The Retors du Nord comes in four separable strands and can be used as any other embroidery thread. It is, however, slightly finer than DMC's stranded cotton. It is also slightly shinier and slides better. These threads are made in the North of France, the traditional home of thread production.

Each pack contains an assortment of 12 colours:

Vintage colours: 2266 (deer), 2449 (nile), 2469 (rosewood), 2409 (bordeaux), 2350 (purple), 2882 (sapphire), 2332 (auburn), 2086 (coal), 2190 (candyfloss), 2180 (metal), 2004 (off white) et 2196 (ivory).

Modern colours: 2405 (orange), 2010 (azure), 2039 (sun), 2019 (spring), 2025 (peony), 2032 (andrinople), 2491 (brick), 2006 (violet), 2777 (emerald), 2876 (agate), 2529 (gold) et 2034 (moss).

Essential colours: 2030 (red), 2003 (pure white), 2043 (orpiment), 2190 (candyfloss), 2445 (olive), 2012 (bottle), 2223 (beige), 2029 (geranium), 2317 (pheasant), 2874 (gauloise blue), 2847 (pale blue) et 2005 (black).

Pastel colours: 2532 (straw), 2040 (dawn), 2221 (caramel), 2443 (pasel green), 2818 (gobelin blue), 2717 (jade), 2009 (mist), 2001 (cloud), 2018 (baby pink), 2041 (sky), 2348 (flesh) and 2302 (mauve).

Length on each card: 20 metres in four strands.

Size of box: length 15cm - width 12cm - heigh 5cm.