By Shira Berkovich, Founder of Craftiloo · Last updated: November 11, 2026
Yes, in most hand embroidery you separate the floss. Standard embroidery floss is 6 thin strands twisted together, and most stitching uses 2 or 3 of them. Fewer strands give finer, neater lines. More strands give bolder lines and fill faster. Your pattern or kit booklet will say how many to use. If it doesn't, start with 2.
Quick answer
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Do you have to separate floss? | Usually, yes. Using all 6 strands looks bulky and is hard to pull through |
| How many strands for outlines? | 1–2 strands |
| How many for filling shapes? | 2–3 strands |
| How many for lettering? | 1–2 strands, so small letters stay readable |
| How many for bold texture (French knots)? | 2–3 strands, or follow your pattern |
| Do you ever use all 6? | Rarely, for very bold lines or chunky texture |
Why floss comes in 6 strands
Six-strand cotton floss lets you choose the thickness of your line. The same skein can make a hairline outline (1 strand) or a thick, raised fill (3 or more strands). That's why one kit can include many stitches with only one type of thread.
How to separate embroidery floss (without tangles)
- Cut a length about as long as your forearm to your fingertips. Longer pieces tangle and wear out as you stitch.
- Tap one end so the strands loosen slightly.
- Pinch the top and pull out one single strand, straight up, slowly. The rest of the bundle will bunch up. That's normal; it relaxes once the strand is out.
- Pull out each strand one at a time, even if you need 2 or 3.
- Lay the strands back together side by side and thread them through the needle.
Pulling strands out one at a time and then recombining them makes the stitches lie flatter and shinier than pulling a group of 2 or 3 at once.
How many strands should a beginner use?
- Following a kit: use what the booklet says for each stitch. It's matched to the needle and the design.
- No instructions: start with 2 strands for everything. It's forgiving and looks neat.
- Lettering and small details: 1–2 strands. Thick floss fills in small letters and makes them hard to read.
- Filling large areas (satin stitch, long and short stitch): 2–3 strands. More strands fill faster but are harder to keep smooth.
Common floss problems and fixes
- Floss keeps twisting or knotting. Let the needle hang down every few stitches so the thread untwists.
- Stitches look fuzzy. The floss is too long or too worn. Cut a fresh, shorter length.
- Hard to thread the needle. Use a needle threader, especially with 3 or more strands.
- Lines look thin or patchy. Add a strand, or make the stitches shorter.
Our embroidery kits for adults
4 Floral Embroidery Kit (Amazon) has 4 color-printed floral designs on 25x25 cm fabric, a 20 cm hoop, 10 needles, 4 needle threaders and the floss for 17 stitches. The printed artwork means you add texture with floss rather than filling every area.
Flowers Embroidery Kit (Amazon) includes 3 stamped flower designs. Good for practicing fine outlines.
Stitch Dictionary Practice Kit (Amazon) has 4 printed practice fabrics, a 20 cm plastic hoop, needles, threaders and an unpicker. The practice designs let you try each stitch, and each strand count, before starting a full project.
Butterfly Stitch Dictionary Kit (Amazon) is the same sampler format with a butterfly design.
When our kits aren't the right fit: if you want to stitch your own drawing or need a specific thread brand and color range, buy loose floss and blank fabric. Our kits come with the floss chosen for each printed design.
Other good options
DMC six-strand cotton floss is a widely used brand, with a large color range if you want to stitch your own designs. Whichever floss you use, separating the strands works the same way.
FAQ
Do you separate embroidery floss? Usually, yes. Floss is 6 strands, and most embroidery uses 2 or 3.
How many strands of embroidery floss should I use? Follow your pattern. Without one, use 2 strands, 1–2 for fine lines and lettering, and 2–3 for fills.
Can you use all 6 strands of embroidery floss? You can, for very bold lines, but it's bulky and harder to pull through fabric. Most designs look neater with fewer.
How do you separate floss without it tangling? Pull out one strand at a time, straight up, then lay the strands back together.
How long should embroidery floss be? About forearm length. Longer pieces tangle and fray.
Is embroidery floss the same as cross stitch thread? Yes. Both use six-strand cotton floss. Cross stitch on 14-count fabric usually uses 2 strands.
Related Craft Guides: What Supplies Do You Need to Start Embroidery? · Is Embroidery Easy to Learn? · Cross Stitch vs Embroidery vs Needlepoint
