Floss in Needlepoint

Tapestry is traditionally stitched in wool, but on fine canvas, small pieces and children's tapestries 4–6 strands of floss give a finer, glossier, more detailed result. This category carries the 500-colour DMC floss, Anchor floss and economical Bulgarian floss; DMC codes match tapestry colour keys exactly. Wool is in DMC Wool Skeins.

How Many Strands, Which Needle?

Use 6 strands on 10–12 ct canvas, 4 on 14 ct, 2–3 on 18 ct and petit point, with a size 20–24 blunt needle. With 6 strands one skein covers about 8 metres of stitching; count skeins by the symbol totals on the key and add extra for the background. Keep the half-cross direction constant across the whole piece and do not leave the floss loose if you want full coverage.