Mouliné Spécial 117MC RED - DMC

Mouliné Spécial DMC 117MC Red – 8m Skein, 6 Strands for Cross Stitch

100% double-mercerized cotton | 8 meters – 6 divisible strands | Cross stitch and freestyle embroidery

📋 Key features

• Composition100% long-staple cotton, double-mercerized
• Skein weight2 grams
• Length8 meters per skein
• Strands6 easily divisible strands
• Recommended needleEmbroidery needle size 24–26 for 14-count Aida
• WashingUp to 95°C, resistant to diluted bleach
• Ideal forCross stitch, freestyle embroidery, Hardanger
• Approximate yield2–3 strands for cross stitch on 14-count Aida

🧵 The embroidery thread

Mouliné Spécial DMC 117MC Red is the world's best-selling cotton embroidery floss, with over one million skeins sold every day. This thread is made from the finest long-staple cotton fibers, double-mercerized to ensure exceptional silky sheen and superior strength. The intense red color of the 117MC range is perfect for cross-stitch projects, freestyle embroidery, and decorative techniques on all types of fabric.

Each skein contains 8 meters of thread divided into 6 easily separable strands, allowing you to vary the thickness of your embroidery to suit your project. For cross stitch on 14-count Aida, 2–3 strands are usually used, while for more delicate embroidery on linen or fine cotton, you can use just one strand to create refined details.

🧬 Technical composition: why it works

The long-staple cotton used by DMC comes from the finest cotton-growing regions in the world and is carefully selected for consistency, strength, and softness. The long fibers help prevent the thread from breaking as you work, even when separating individual strands, and ensure it glides smoothly through the fabric. This means fewer knots, less waste, and a more enjoyable, fluid embroidery experience.

Double mercerization is the process that makes DMC Mouliné so distinctive: the cotton is treated twice with caustic soda to swell the fibers, increase their sheen, and improve dye absorption. This process ensures the red stays vibrant and intense even after repeated high-temperature washes, without fading or changing shade. DMC's colorfast dyes are selected for their excellent resistance to light and washing, ensuring your embroidery retains its beauty over time.

📦 Skein size and yield

Each DMC 117MC skein contains 8 meters of thread and weighs 2 grams. One skein can make approximately 400–500 cross stitches on 14-count Aida using 2 strands, or cover an area of about 10 x 10 cm with solid embroidery. For larger projects, such as tablecloths, cushions, or embroidered pictures, we recommend calculating the amount needed based on your pattern and buying all the skeins you need at once to ensure a consistent dye lot.

DMC applies strict quality control to every production batch, but slight shade variations can occur between different batches. For this reason, if your project requires multiple skeins of the same color, it is essential to buy them all together. Store skeins in a dry place away from direct light to preserve the color's intensity.

🧶 Recommended use

For cross stitch on 14-count Aida, use an embroidery needle size 24–26 with 2–3 strands of thread. This needle size has an eye large enough to pass the strands through without fraying them, but is fine enough not to excessively enlarge the holes in the fabric. If you're working on 16- or 18-count Aida, reduce to 2 strands and use a size 26–28 needle for more defined, compact stitches.

For freestyle embroidery on linen or cotton, you can vary the number of strands according to the effect you want: use 1–2 strands for fine details and delicate shading, 3–4 strands for fuller coverage, or up to 6 strands for raised embroidery or decorative lettering. DMC Mouliné is also ideal for techniques such as Hardanger, blackwork, and stem stitch. Its softness and smooth glide make it suitable for both beginners and experienced embroiderers.

✨ Why choose Mouliné Spécial DMC 117MC Red

DMC Mouliné solves embroiderers' main problem: the frustration of working with thread that breaks, tangles, or loses its color in the first wash. Thanks to its long fibers and double mercerization, this thread glides smoothly through the fabric without knotting, and its colors stay bright even after dozens of washes. Unlike inexpensive threads that can fade or change shade, DMC 117MC red retains its original intensity, helping your work last over time.

In everyday use, this means you can embroider tablecloths, towels, bibs, and clothing without worrying about the color being damaged in the washing machine. You can wash your embroidery at up to 95°C, use diluted bleach if needed, and iron at medium heat without damaging the thread. This exceptional durability makes DMC Mouliné the ideal choice for projects intended for everyday use, not just decorative pictures.

🎨 What you can make

DMC Mouliné 117MC Red is perfect for cross-stitch embroidery on Aida fabric, freestyle embroidery on linen and cotton, Hardanger, blackwork, and decorative techniques. The intense red color is ideal for floral motifs, hearts, decorative lettering, Christmas borders, and Valentine's Day projects. You can also use it to personalize clothing, bibs, towels, and household linens.

👩‍🎨 Who it's suitable for

DMC Mouliné is suitable for both beginners and experienced embroiderers. The 6 strands separate easily without tangling, the thread glides smoothly through the fabric, and it doesn't break while you work. If you're just starting out with cross stitch, this thread lets you focus on the technique without the frustration of poor-quality materials. If you're experienced, you'll appreciate its consistent texture, silky sheen, and wide range of colors for creating realistic shading and gradients.

This thread is chosen by hobbyists who embroider for pleasure, artisans who sell their work, embroidery teachers seeking reliable materials for classes, and anyone looking for a quality gift for cross-stitch and embroidery enthusiasts. Its wash resistance also makes it perfect for embroidering household linens, bibs, and garments intended for everyday use.

🧼 Maintenance and care

• WashingUp to 95°C, resistant to diluted bleach (1 teaspoon per liter)
• BleachingChlorine-resistant; use diluted bleach if necessary
• Spin cyclePermitted; wrap in a towel to remove excess water
• DryingDo not tumble dry; lay flat to dry
• IroningMedium heat (cotton); iron inside out on a towel
• StorageStore in a dry place, away from direct sunlight

📌 Important note

📊 Technical specifications summary