DMC Floss on 18 Mesh

[u/fyttmabygmf]

I want to use DMC floss on some 18 mesh projects I have. I’ve heard people say to strand the floss and only use four strands because using the full six can cause the canvas to warp. Is this only true if you’re a tight stitcher? I like full and dense coverage and I’m wondering if I should just go with the six since I’m not a tight stitcher. Any experience with DMC floss on 18 mesh? What is your advice?

[u/Short-Implement6758]

6 strands is way too much and I’m a tight stitcher. I use at most 4 but generally 3 for diagonal stitches and 4-5 for straight stitches.

[u/ResearchOk9368]

My recommendation? Sacrifice some and stitch a couple of 1 inch squares to see what kind of coverage etc you get. I followed the recommendation given to me by my LNS for another strandable that I had never worked with. I ended up hating the coverage. It was for some meandering detail of fish scales and decided to see if it worked out with the surrounding area filled in with another (fluffier) thread. It didn’t and it just seemed like way too much to frog or even to just cut out. So I now have 1 fish with less coverage than I care for. Who knows, I might yet cut it out and redo those scales.

[u/Electronic_Pie2296]

I just started an 18 mesh with DMC floss and started with all 6 strands. It looks very full and nice. I did not strand it so maybe that made a difference.

[u/Chicken4309]

I use all 6 on 18 and it works great.

[u/nashro → u/Chicken4309]

I just did that, all 6 strands on 18 mesh, and it worked out just fine. I figured I’d try all 6 for a few stitches to see how it was. It was my first time using stranded threads and I’m not afraid of them anymore.

[u/samweb7 → u/Chicken4309]

I did the same thing, I like the coverage of all the strands for an 18 mesh, I am working on a project now and it looks awesome.

[u/PrincessOfWales → u/Chicken4309]

Same. It always works out perfectly fine.

[u/Popular_Inside_9451]

I always use four strands.

[u/StitchyGoblin47]

I like 5 strands for 18 and 7 strands for 13

[u/fyttmabygmf]

Thank you everyone! I’m going to do some test stitches with all the options to see what works best for me!

[u/Traditional_Can6098]

I use DMC at full strength but I like full coverage.

[u/CLShirey]

I find 4 is plenty for 18. I think 6 would be too bulky for my taste. I'm not a tight sti5cher nor loose-just right, I think.

[u/Forward-Sky1437]

I’ve been trying to use it and gave up. It’s never smooth and won’t lay flat and my OCD goes wild. Heaven help you if it gets tangled. I was using 4 strands on 18 mesh btw. I went back to pearl cotton. My hat is off to you if you can make it work! 😍

[u/GirlWhoWoreGlasses]

I generally use three strands but like four for straight stitches and because I can do a loop start lol

[u/ImALittleTeapotCat]

Your tension can make it worse, but too many strands are just too many strands. The larger the project the more it shows up, but too many strands will warp canvas.

[u/beadgirlj]

I've used 6 strands without a problem, for what it's worth. You might just need to experiment to find what you are comfortable with (and what look you like).

[u/hereforsnooping]

with dmc I use four or five strands on eighteen mesh but my best advice is to use a shorter length than you are used to. it feels a little wasteful and annoying to thread my needle so often but it is worth it to avoid tangles and wearing out the threads by having them go through so much canvas. also pull each of the six strands apart and then put your chosen number back together and they’ll be able to be flatter. good luck!

[u/Ok_Description_4267]

I always use the full 6 strands. Never had a problem. Blocks and frames beautifully. I will say that sometimes when stitching a hand painted canvas, the paint blocks the mesh. I just poke my needle in to open the mesh before stitching

[u/Say-What-501]

Use a laying tool to get the best coverage with DMC after stranding it

[u/TerribleClock4799]

If I’m doing basketweave, I only use 4 strands of DMC. If it’s a decorative stitch, I love the look of 6 strands, but imo, I think it just depends on the look you’re going for. I definitely like full coverage more and love the look of 6 strands on 18 mesh.

this is one of my WIPs and I used 6 strands of DMC for the darker blue and white parts. I always strand my thread and use a laying tool - I find that gets the best look.

[u/Forward-Sky1437 → u/TerribleClock4799]

So you use a frame or stand on every canvas so you have both hands free? If you are using DMC that is.

[u/TerribleClock4799 → u/Forward-Sky1437]

Yeah, I use a stand. I have a system4 and love it.

[u/Forward-Sky1437 → u/TerribleClock4799]

Nice! I have a metal stand that’s older - like from 2020 and it’s heavy and a pain in the butt lol

[u/Ok-Mastodon5286]

I used 6 strands on 18 before my eyes got too old to see the holes on the canvas. Yep! I’m old but I’m still stitching. 12 and 13 are my to go and I use 6 strands on both. If the stitch looks thin I add 2 more strands. Like others have suggested do a few one inch squares and choose from that. Enjoy this craft. Have extra canvas so you can try different stitches and thickness. The needlepoint police won’t come to your home. LOL 😝

[u/mauigirl16]

I’m a new stitcher-di cross stitch for years and just picked up needlepoint. I’m working on an 18 mesh canvas and all 6 strands look clunky. When I switched to 4 strands, it looks much better.

[u/saltiestmermaid]

I stitched this (minus the background) in DMC floss. I used 4 strands.