I have been doing big stitch for many years and love it. I use the no. 8 Pearl cotton, but have to order it online and if I need something right away and don't have the right color, then I use embroidery floss which is readily available in many colors at Joann's or Michaels. I usually separate the floss in half which is 3 strands. I also use those small helpful thingamabobs to help me thread the needles. I guess they are called needle threaders
