Embroidery Yarns

Kathleen Underwood
10 min readSep 21, 2024

Embroidery yarn is a crucial component for any DIY enthusiast or craftsman looking to add a personalized touch to their projects. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, understanding the different types of embroidery yarn available in the market can make all the difference in your work.

In this roundup, we've curated an array of embroidery yarn options that cater to various skill levels and artistic preferences. From beginner-friendly options to more intricate designs, our selection offers something for everyone. Read on to discover the perfect embroidery yarn for your next project.

As an Amazon Affiliate I receive compensation from qualifying purchases.

Reviews

DMC 6-Strand Embroidery Cotton Thread - Medium Khaki Green - 8.7yds

DMC 6-Strand Embroidery Cotton Thread — Medium Khaki Green — 8.7yds | Image

Embroidery enthusiasts, rejoice! This 6 strand embroidery cotton is a marvel, appreciated by millions of stitchers all around the world. Made from the finest long staple cotton and mercerized twice for a stunning sheen, the vibrant colors remain washable and fade resistant. With 8.7 yards of medium khaki green at your fingertips, you'll have plenty to work with. Plus, with 6 easily separable strands, the possibilities are endless!

[Anchor Stranded Cotton Embroidery Floss:

10.94 Yards Each](https://www.amazon.com/s?tag=medfckdtagspostalots-20&k=Embroidery+Yarn)

Anchor Stranded Cotton Embroidery Floss:

10.94 Yards Each | Image

Unleash your embroidery creativity with Anchor's Stranded Cotton Embroidery Floss. Enjoy its brilliant lustre, unique softness, and intense light reflection, all thanks to the extra-long staple length of the Egyptian Giza fibers and double mercerization. This 6-strand, 10.94 yard thread ensures a high-quality finish and stitching experience, eliminating twists and tangles. The easy-to-store and organize spools are a favorite worldwide, making them perfect for cross stitch, freestyle embroidery, canvas work, and more. Available in multiple colors, Anchor floss provides a superior embroidery experience that's both craftsmanship and ease of use.

DMC 6 Strand Embroidery Yarn - Medium Plum Color

DMC 6 Strand Embroidery Yarn — Medium Plum Color | Image

Bring your embroidery projects to life with this brilliant six-strand embroidery thread. Made from double mercerized cotton fibers, it boasts exceptional sheen and staple length. The strands are easily separable, allowing you to vary your stitching results based on the number of strands used or combined with other colors. Plus, the vibrant medium plum shade is washable and fade resistant, ensuring your embroidery lasts longer. Perfect for stitchers worldwide, this floss will become your go-to for all your projects.

Embroidery Yarn: 609 Color Shades

Embroidery Yarn: 609 Color Shades | Image

Embroidery Yarn offers a smooth, glossy, and vibrant 100% mercerized Egyptian cotton experience. With 6 single strands per thread, this yarn lets you customize thickness for any embroidery project. Each 8-meter hank provides plenty of thread, while the generous color variety ensures endless design possibilities. Dive into the world of embroidery with this versatile and luminous yarn.

ATTERET 108-Color Embroidery Floss Kit for Cross Stitch and Friendship Bracelets

ATTERET 108-Color Embroidery Floss Kit for Cross Stitch and Friendship Bracelets | Image

Unleash your creativity with ATTERET's Embroidery Floss Kit, featuring 108 vibrant colors. The perfect companion for cross-stitch, jewelry making, and various DIY projects, this versatile kit is machine washable, odor-free, and suitable for all ages. Elevate your crafting game with high-quality threads and a diverse color palette that inspires every enthusiast to express their artistic flair. Discover a world of possibilities with ATTERET – where innovation meets tradition in every stitch.

Arteza Blue & Teal Embroidery Floss Set of 80 Pieces

Arteza Blue & Teal Embroidery Floss Set of 80 Pieces | Image

Bring your fabric crafts to life with the Arteza Embroidery Floss in Blue & Teal tones. This set of 80 vibrant, mercerized cotton threads is the perfect assortment for creating eye-catching designs. With five versatile ombre colors to choose from, your next seascape, peacock, or fabric project is sure to stand out. Each skein is crafted from premium materials, ensuring your finished creations maintain their brilliant sheen and vivid colors for years to come.

DMC 6 Strand Embroidery Cotton - Dark Old Gold Yarn

DMC 6 Strand Embroidery Cotton — Dark Old Gold Yarn | Image

This top-notch embroidery floss hails from the widely revered brand, DMC. Made from long-staple cotton fibers, this premium thread boasts exceptional brightness and resistance to fading. With easily separable strands that range from size 25 to 6, artists can customize the width of their embroidery designs to suit their projects. As an added bonus, the threads come in 8 yards per skein, providing ample length for your stitching sessions. Don't miss out on the vibrant color selections and superior quality that DMC embroidery threads bring to every project!

DMC Tapestry Wool for Stitchery: Superior Quality, Non-Divisible 100% Virgin Wool

DMC Tapestry Wool for Stitchery: Superior Quality, Non-Divisible 100% Virgin Wool | Image

Experience the ultimate in tapestry and embroidery with DMC's superior quality wool, offering a stunning finish and beautiful results made from 100% pure virgin wool. Ideal for needlepoint, embroidery, and stitchery, its twist and thickness provide excellent canvas coverage with a smooth, even texture. Perfect for crafters seeking a rich, mothproof, and colorfast yarn, their extensive color palette ensures there's a shade for every project.

Franel Mercerized Cotton Yarn - Ideal for Crochet, Lace, Hand Knitting, Embroidery, and Arts & Crafts

Franel Mercerized Cotton Yarn — Ideal for Crochet, Lace, Hand Knitting, Embroidery, and Arts & Crafts | Image

Experience the ultimate bliss of crafting with our 100% natural Mercerized Cotton Lace Yarn. Perfect for embroidery, crochet, and knitting projects, this premium-quality yarn boasts a 8-ply structure, ensuring stitch definition and a smooth, polished surface. Its lightweight nature, with a diameter of 1mm and a weight of 0.09 pounds, allows for easy and intricate handiwork. The mercerization process not only enhances its strength but also adds a stunning sheen to your creations. Embrace the versatility of this luxurious yarn and let your artistic visions soar, leaving a delightful mark on your garments, scarves, and home decor - all made with a gentle touch.

YarnArt ETAMIN - Pistachio Embroidery Yarn for Knitting

YarnArt ETAMIN — Pistachio Embroidery Yarn for Knitting | Image

Experience the versatility of YarnArt Etamin, with its luxurious Pistachio color perfect for your embroidery and knitting projects. This 100% acrylic yarn comes in a convenient 180-meter length, ideally suited for needles at 2.5 mm (US 1) and hooks at 2.5 mm (US B-1). Lightweight at 30 grams, it's an excellent choice for all your creative pursuits.

Paxcoo 124 Embroidery Floss Thread Set with Cross Stitch Needles

Paxcoo 124 Embroidery Floss Thread Set with Cross Stitch Needles | Image

Transform your crafts with vibrant colors using Paxcoo's Embroidery Floss. With 124 skeins and a bonus set of gold eye needles, you have a diverse and versatile assortment to choose from for your needlecraft and cross-stitch projects. Made of polyester-cotton, the floss is glossy and smooth to work with, offering a great option for embroidery yarn lovers.

Buyer's Guide

Embroidery yarn is a versatile and vibrant tool for many crafters and needleworkers. It adds a personal touch to clothing, accessories, and even home decor projects. If you're new to the world of embroidery yarn or simply want to expand your knowledge, this buyer's guide will cover the essential features, considerations, and general advice to help you make informed choices when purchasing embroidery yarn.

Types of Embroidery Yarn

Understanding the different types of embroidery yarn available on the market can help you decide which one suits your needs best. The most common types include cotton, silk, wool, and synthetic blends like polyester. Each type has its unique properties, such as durability, sheen, and thickness. For instance, cotton is often the go-to choice for beginners due to its affordability and natural feeling. Meanwhile, silk and wool provide an elegant sheen and warmth, respectively, while synthetic blends offer a wide range of colors and affordability.

Yarn Weight and Thickness

Yarn weight and thickness play a crucial role in determining the appearance and texture of your embroidery work. There are several common yarn weights, such as #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, and #8, with each number representing an increase in thickness. Thinner yarns can create intricate designs with high detail, while thicker yarns produce bold and textured embroidery. Consider the type of projects you plan to work on when selecting the appropriate yarn weight.

Yarn Length

The length of embroidery yarn can also impact the design and appearance of your projects. Shorter lengths can be more cost-effective, especially for larger projects that require a large amount of yarn. However, longer lengths provide more flexibility and can help minimize the need for knots or joins, resulting in a smoother and more professional-looking finish. Keep the length of your projects in mind when purchasing embroidery yarn.

Colorfastness and Bleeding

Colorfastness is essential when selecting embroidery yarn. Embroidery yarn that bleeds or loses color can compromise the overall quality and appearance of your projects. Look for yarns labeled as colorfast, which means they have been treated to minimize color bleeding and ensure a long-lasting finish. Some manufacturers also offer a wide range of vibrant colors to complement your designs.

FAQ

Why should I use embroidery yarn?

Embroidery yarn is designed to provide durability, strength, and vibrant colors for your embroidery projects. It comes in various thicknesses and materials, allowing you to create different textures and effects, and it holds up well even after numerous washings. High-quality embroidery yarns can also enhance the longevity of your designs.

Moreover, using embroidery yarn adds a personal touch to your creations, as it allows you to customize your projects with a variety of colors and patterns. This flexibility makes embroidery yarn an essential tool for embroiderers and crafters alike. It can be used for a wide range of applications, including clothing, home decor, and even artistic pieces.

What are the different types of embroidery yarn?

There are several types of embroidery yarns available, each with its unique characteristics. Some popular options include cotton, wool, silk, and synthetic materials like polyester. Different types of yarns offer varying levels of luster, softness, and texture. For example, cotton and linen yarns are lightweight and breathable, while wool yarns are known for their warmth and plush texture.

Specialized embroidery yarns, such as metallic or sparkle yarns, offer added embellishments like glitter or shimmer. Some yarns also come in decorative variations, such as beads or sequins embedded within the yarn. When selecting the appropriate yarn, consider the type of embroidery project, desired appearance, and the yarn's compatibility with the fabric being used.

How do I care for embroidery yarn?

To maintain the quality and longevity of your embroidery yarn, proper care must be taken. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations, which may include specific cleaning instructions. In general, it is best to avoid washing your embroidered items unless necessary. In cases where washing is necessary, hand wash or wash on a gentle cycle using cold water and a gentle detergent.

Air drying is recommended to prevent yarns from shrinking or becoming misshapen. After washing, lay your embroidered item flat on a towel and allow it to air dry naturally. Avoid using a dryer, as excessive heat can damage the yarns and cause them to fray or unravel. Additionally, store your embroidery yarn in a cool, dry, and dark place away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading or yellowing.

What types of needles should I use with embroidery yarn?

When working with embroidery yarn, it is essential to use suitable needles. Tapestry or embroidery needles are ideal, as they come with large, blunt eyes that allow the yarn to pass through without snagging or breaking. These needles also tend to have longer shafts, which provide better control and reduce eye strain during extended embroidery sessions.

Avoid using sewing needles, as their smaller eyes can result in the yarn becoming stuck or damaged. If you have needlepoint needles or knitting needles, these can also be used in a pinch, but tapestry or embroidery needles will provide the best results for your embroidery projects. Remember to always clean your needles before and after use to prevent the buildup of lint or debris that may damage the yarn.

How can I create different textures with embroidery yarn?

Embroidery yarn offers a wide range of textures, which can be manipulated to create various effects in your embroidery designs. One way to achieve different textures is by experimenting with different yarn thicknesses, such as using a thick thread for outline stitches and thinner yarns for filling in areas.

Another technique is to mix different yarns together, either by knotting them together or using multiple strands simultaneously. This technique can create unique patterns and textures, as well as add depth and dimension to your embroidery designs. Additionally, you can experiment with twisting or plaiting yarns before working with them, which can result in intricate, woven patterns. By combining different textures and techniques, you can create one-of-a-kind embroidery masterpieces.

How do I choose the right thread color for my embroidery project?

Selecting the appropriate thread color is crucial for achieving the desired look and feel of your embroidery project. Start by considering the color scheme of your project, as well as the fabric's color and pattern. Choose a thread color that complements or contrasts the fabric, depending on the desired effect.

It is essential to have a good understanding of color theory, including complementary and analogous colors, to make informed color choices. You can also use online color palette generators or design software to help you select the right thread colors for your project. Don't be afraid to experiment with different color combinations, but always remember to consider the overall aesthetics and balance of the design.

As an Amazon Affiliate I receive compensation from qualifying purchases.

--

--