Embroidery Floss

What Is Embroidery Floss?

Embroidery floss is a loosely twisted, multi-strand thread used for hand embroidery, cross stitch, needlepoint, and various other needlework techniques. The standard format is a 6-strand divisible skein, meaning you can separate the strands and use as many or as few as you need, adjusting the weight and coverage of your stitches as you go. Use all six strands for bold, filled coverage; drop down to one or two for fine line work and delicate detail.

That flexibility is part of what makes embroidery floss so enduringly popular. The same skein can work across a huge range of projects and stitch styles.

Brands We Stock

DMC

The benchmark for embroidery floss worldwide. DMC stranded cotton is made from 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton and is double mercerised to give it a brilliant sheen, with each skein containing 6 easily separated strands across approximately 8 metres. The colour numbering system is widely used in embroidery patterns globally, making it simple to find a matching thread.

For something with extra sparkle, the DMC Etoile range is worth exploring. Etoile is a premium 6-strand thread that features a brilliant twinkle effect, adding delicate shimmer to handmade projects. It's a beautiful way to add highlights to floral embroidery or give a cross-stitch piece extra dimension.

DMC also offers a metallic Light Effects range for projects that call for genuine shine. Light Effects floss is made from 100% polyester and adds reflective sparkle to any needlework or craft project. You can also combine one strand with a cotton DMC strand for a subtle highlight effect.

Anchor

Another heritage embroidery brand with a loyal following. Anchor 6-strand cotton floss is now also available on spools with 25% more floss than a traditional skein, which eliminates twists and tangles for a smoother stitching experience. Colour numbers are printed directly on the spool for easy organisation.

Coats & Clark

Great for value packs and multi-colour sets, ideal for building a broad palette or stocking up for bigger projects.

Poppy Crafts

Rainbow floss sets in 50- and 100-piece packs, perfect for beginners or anyone building a colour library from scratch at a great price point.

Skeins, Spools, or Sets: Which Should You Buy?

It depends on how you work and what you're making.

• Individual skeins – The standard choice for following a specific pattern. When a design calls for DMC 304 or Anchor 150, you buy exactly those colours and work from there.
• Spools – A practical choice for colours you use regularly. You get more thread per unit, and the spool format keeps things tangle-free and easy to organise.
• Multi-pack sets – Brilliant for beginners or for craft projects like friendship bracelets, tassels, and mixed-media work where you want a broad colour range without hunting down individual shades.

Everything You Need for Embroidery at CraftOnline

Floss is just the start. If you're setting up for embroidery, an embroidery hoop keeps your fabric taut, making stitching far easier and more consistent. And if you're not sure where to begin, our embroidery kits include fabric, thread, and instructions all in one box; it's the straightforward way to get your first project done without sourcing every supply separately.

Shop Embroidery Floss at CraftOnline

CraftOnline is one of Australia's largest online art and craft shops, stocking over 700 brands and 50,000 products across every craft category. Whether you're buying individual skeins to match a pattern or stocking up with a value set, you'll find the right embroidery floss with Australia-wide shipping from one reliable source.

Free shipping on orders over a certain amount and great everyday prices. Explore our art and craft shop, where you'll find everything you need.