I almost always use 14 ct aida with two strands of DMC floss. Occasionally, I do see fabric showing thru. I don't think it is the tension you are using. One issue might be the quality of your fabric. Don't use the "discount" stuff. I think the problem that you are experiencing is probably the color of the floss on the color of the background. For example, don't stitch a large area with a lot of pink on black fabric. I did one project entirely with three strands. It looks good. I'm not sure how much different it would have been with only two strands. Take a good look at your finished projects that are framed. When you stand away from the work, do you notice something showing thru? Ask someone who will tell you the truth what they think. We are our own worst critics.

Stitching away

I am working on a large project from Mystic Stitch that is stitched solid. Instructions said to use 2 strands (DMC) floss on 14 ct. Aida. I started it that way and didn't like the way the fabric was showing through. You could easily see the individual x stitches. I ripped it out and used 3 strands. Fills it in real solid so it has the look of a tapestry, which I like. Probably depends too on the pattern. Samplers might look better with a little fabric showing. Gives a more antique, hand-stitched look. Patterns that are more like a picture or art reproduction are better filled in real solid. Nothing wrong with doing it what ever way that you are most pleased with the results.

I don't like the extra floss expense of three strands, but when I stitched a DMC dragon for my great grandson, the "golddust" fabric truly had to have three strands! And, while our boy likes the glittery look, the fabric literally sanded the tips of my fingers. I now stitch just a 9 x 9 stitches square in a margin and decide on how many strands. I am such a perfectionist that I drive DH and my adult children totally nuts. At 69, I still cannot relax and want my projects to match the professionals photo on the pattern package. I am indeed nuts!

When I start a project on 14 ct. fabric I stitch a little area on a sample piece to check the coverage. I do most of my projects though on 16ct. or 18ct. Aida fabric so it is not a problem. I also use good quality Aida fabric and not the "cheap" stuff.

All of these ladies have good hints. Laying your thread side by side is the best. Separate the floss before you start stitching.... I'm frugal and do that, laying as I go. I get good coverage with 2 strands and a minor tension. Whatever works best for you is the BEST for you! Happy stitching... and NO stress!!

You won't go wrong, Eagle, if you use the tips these expert stitchers gave.

I always use 3 strands of thread on all of my cross-stitches because I hate to see the white show through. Since most of the time I work off patterns I just buy extra thread, but when I do a kit I am always pleased when they give the dnc numbers in case I run out I can buy more.

talking w/ my independent shop owner last week, she agreed that DMC floss is thinner now than it used to be.. takes 3 strands instead of 2 to cover..

Thank you! I switched to 3 strands on a small project, but I thought it was just a bad batch, specifically in one color.....good thing we're all so versatile and free-wheeling. :) I read in THE NEW CROSS STITCH BIBLE (2007) that it was perfectly acceptable to use varying numbers of floss threads on a project, just as you might use various different flosses....adding depth and texture....depending on the project, of course!

I'm actually using three strands right now on 32 count. It is blue spruce Belfast and I'm stitching a lot of white. It is Angel of Grace by Lavender and Lace. I started Angel of Healing on the same fabric with two strands and was very unhappy with the coverage. I'm also stitching the Rosewood Manor ABC Tapestry on 32 count linen with two strands. The fabric shows a little, but I really like the look (desert sand and dmc 815). Different projects and different looks. Try a little square on the side and see what you like.