PERLE MEDIUM COTTON - DMC

DMC Perlé Cotton No. 5 – Non-Divisible Twisted Yarn 10g 15m

100% twisted cotton | 10g – 15m | Raised decorative embroidery

📋 Key features

• Composition100% mercerized cotton
• Skein weight10 grams
• Length15 meters
• Yarn sizeNo. 5 Medium (diameter ~1mm)
• StructureNon-divisible twisted yarn
• Recommended needleEmbroidery needle No. 18–22
• FinishSatin, soft and silky
• Ideal forRaised decorative embroidery

🧵 The yarn

DMC Perlé Cotton No. 5 is a professional embroidery yarn with a non-divisible twisted structure that ensures perfectly uniform stitches. With its 10 grams and 15 meters of length, this DMC Perlé cotton offers a satin finish and a soft, silky feel that makes it pleasant to work with even during the longest sessions.

Number 5 represents the medium thickness in the DMC Perlé range (available in No. 3, 5, 8, and 12), with a diameter of approximately 1mm that makes it perfect for decorative embroidery where visibility and definition are needed. It is used with an embroidery needle No. 18-22 and glides smoothly over the fabric without fraying.

🧬 Technical composition: why it works

100% mercerized cotton is the base of this yarn. Mercerization is a chemical treatment that swells the cotton fibers, making them stronger, shinier, and better able to absorb dyes. This process gives DMC Perlé its characteristic satin sheen that is not lost even after repeated washings.

The twisted structure of the yarn creates a compact, cylindrical structure that produces the three-dimensional raised effect typical of Perlé embroidery. Unlike divisible mouliné, this yarn always maintains the same thickness, ensuring absolute uniformity in every stitch. DMC quality ensures solid, vibrant colors that resist frequent washing without fading.

📦 Skein size and yield

Each skein contains 10 grams or 15 meters of yarn. With one skein you can create decorative borders of approximately 12-15 linear cm (depending on the stitch density), or fill small areas of satin stitch embroidery of approximately 4-5 cm². For monograms and embroidered initials, one skein is sufficient for 2-3 medium-sized letters.

For larger projects such as tablecloths with full borders or decorative cushions, calculate at least 3-5 skeins per color. We recommend purchasing all the necessary skeins at once to ensure they come from the same dye lot and avoid even the slightest differences in shade.

🧶 Recommended use

The embroidery needle No. 18-22 is the ideal size for this yarn because it has an eye wide enough to pass the yarn through without straining it, but not so large as to leave visible holes in the fabric. Perlé No. 5 is perfect for medium-weight fabrics such as linen, cotton, and linen blends with a regular weave.

Being non-divisible, it is always used whole: this ensures that every stitch has exactly the same thickness and definition. It is particularly suitable for stem stitch, chain stitch, French knots, and all techniques where volume and definition are needed. For Hardanger embroidery and traditional Scandinavian embroidery, Perlé No. 5 is the professional standard.

✨ Why choose DMC Perlé Cotton No. 5

Compared to divisible mouliné, Perlé solves the problem of unevenness: you do not have to worry about separating the strands or keeping them parallel during embroidery. Every stitch comes out identical to the previous one, with the same volume and shine. This makes it ideal for those seeking professional precision without technical complications.

DMC quality, backed by over 270 years of experience in producing embroidery yarns, guarantees solid colors that do not fade and superior mechanical resistance. The yarn glides smoothly through the needle without twisting or fraying, even after hours of work. The silky softness does not irritate the hands and makes every embroidery session pleasant.

🎨 What you can create

DMC Perlé Cotton No. 5 is perfect for raised decorative embroidery, borders, and frames on household linens, monograms and embroidered initials on tablecloths and pillowcases, Hardanger embroidery and traditional Scandinavian techniques, and ornamental details on clothing and accessories.

👩‍🎨 Who it is suitable for

Perlé No. 5 is suitable for both beginners and experienced embroiderers. For those starting out, the non-divisible structure eliminates the difficulty of managing multiple separate strands and ensures uniform results right away. For experienced embroiderers, it offers the precision and professional quality needed for complex projects and traditional techniques such as Hardanger.

It is purchased by hobbyists who embroider household linens, artisans who personalize garments on commission, embroidery teachers looking for reliable materials for courses, and enthusiasts of traditional Scandinavian techniques. It is also highly appreciated by those looking for a quality gift for someone who loves embroidery.

🧼 Maintenance and care

• WashingMachine washable at 40°C
• BleachingDo not bleach
• SpinningDelicate spin cycle
• DryingDry flat; do not tumble dry
• IroningIron on medium heat on the reverse side
• StorageStore away from direct light and moisture

📌 Important note

📊 Technical data summary