Perle cotton floss–also called pearl cotton–is a lustrous thread that cannot be separated into strands the way embroidery floss can be divided. Perle cotton comes in sizes. The lower numbers–3 and 5–are heavier threads; the higher numbers–12 and above–are the thinner threads. Perle cotton size 8 is a medium weight thread equivalent to three strands of embroidery floss.
Perle cotton floss may be used for an extensive range of needlework applications such as appliqué, crochet, cross-stitch, hardanger embroidery, knitting, lacework, needlepoint, quilt tying, redwork, Sashiko, smocking, and tatting. Quilters and embroiderers use perle cotton for machine embroidery and machine quilting. Perle cotton is also a favorite thread for making friendship bracelets.
Missouri Star offers only perle cotton from the Presencia thread company in Valencia, Spain. Why? Because we think Presencia thread is the best. We import Presencia perle cotton; therefore, we do not stock every size they manufacture. We offer Presencia thread size 8 because it is a nice, all-purpose thread weight.
Presencia perle cotton is sometimes called Presencia embroidery thread because it is so often used for embroidery. It is also sometimes called Presencia embroidery floss, but we want to reiterate an important point. Presencia thread cannot be separated into multiple strands as can true embroidery floss. If you call the product Presencia floss, keep in mind that you will need to purchase a thinner thread if needed; you won’t be able to split strands to obtain a finer thread.
Missouri Star carries a wide array of beautiful Presencia thread colors. Would you like Very Dark Rose? Medium Delft Blue? Light Avocado Green? Red Copper? Medium Gold? Take a look! If you are a color addict, you are going to want them all! Presencia thread is 100% extra-long staple Egyptian cotton, mercerized for strength. It is colorfast and shrinkfast. Except where noted, the colors are bleachfast.
If you are going to invest the time into hand needlework or machine embellishment of a project, you want to use the best thread available. We think that is Presencia perle cotton.
