Stranded cotton, and how to use six strands sensibly
Stranded cotton is made of six loosely twisted strands that you separate and recombine depending on the job. This is the single most useful thing to understand about it. Two strands is the standard for cross stitch on 14 count aida; one strand gives fine backstitch outlining and delicate shading; three or four strands fill space quickly on surface embroidery and give satin stitch its plump sheen; all six make bold outlines, friendship bracelets and chunky lettering. Cut a length of about 45cm, pull the strands out one at a time and let them untwist before putting them back together, and the thread will lie flat instead of ropey.
What Paintbox thread suits
- Counted cross stitch: two strands over one block on aida, or two over two on evenweave.
- Surface embroidery: satin stitch, stem stitch, chain stitch, French knots and long and short shading.
- Hoop art and lettering: back stitch and split stitch in three strands for a confident line.
- Friendship bracelets and kumihimo: all six strands, and colour packs make the palette planning easy.
- Hand quilting and appliqué details: small accent stitching where a whole reel of thread is overkill.
Buying by pack or by skein
Single skeins are the right choice when you are following a chart that lists specific colours and quantities. Colour packs are better if you stitch freely, do a lot of hoop art, or teach children, because having a full spread of shades to hand is worth more than matching a chart exactly. If you are converting a chart from another brand's numbers, always test the substitute against the fabric in daylight; screen colours lie, and greens and greys are the hardest to judge.
Keeping threads tidy
Loose skeins tangle, and a tangled stash quietly stops you stitching. Wind each skein onto a card or plastic bobbin and write the shade number on it before you start, not afterwards when you can no longer remember. Store bobbins in a shallow box sorted by colour family. For a project in progress, a length of card punched with holes holds the working shades in order. Keep a small pair of embroidery scissors for thread only, and never cut paper with them.
Fabric count and how much thread you need
Coverage is what determines how many skeins a design eats. A full-coverage cross stitch design on 14 count uses far more thread per square centimetre than a line-drawn hoop piece of the same size, and lower count fabrics use more again because each stitch is bigger. Charts list the shades and, usually, the number of skeins; when they do not, one skein covers a surprising amount of scattered detail but very little solid block colour. Buy an extra skein of any shade used as a background, and note the number down so you can match it later.
Stitching and finishing
Work with a blunt tapestry needle for counted work on aida and a sharp embroidery needle for surface stitching on plain fabric. A hoop or frame keeps the fabric taut and your stitches even; slacken it between sessions so the fabric does not mark. Start threads with a loop start or a small waste knot rather than a knot that will show through pale cloth. When finished, press face down on a soft towel so the stitches sit proud, and hand wash gently in cool water if the piece has been handled a lot.
Paintbox thread questions
How many strands should I use for cross stitch? Two is standard on 14 count aida. Use one for fine backstitch and three or more on lower counts.
Is Paintbox stranded cotton colourfast? Follow the care advice on the packaging and rinse a scrap first if you are combining strong reds with white fabric.
Can I use it for friendship bracelets? Yes, use all six strands. The colour packs are the easiest way to build a palette.
How long should I cut my thread? Around 45cm. Longer lengths fray and knot as they pass through the fabric.
Are colour packs cheaper than single skeins? Packs are designed to build a stash in one purchase, while single skeins let you match a chart exactly.
