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Separate and lay floss strands
Separate strands individually before recombining the required number. Allow accumulated twist to unwind so parallel strands can lie evenly.
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Separate strands individually before recombining the required number. Allow accumulated twist to unwind so parallel strands can lie evenly.
Before you start
Prepare a small offcut of the intended ground with the intended needle and thread. Mark the practice area lightly and support the fabric without stretching its grain.
How to do it
- Cut a manageable length of six-strand floss. Hold the bundle near one end and pull out one strand vertically while the remaining strands gather below your fingers. Let them relax before taking the next strand.
- Recombine only the number needed, keeping their ends aligned. Do not split pearl cotton or another indivisible thread. Stitch a small patch with one, two and three strands to choose coverage without crowding the holes.
Try this example
Make ten satin stitches with two prepared strands. Pause halfway to let the needle hang freely above a protected surface, then compare flatness with the first stitches.
Check your result
- Release the frame and inspect front and reverse. The thread should lie as intended without distorting the ground; shorten a stitch or change the sample before pulling harder.
- Coverage and tension depend on the actual ground, thread and stitch length. A diagram shows the route, not a universal thread quantity or tension setting.
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