Embroidery Floss or Stranded Cotton Thread
Embroidery Floss or Stranded Cotton is a loosely twisted, slightly glossy 6-strand thread, usually of cotton but also manufactured in silk and rayon. Cotton floss is the standard thread for cross-stitch. Extremely shiny rayon floss is characteristic of Brazilian embroidery.
Perle Cotton, Pearl Cotton, or French Cotton Perlé Thread
Perle Cotton, pearl cotton or french cotton thread is an S-twisted, 2-ply thread with high sheen, sold in three sizes or weights (No. 3, 5, and 8, with 3 being the heaviest).
Matte Embroidery Cotton or French Cotton Thread
Matte Embroidery Cotton or French Cottton à broder is a matte-finish (not glossy) twisted 5-ply thread.
Medici or Broder Medici Thread
Medici or broder medici is a fine, light-weight wool thread formerly manufactured by DMC Group.
Crewel Yarn
Crewel Yarn is a fine 2-ply yarn of wool or, less often, a wool-like acrylic.
Persian Yarn
persian Yarn is a loosely twisted 3-strand yarn of wool or acrylic, often used for needlepoint.
Tapestry Yarn or Tapestry Wool
Tapestry yarn ot Tapestry Wool is a tightly twisted 4-ply yarn.
Threads for machine embroidery are usually of polyester or rayon (less often cotton or silk).