Pearl Cotton vs Floss

[Little_Rat]

I was thinking of giving canvas work a try since I love working with a variety of stitches. However, some patterns seem to call for pearl cotton, which I know my local Michael's carries but I have a rather large stash of floss. Can one use floss in the place of pearl cotton or is it not recommended?
Thank you.

[MaggieM1750]

I've not done any canvas work. But one thing with pearls is the twist and sheen of the fiber. I don't think you would get that with floss. Pearls stay round where I think floss would flatten out. Unlike floss you don't separate pearls- you use as is from the spool.

Good luck with a new technique. And welcome to the Forum

[Mabel Figworthy]

Welcome and good luck trying out a new kind of needlework!
I know some designers use stranded silk (like Caron Waterlilies) for canvas work, so it is possible, but as Maggie point out the effect would be quite different -- the strands would flatten out and have a different texture and sheen from perle cotton. You could try a small project using your cottons and see whether you like the look of it. If not, oh dear, you will have to buy more stash....

[Mystonique]

YES! I often do. Althought the pearl can look great too. If you are going to substitute though you should use 6 strands of regular cotton (floss). Be sure to separate the strands (like you normally do) and then put them back together again otherwise it will look funny.