You've found the perfect Valdani color, and then the product page asks you to choose a size: 5, 8 or 12. If you've ever stood at that dropdown wondering which one your project needs, this guide is for you.
The short version: the bigger the number, the finer the thread. Size 5 is the heaviest, size 12 is the finest, and size 8 sits in the middle. Below, we'll walk through what each weight does best, so you can choose with confidence.
What is perle cotton?
Perle (or pearl) cotton is a twisted, non-divisible thread. Unlike embroidery floss, you don't separate it into strands. You stitch with it just as it comes off the ball. That twist gives perle cotton its soft sheen and makes each stitch stand out on the fabric.
Valdani perle cotton is hand-dyed in lead-free dyes and guaranteed colorfast. It's also slightly heavier than DMC perle cotton of the same size, which gives it better coverage and a more striking decorative effect.
Valdani perle cotton sizes at a glance
| Size | Weight | Yardage per ball | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Finest | 109 yards | Detailed embroidery, fine hand quilting, punch needle, heavier tatting |
| 8 | Medium | 73 yards | Everyday stitching, hand quilting, applique, crochet, heavier punch needle, rug hooking |
| 5 | Heaviest | 45 yards | Bold stitching, big-stitch quilting, bobbin work, rug hooking, tassels and fringe |
Size 12: the finest weight
Choose size 12 when you want definition and detail. Its fine weight is ideal for small motifs, lettering, delicate outlines and fine hand quilting, where a heavier thread would look bulky. It's also a good fit for punch needle and heavier tatting.
At 109 yards per ball, size 12 goes a long way, which makes it a smart pick for projects with lots of fine stitching. Many of our wool applique ornament patterns call for size 12 for embroidered details like faces, stems and lettering.
Use size 12 for:
- Redwork and detailed embroidery
- Fine hand quilting
- Punch needle
- Small details on wool applique
Shop size 12: pick any color from our perle cotton solids or variegated perle cotton and choose Size 12 from the size menu.
Size 8: the all-rounder
If you're not sure, start with size 8. It's the most versatile Valdani weight, substantial enough to show up beautifully but fine enough for detailed work. It's wonderful for stitching, hand quilting, applique, crochet, heavier punch needle and rug hooking.
Size 8 is also a natural choice for wool applique. It holds its own against the texture of wool fabric without overpowering your design.
Use size 8 for:
- Wool applique and penny rugs
- Hand quilting
- General embroidery and stitcheries
- Crochet and heavier punch needle
Shop size 8: browse 100+ solid colors and our shaded variegated perle cotton, then choose Size 8 from the size menu.
Size 5: the heaviest weight
Size 5 is made to be seen. Its heavy weight makes bold, chunky stitches that stand out from across the room, perfect for big-stitch quilting, decorative stitching and anything with a primitive or folk-art look.
It's also the go-to weight for bobbin work, rug hooking, tassels and fringe. At 45 yards per ball, you'll use it up faster than the finer weights, so plan to buy an extra ball for larger projects.
Use size 5 for:
- Big-stitch hand quilting
- Bold decorative embroidery
- Bobbin work and rug hooking
- Tassels and fringe
Shop size 5: find your color in our perle cotton solids or variegated perle cotton and choose Size 5 from the size menu.
How to choose the right size for your project
- Check your pattern. Many patterns list the Valdani color and size used. Every Hattie & Della wool applique kit lists its threads.
- Think about how bold you want the stitches. Subtle and detailed means size 12. Balanced means size 8. Bold and graphic means size 5.
- Consider your fabric. Heavier fabrics like wool can take heavier thread, while fine cottons and linens show off the delicacy of size 12.
- Mix sizes. Many stitchers use two or three weights in one project, such as size 8 for outlines and size 12 for small details.
- Match your needle. Heavier perle cotton needs a needle with a larger eye. Our chenille needles in sizes 20 and 22 have large eyes and sharp points that suit perle cotton and wool applique, and a needle threader made for perle cotton makes threading easy.
Perle cotton vs. floss: what's the difference?
Perle cotton is a single twisted strand that you never separate. Floss is made of multiple strands you can pull apart: Valdani 6-strand floss lets you stitch with as many strands as you like, and Valdani 3-strand floss is designed for punch needle. If you want shine and texture without separating strands, choose perle cotton. If you want to control the thickness strand by strand, choose floss.
Frequently asked questions
Is size 5 or size 12 thicker?
Size 5 is thicker. With perle cotton, a higher number means a finer thread.
Can I separate perle cotton?
No. Perle cotton is a twisted, non-divisible thread that you stitch with as-is. If you want to separate strands, try Valdani 6-strand floss.
Which size is best for wool applique?
Size 8 is the most popular choice for wool applique. Many stitchers add size 12 for small details.
Which size should I use for big-stitch quilting?
Size 5 makes bold, visible stitches that are ideal for big-stitch quilting.
Is Valdani perle cotton colorfast?
Yes. Every Valdani thread is hand-dyed and guaranteed colorfast.
Find your perfect weight
Whether you're stitching fine details in size 12, everyday projects in size 8 or bold statements in size 5, Valdani perle cotton gives you rich, hand-dyed color that lasts. Browse Valdani Perle Cotton Solids for more than 100 colors, or explore Valdani Perle Cotton Variegated for shaded threads that add depth to every stitch.