It is Six strand embroidery floss. It is made of 100% mercerized cotton. It is made in Germany. When you consider the number of hours that will be spent on a needlework project, then you will see the importance of using good quality embroidery thread. Embroidery floss is used for a large variety of needlework projects - cross-stitch, counted thread, embroidery, needlepoint, smocking, crewel, punch embroidery, applique and quilting. Embroidery floss is a thread that is manufactured or hand-spun specifically for embroidery and other forms of needlework. It is a loosely twisted, slightly glossy 6-strand thread, usually of cotton but also manufactured in silk, polyester, rayon, and linen.