In my last blog entry, I wrote about storing your threads (floss) in such a way that they would remain easy to find, store and identify – to spare the frustrations of losing important shades of thread just as you needed them.
DMC threads
Today, I’m going to focus on another challenge relating to threads – that is: how to prevent and deal with tangles and knots.
Even the most experienced stitcher will occasionally feel the thread starting to tangle. It can seem that the best way of releasing the tangle is to pull at the thread, hoping that the knot will loosen before the thread breaks… this is a gamble that may or may not work. Even if the knot releases itself, it is likely that the thread will be tightened and that the fabric will pucker under the strain of the frustrated tugging. The thread will be damaged and frayed if a lot of effort is required to pull the knot out.
Here are some tips that will prevent these tangles and knots from forming:
1. All stitchers have their own preferred length of thread that they feel comfortable stitching with. If the thread is too long, the thread may tangle or fray. 18 inches is a recommended length. Some inexperienced stitchers use longer strands in their needles, thinking this will save the time it takes to rethread the needle, but this can actually cause tangling instead.
2. Most cross stitch patterns (charts) call for two strands of a single colour or a blend of two different colours in the needle. Before you start stitching, check the instructions for the number of strands to use. Pull each strand from the cut length separately, and then re-position the strands together. This will help to prevent tangling.
3. If you leave thread ends hanging, they are almost certain to get tangled up on the back of your project as you stitch. It’s not just that this makes the wrong side of your work look untidy, but after your piece is finished and framed, those tangles and knots will give a lumpy appearance on the right side too.
4. Thread is often likely to become twisted as you stitch. Avoid this by holding up your project after every seven or eight stitches, letting the needle dangle to take out any twisting. Experienced stitchers also remember to twist the needle a half-turn as they bring it up in the fabric. This will help to prevent tangles from forming.
5. A well-tried way to prevent thread from tangling is to use beeswax to soften the thread; more recently, ‘Thread Heaven’ is a product that helps the thread to glide smoothly through the fabric. Running your thread through a folded piece of a tumble dryer sheet can prevent any static build up too.
6. As for knot removal, try just placing your needle in the middle of the loop, and pull up on the loop and then pull down on one end of the floss. If this doesn’t work, then pull down on the other end of floss. That should loosen the knot. Be careful not to use a lot of force.
Happy – and tangle-free – Stitching!
Iona
My personal favorite way of not knotting is to give the needle a slight twist as you pull it out of the stitch. This will keep the treads from tangleing and maintain an even pull. Have a knottyless day.