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Thread by Mesh

Which thread to reach for on 13- and 18-mesh canvas — our go-to silks, wools, and specialty fibers, plus a free printable cheat sheet.

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Match your thread to your mesh

Thread is where a canvas comes alive — but the first question isn't silk, cotton, or wool. It's matching your thread to your mesh, so it covers beautifully without crowding the holes.

Start with your mesh. Mesh (or count) is the number of holes per inch. The two you'll see most are 13 and 18. A finer 18-mesh wants a slightly finer thread; a 13-mesh has larger holes and takes a fuller thread.

For 18 mesh: Vineyard Silk · Pepper Pot Silk · DMC #5 Pearl Cotton (the most affordable) · Petite Very Velvet (specialty). Needle: size 22 tapestry.

For 13 mesh: Silk & Ivory · Planet Earth Silk · Milan (silk & wool) · Planet Wool (wool) · Very Velvet (specialty) · Stardust (specialty sparkle). Needle: size 20 tapestry.

Know your fibers

  • Wool — the most durable; classic, matte, and hard-wearing.
  • Silk — sheen and luxury; a smooth, elegant finish.
  • Cotton — affordable; some brands are matte, others have more of a sheen.
  • Silk & wool blends — soft, warm, and versatile, with wonderful coverage.
  • Specialty (velvets, metallics) — texture and accents; a little goes a long way.

Three tips that make a difference

  • Stitch your lightest colors first — dark threads can shed stray fibers that get caught into lighter areas. And never anchor a darker fiber under a light one; it may shadow through.
  • Match your dye lots so color stays consistent.
  • Use the right needle — size 22 for 18 mesh, size 20 for 13 mesh (the smallest size that still stitches comfortably without enlarging the holes on the canvas).

Not sure how much to buy? Guessing thread amounts is the trickiest part. Our app Skeins estimates exactly how much of each color a canvas needs — so you buy once and stitch without running short.

Free download

Keep the cheat sheet on hand

Join the Grant Point list and we'll send the Thread by Mesh cheat sheet straight to your inbox — perfect to tuck in your project bag.

One printable, two pages. Confirm thread amounts for your canvas with Skeins.