What Needle for Perle Cotton 8? A Guide for Embroidery Lovers

Perle cotton is a favourite in the embroidery world, loved for its silky shine and strong, twisted thread that produces beautiful results with minimal fraying. A good quality material to embroider on, like Aida fabric for Counted Cross Stitch, is essential for getting the look you want. When working with perle cotton – especially size 8 – the right needle makes all the difference. The correct needle size means smoother stitching, no fabric snagging and you can enjoy embroidery to the full.

This guide explains what perle cotton size-8 is, how the perle cotton sizing system works and most importantly what needle size is suitable for perle cotton 8 and other perle cotton sizes.

What Is Perle Cotton Size-8?

Perle cotton, also known as pearl cotton, is a type of embroidery thread with a special construction. Unlike standard embroidery floss which is made of multiple strands that can be separated, perle cotton is a single strand. This gives it a shinier, more robust texture that produces raised stitches.

Perle cotton size-8 is a medium weight thread used for fine details, decorative stitches and surface embroidery. It’s thin enough for intricate designs but still gives good coverage on fabric. Many embroiderers have a favourite needle for perle cotton size-8, often a specific needle size and type that gives them more control and ease of use.

Perle Cotton Size-8 Uses

• Surface embroidery

• Cross-stitching

• Sashiko and decorative quilting

• Hand embroidery projects that require fine detail

Perle Cotton Size System

The size of perle cotton is indicated by a number – 3, 5, 8 or 12. Here’s how it works:

• Smaller Numbers = Thicker Threads: e.g. perle cotton 3 is thicker/more robust.

• Larger Numbers = Thinner Threads: perle cotton 12 is much finer than size 3.

Size-8 is in the middle of the spectrum, so you get detail without overwhelming delicate fabrics. That’s why it’s a favourite of experienced and beginner embroiderers alike.

Embroidery Needles

Embroidery needles are an essential tool for any embroidery project. They come in various sizes, shapes and types, each for specific tasks and threads. Understanding the different types of embroidery needles and their characteristics is key to getting professional results.

Embroidery needles can be broadly classified into two categories: sharp needles and blunt needles. Sharp needles, also known as tapestry needles, have a sharp point and are used for general embroidery, cross-stitch and other stitches that require a sharp point. Blunt needles have a blunt point and are used for stitches that require a gentle touch, like satin stitch and stem stitch.

Embroidery needles also come in different sizes, with larger needles having a larger eye and a thicker shaft. The size of the needle is determined by the type and amount of thread being used. Thicker threads like perle cotton need larger needles and thinner threads like embroidery floss need smaller needles. Choosing the right needle ensures your thread glides smoothly through the fabric and creates even and consistent stitches without damaging the fabric.

Perle Cotton Needle Sizes

The needle you use for perle cotton depends on the thread size and type of fabric you’re working with. Embroidery needles, tapestry needles and crewel needles are all good options but my go-to needle for various stitching projects is one that has an eye big enough for the thread to pass through smoothly without fraying. The right needle size and type can make a big difference to your stitching experience and results.

Perle Cotton Needle Selection Guidelines

• For larger threads (e.g. size 3) a longer needle with a bigger eye works best for the thread’s thickness.

• For finer threads (e.g. size 12) use smaller needles that can fit through tighter weaves in delicate fabrics.

Your fabric matters just as much as your thread when choosing a needle. A thicker thread and larger needle with tightly woven fabrics (e.g. canvas) will break the fabric’s weave. For fine fabrics like linen or cotton, thinner threads and smaller needles will give a more polished result.

What Needle for Perle Cotton 8?

For perle cotton size-8, embroidery needles or sharp-ended crewel needles in sizes 7-9 are recommended. These needles have a big enough eye for the thread and a sharp point for piercing the fabric cleanly.

Recommended Needles for Perle Cotton 8

• Crewel Needles, Size 7 or 8: For most embroidery projects with perle cotton 8. Sharp points for intricate designs on standard fabrics like cotton and linen.

• Milliners Needles, Size 8: For making smooth bullion knots with thicker threads like perle cotton 8.

• Tapestry Needle Size 24 or 26: For cross-stitching or working on delicate fabrics where a blunt tip is preferred.

Tip

Always test your needle and thread on a small section of the fabric before starting your project to avoid stress on the fabric weave.

How to Know You Have the Right Needle Size

Choosing the right needle size is key to getting professional results in embroidery. Here are the signs:

• The needle glides through the fabric without puckering or distorting.

• The thread goes through the eye of the needle without tangling or knotting.

• The stitches are even and consistent with no strain or tension.

• The needle doesn’t split the fabric or fray it.

But if you see any of the following, it may be that your needle is too small:

• The thread won’t go through the eye of the needle.

• The stitches are uneven or inconsistent.

• The fabric is puckering or distorting.

• The needle is splitting the fabric or fraying it.

By paying attention to these signs you can adjust your needle size to get smooth embroidery.

Perle Cotton 5?

Perle cotton 5 is thicker than size-8 thread so you need slightly bigger needles to accommodate it. For perle cotton 5, embroidery needles in sizes 4-6 are the way to go.

Needles for Perle Cotton 5

• Crewel Needles, Size 4-6

• Chenille Needles, Size 20-22: These needles have a sharp point and big eye, perfect for the thicker size-5 thread. Quilting needles like ‘between’ needles for rocking stitches and Chenille needles for burying thread tails are essential in the quilting process. The right needle will make the stitching experience and the finished project better.

• Tapestry Needle Size 22 or 24: For softer techniques like satin stitch on tight weave fabrics.

Quick Reference Chart

Embroidery Needles for Perle Cotton

When choosing a needle, consider these for perle cotton 8:

1. Eye Size

Perle cotton is thicker than embroidery floss. Choose a needle with a big enough eye to fit the thread. Embroidery needles and chenille needles are best because their bigger eyes reduce friction and minimize fraying or tangling.

2. Shaft Diameter

The shaft diameter of the needle should match the weight of the thread. A thin shaft will stress the thread and a thicker shaft will leave holes in finer fabrics.

3. Point

For most embroidery projects with perle cotton 8 a sharp needle (like chenille needle) or a slightly rounded needle (like embroidery needle) will do. These will give you enough flexibility for various fabrics from cotton to linen.

Tips for Perle Cotton 8

To get the best results when stitching with perle cotton 8:

1. Pre-Condition Your Thread

Although perle cotton is non-divisible, you should still make sure it’s not kinked or tangled before threading your needle. Some crafters lightly dampen or stretch the thread to soften it for stitching.

1. Don’t Over-Tighten

Perle cotton’s texture can be lost if you over-tighten your stitches. Keep your tension even for a better finish.

1. Use Tasting Notes

Match your thread to your design. For example perle cotton’s sheen is perfect for decorative stitches like French knots, satin stitches or couching.

1. Get a Needle Threader

Threading needles with thick threads like perle cotton can be a pain. A needle threader will make the process easier and prevent the fibers from splitting.

1. Test on a Scrap

Always test needles and perle cotton on a fabric scrap before you start your project. This will ensure compatibility and allow you to adjust.

Matching Fabric to Needle and Thread

The fabric you’re stitching on will also play a big role in your needle choice. Here’s how fabric choice affects needle size for perle cotton 8:

• Lightweight Fabrics (e.g. voile, muslin)

Lightweight fabrics need smaller needles, like embroidery needle size 9. This will keep the delicate fabric fibers intact while stitching.

• Medium-Weight Fabrics (e.g. cotton, linen)

Medium-weight fabrics work well with embroidery needles 7-8 or chenille needles 20-22 for perle cotton 8. These needles balance durability and fabric penetration.

• Heavy Fabrics (e.g. canvas, denim)

For thicker fabrics use chenille needle 18-20. These needles will guide thicker threads like perle cotton through heavy fabrics with precision.

Not Sure? Test on a Swatch

When working with new fabrics test different needles on swatches. Check the stitches to see if the hole the needle made isn’t too big and listen for crunching sounds when you sew. If your needle is struggling to get through the fabric you might need a sharper point, a bigger eye or you might just need a new needle. Before long you’ll know the subtle differences between the different types and sizes of needles and which one is best for the fabric you’re sewing.

Common Problems

Here are some common problems you may encounter when using embroidery needles and some solutions:

• Thread tangling or knotting: This is caused by using a needle that’s too small for the thread. Try using a bigger needle or a needle with a bigger eye to reduce friction and tangling.

• Fabric puckering or distorting: This is caused by using a needle that’s too big for the fabric. Try using a smaller needle or a needle with a sharper point.

• Stitches uneven or inconsistent: This is caused by using a needle that’s not designed for the stitch you’re using. Try using a needle designed for the stitch you’re using, like a crewel needle for detailed embroidery.

• Needle breaking or bending: This is caused by using a needle that’s not designed for the fabric you’re working with. Try using a needle designed for the fabric you’re working with, like a chenille needle for heavy fabrics like canvas or denim.