Embroidery thread

Embroidery thread is yarn that is manufactured or hand-spun specifically for embroidery and other forms of needlework.

Threads for hand embroidery include:

• Embroidery floss or stranded cotton is a loosely twisted, slightly glossy 6-strand thread, usually of cotton but also manufactured in silk and rayon. Cotton floss is the standard thread for cross-stitch. Extremely shiny rayon floss is characteristic of Brazilian embroidery.
  
  
• Perle cotton, pearl cotton, or French coton  is an S-twisted, 2-ply thread with high sheen, sold in three sizes or weights (No. 3, 5, and 8, with 3 being the heaviest).
  
  
• Matte embroidery cotton or French coton à broder is a matte-finish (not glossy) twisted 5-ply thread.
  
  
•  Medici or broder medici is a fine, light-weight wool thread formerly manufactured by DMC Group.
  
  
• Crewel yarn is a fine 2-ply yarn of wool or, less often, a wool-like acrylic.
  
  
• Persian yarn is a loosely twisted 3-strand yarn of wool or acrylic, often used for needlepoint.
  
  
• Tapestry yarn or tapestry wool is a tightly twisted 4-ply yarn.

Threads for machine embroidery are usually of polyester or rayon (less often cotton or silk).