How many strands of DMC floss for 13 mesh?

A practical starting point

DMC embroidery floss contains six separable plies in each cut strand. On 13 mesh, stitchers commonly combine more than six plies, which means using plies from more than one cut length in the needle.

Eight plies is a useful starting estimate for basic tent stitches. Seven may be sufficient with fuller tension or a lightly painted canvas; some combinations need more coverage. Make a small test before committing to a large area.

Why one answer does not fit every canvas

Coverage changes with the canvas paint, thread color, stitch direction, tension, and desired texture. Dark paint under a light thread often reveals more canvas than similar colors.

• Basketweave and continental create different paths on the back.
• Long or decorative stitches may need a different number of plies.
• Overly thick bundles can abrade in the canvas holes and make stitching tiring.

How to test coverage

Cut a normal working length, combine the planned number of plies, and stitch a small patch in an inconspicuous area. View it in normal lighting from the distance at which the finished piece will be used.

If the canvas shows but you like the texture, that is not automatically wrong. Coverage is an artistic choice as well as a material calculation.

How ply count changes skein quantity

Using eight plies consumes twice as much fiber per stitch as using four. Enter the actual number of plies in the thread calculator; otherwise the skein estimate can be materially low.