC Pearl Cotton is sold in different thicknesses 12, 8, 5 and 3 with size 3 being the thickest thread and size 12 the finest. You can change the look of your embroidery and create different effects by using different sizes or thicknesses of pearl cotton.
How to Use the Skeins of DMC Pearl Cotton
DMC Pearl Cotton comes in a twisted skein. This type of skien needs to be unwound or cut before it can be used. There are two ways to cut a skein of Pearl Cotton that will give you the perfect length of thread every time. Alternatively you can just remove the labels, untwist the skein, wind it onto a bobbin and cut the amount you need as you go.
For 50cm (18”) lengths
Push the two labels toward the center and find the end with two loops of threads.
Cut through the bottom of each loop. Move the labels back into place.
Pick and pull out a single piece of thread from the top of the skein.
Push the two labels toward the center and find the end with two loops of threads.
Cut through the bottom of each loop. Move the labels back into place.
Pick and pull out a single piece of thread from the top of the skein.
For 38" (100cm) lengths
Remove both labels and set them to one side.
Gently untwist the skein to form an oval. You will notice the ends have been tied together. Put the tied ends at the top and untie or snip off the knot.
Cut through all the threads at the bottom of the oval. Pick and remove one thread for use as needed. To keep the threads tidy for future use, fold the threads in half, and slide the labels back onto the thread. Fold the threads in half again to store.
Remove both labels and set them to one side.
Gently untwist the skein to form an oval. You will notice the ends have been tied together. Put the tied ends at the top and untie or snip off the knot.
Cut through all the threads at the bottom of the oval. Pick and remove one thread for use as needed. To keep the threads tidy for future use, fold the threads in half, and slide the labels back onto the thread. Fold the threads in half again to store.
