The most common embroidery thread that you can buy in shops is six stranded embroidery floss. But you may also come across a type of thread called pearl or perle.

Pearl (or perle) thread is not stranded thread which means that you can’t separate out the strands to stitch with. You need to use the thread as it comes. It is therefore a much thicker thread and whilst you can use it for embroidery there are few things to bear in mind.

• You’ll need a needle with a larger eye

• Fewer stitches are needed to fill an area

• It has a different texture and sheen to stranded floss

• It’s great to couch with as it has a thicker texture

• You need to use it for some styles of embroidery such as Hardanger or drawn thread embroidery (pictured above)

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