DMC Pearl Cotton No 12

No 12 is the finest size of the pearl cotton range; it comes as a 120 m ball and a single strand is about as thick as one to two strands of floss. Thanks to the tight twist it does not fuzz despite its fineness and gives a crisp line. This category lists every stocked colour of No 12 by DMC code; the card is narrower than No 5 and No 8. For other sizes and a comparison see DMC Pearl Cotton.

Where Is No 12 Used?

Blackwork and counted embroidery: the cleanest geometric line on 28 ct evenweave with a single strand; black 310 and dark colours are the most chosen. Hardanger: filling, wrapping and needle weaving on 25–28 ct in No 12, satin blocks in No 8. Fine cross stitch: even coverage on 18 ct Aida and 32–36 ct linen with one strand. Lace, needle lace and crochet: fine edgings, needle lace and miniature motifs with a 0.9–1 mm steel hook. Detail embroidery: facial features, lettering, tiny leaves and shading; used with No 5–8 for thickness contrast in modern embroidery. In punch needle only with the finest needle, for small details.

Needle and quantity

Use a size 8–9 sharp embroidery needle on dense fabric or a size 26 blunt needle on evenweave and Aida, in 40 cm lengths. A 120 m ball covers a blackwork panel, several hardanger motifs or a fine lace edge; fine thread goes a long way.