A Guide to DMC Threads for Cross Stitch
At Lowcountry Quilt & Embroidery Co., we’re always looking for ways to inspire your next project—especially if you’re stitching along with our community! .
Whether you’re new to cross stitch or looking to expand your thread stash, here’s a helpful overview of some of DMC’s most popular thread types—what they’re for, how they feel, and how they can bring your designs to life.
🧵 Stranded Cotton: The Cross Stitch Classic
This is the go-to thread for most cross stitchers (and many embroiderers too!). DMC’s stranded cotton comes in over 500 colors, with each skein measuring 8 meters and made up of six separate strands.
For cross stitch, you typically use two strands at a time—so one skein can go a long way. Pro tip: That’s about 24 meters of stitching per skein!
✨ Light Effects Thread: For a Metallic or Glow-Up
Love a little shimmer? DMC Light Effects threads include metallics, neon shades, and even glow-in-the-dark options. They can be a bit tricky to work with (those strands love to separate!), but they’re totally worth it for that extra wow factor.
Each Light Effects color is matched to a cotton version. For example, DMC 815 (dark red) has a metallic counterpart, E815—look for the “E” to identify this line!
🌟 Étoile Threads: Soft Sparkle, Easy Stitch
If metallics make you nervous, try Étoile threads instead. These six-strand threads have a subtle shimmer that catches the light beautifully—and they’re much easier to stitch with than full metallics.
They’re identified by a “C” in the color number (since “E” is already taken!) and often match cotton shades—like C915, the sparkly version of that deep fuchsia pink we love.
💫 Satin Threads: Smooth, Shiny & Tricky
Satin threads are ultra-silky with a beautiful sheen—perfect for patterns with water, clothing, or anything elegant. But be warned: they can be slippery and a little challenging to manage.
Like other specialty threads, Satin colors have an “S” prefix (S601, for example).
🎨 Variegated Threads: One Color, Many Shades
These threads shift subtly through light and dark shades of a single color. Great for adding movement and texture, they’re labeled in the lower number ranges (like DMC 52, a purple that moves between deep and light tones).
🌈 Variations: Harmonious Color Shifts
Unlike variegated threads, Variations mix complementary colors—often in a very soft and pleasing way. Think of DMC 4040: a blend of light blue, green, and white that feels natural and calming.
They often live in their own section online or in shops, so keep an eye out!
🌺 Coloris: Bold Blends with Beautiful Names
Coloris threads are one of our new favorites. These are like Variations but with more contrast and drama—and each one comes with a name!
For example:
4520 “Christmas Story” (red, green, white)
4501 “Wildflowers”
4522 “Canadian Night”
We’re loving the vibrant energy they bring to every stitch.
🧶 Beyond the Basics: Other DMC Threads to Try
Want to get adventurous? Here are a few more DMC options to explore:
Perlé Cotton – Non-divisible and great for embroidery; available in metallics and variations.
Tapestry Wool – Ideal for needlepoint and tapestry.
Diamant Metallic – A smooth, non-divisible metallic thread on a spool. One strand equals two strands of Light Effects.
Diamant Grandé – Even thicker than regular Diamant for bold metallic accents.
Soft Cotton & Coton à Broder – Beautiful for hand embroidery or weaving, with unique textures and weights.
Final Thoughts: Try Something New!
If you’ve only stitched with basic cotton, experimenting with different DMC threads can completely transform your work. Adding sparkle, shine, or color shifts brings depth, texture, and personality to your pieces.
Don’t be afraid to break from tradition—play with textures, experiment with threads, and discover what makes your stitches feel most you.