PERLE COTTON 12 S – DMC

DMC Pearl Cotton No. 12 – 100% Egyptian Cotton Twisted Embroidery Thread

100% mercerized Egyptian cotton | 10g ball | Raised embroidery and cross-stitch

📋 Key Features

• Composition100% mercerized Egyptian cotton
• Ball weight10 grams
• Thread weightNo. 12 (fine thread)
• Structure2-ply twisted
• Recommended needleEmbroidery needle no. 24-26
• WashingWashable at 30°C, colorfast
• Ideal forCross-stitch, Hardanger, raised embroidery
• TextureSoft, silky, lustrous

🧵 The Thread

DMC Pearl Cotton No. 12 is a professional embroidery thread made from 100% mercerized Egyptian cotton, designed for those seeking a higher-quality thread for precision work. Its 2-ply twisted structure ensures stability while stitching, while the mercerized finish gives the thread that characteristic silky luster that enhances every stitch without appearing artificial.

Each ball weighs 10 grams and is available in the full DMC color range, identified by international standard color codes. The No. 12 weight is the finest in the DMC Pearl range, ideal for creating fine details and delicate embroidery on Aida cloth, linen, and even-weave fabrics.

🧬 Technical composition: why it works

The Egyptian cotton used by DMC is a long-staple, combed, and gassed fiber that ensures superior strength and softness to the touch. Mercerization is a chemical treatment that modifies the fiber structure, making it smoother, brighter, and more resistant to washing. This process is essential for embroidery threads because it prevents the thread from fraying during repeated passes through the fabric.

The 2-ply twisted structure means the thread is not divisible like stranded cotton, but always maintains the same consistency. This makes it perfect for techniques requiring a stable, uniform thread, such as cross-stitch with a raised effect, Hardanger, Kogin, and drawn thread work. The regular twist ensures that every stitch has the same volume and definition.

📦 Size and coverage

The 10-gram ball is the standard size for DMC Pearl No. 12. Coverage varies depending on the density of the embroidery, but generally, one ball is sufficient to complete small decorative motifs, placemat borders, embroidered initials, or details on larger projects. For extensive work such as tablecloths or blankets, it is advisable to calculate at least 2-3 balls for each main color.

Important: DMC colors are standardized, but slight variations may occur between different production lots. For projects requiring multiple balls of the same color, it is always recommended to purchase them together to ensure color uniformity. Always save the color code for future purchases.

🧶 Recommended usage

A size 24-26 embroidery needle is the ideal choice for Pearl No. 12, as the eye is large enough to allow the thread to pass through without fraying, yet the needle is fine enough not to leave noticeable holes in the fabric. A needle that is too thick would damage the fabric weave, while one that is too thin would make threading difficult and stress the thread.

Pearl No. 12 is particularly suitable for techniques like Hardanger (Norwegian counted-thread embroidery), Kogin (geometric Japanese embroidery), drawn thread work, and cross-stitch with a raised effect. The fineness of the thread allows for work on fine-weave fabrics without weighing the piece down. Even beginners can use it successfully, provided they are comfortable threading fine needles.

✨ Why choose DMC Pearl Cotton No. 12

Compared to divisible stranded cotton, Pearl No. 12 solves the problem of variable consistency: every stitch has exactly the same volume, without needing to count strands or worry about them separating during stitching. This makes it ideal for geometric embroidery and counted-thread techniques, where consistency is fundamental to the success of the work.

The natural luster of DMC mercerized cotton is visibly different from that of cheaper threads: it is not an artificial effect that fades after the first few washes, but a permanent feature of the fiber. DMC colors are also standardized internationally, meaning you can follow embroidery patterns from around the world with the certainty of obtaining exactly the specified shade.

🎨 What you can create

Pearl No. 12 is the ideal thread for table linens (placemats, tablecloths, runners), embellishments on clothing and shirts, initials and monograms, and borders on towels and sheets. It is also perfect for Hardanger projects, Kogin, three-dimensional cross-stitch, and counted-thread embroidery on linen and fine Aida cloth.

👩‍🎨 Who it is for

Pearl No. 12 is suitable both for beginners already familiar with needle and thread, and for experienced embroiderers. The fineness of the thread requires some precision when threading the needle, but once you get the hang of it, stitching is smooth and enjoyable. It is not recommended for a very first attempt at embroidery: it is better to start with Pearl No. 8 or stranded cotton, which are easier to handle.

This thread is particularly prized by those who embroider heirloom linens, follow Hardanger and Scandinavian embroidery patterns, and hobbyists who love precision work. It is also widely used by creators selling handmade goods, as DMC quality is recognizable and appreciated by end customers.

🧼 Maintenance and Care

• WashingMachine washable at 30°C
• BleachingDo not bleach
• SpinningGentle cycle
• DryingLay flat to dry, avoid tumble drying
• IroningIron at medium temperature on the reverse side
• StorageStore away from direct light and humidity

📌 Important note

📊 Technical data summary