After the overwhelming requests from customers for pearl cotton #8, I made an extensive search and found Presencia Finca pearl cotton #8 to be the best choice.  I thought all pearl cotton #8 thread was about the same until I tried Finca Pearl Cotton #8.   I crocheted a little bag using Finca and also the same size bags using other pearl cotton #8 threads.  Then I compared them.  The Finca thread is smoother, has a higher sheen and appears to be a tighter ply, making it stronger than the other cottons.  All cotton fibers become softer as they are handled and washed.  Since Finca is a tighter plied fiber, it will not stretch as much as other cotton #8 threads and holds its resilience longer.  Finca feels good to the touch and does not separate when using a crochet hook.  I can now provide boxes of Finca Pearl Cotton thread in sizes 5, 8, 12 and 16.

You can use Finca for all the same purposes you were using other pearl cotton #8 threads.  I will be using Finca in small pin weavings and tapestries, braiding and many other techniques.  I will use Finca for thread crochet and knitting and some bead crochet and knitting where smaller amounts of beads are added.  When it comes to crochet or knitting with beads, cotton is not strong enough for larger heavily beaded items such as all beaded bags and ropes.  The weight will make the items stretch over time no matter what cotton you use.  If you are making anything larger than an amulet bag composed of all bead coverage, check YLI Jean Stitch thread, 100% polyester.  I use Jean Stitch extensively for heavily beaded crochet and knit items.