Help using Pearl Cotton floss (#5)

[Pengwenn]

Okay, I bought some Pearl Cotton floss and I'm not sure how to use it. I read it was a nondivisional thread, meaning you don't take individual strands out to stitch with. I tried to start a letter for my "Mother" project but something doesn't seem right. The thread's too thick and I don't like what it's doing. Am I doing something wrong? Should I have divided it? Maybe I don't know how to use it all? Help!

[Rose]

Sorry I have not used this so you will have to get advice from more knowledgable stitchers.

[Mabel Figworthy]

Serinde is probably the person to help you here, as she uses it a lot for Hardanger, but from my limited experience I would say a #5 is probably (as you already found out, sorry ) a little thick for cross stitch, as it's supposed to be about the same size as a full thread (all six strands) of DMC. For cross stitch a #8 (about the thickness of 2-3 strands, I think) or even #12 (about a single strand) would be easier to work with.
I have used threads that thick, and ended up using them only in half cross stitch or tent stitch, and done that way they can give a lovely texture to your work. Why not try on a scrap piece of fabric to see if you like the effect?

[agi]

In Hungarian folk embroidery we use Perle a lot, and #5 is used on 22 count, over two, so that would be equivalent with 11 count Aida. Try that.