Cross-Stitch and Needlework
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Stripping Your Floss...
Use this technique for smoother stitches!

Embroidery floss comes in a twisted length made up of six separate strands that must be separated before stitching can begin. By following these simple instructions, you will have smooth, silky looking stitches that will lend a truly professional look to your stitching.

  1. Cut a length of thread from the skein, 18" to 24" according to preference.
  2. Hold one end of the cut length 1/2" from the tip. With your other hand, use one finger to gently tap the cut end of the thread until the strands separate.
  3. Grasp the strands one at a time and simply pull in a smooth motion. The thread behind the pull will curl up toward your hand. Simply smooth it out and repeat the process.
  4. Reunite as many strands as needed for your project, thread your needle and smooth once more.
  5. As you stitch, pay attention to the lie of the thread. The smoother the thread, the better your work will look!

Why the fuss?
Floss is manufactured with a twist to the fiber. Separation techniques that disrupt this pattern cause the natural sheen of thread to be muted by weakening the thread and allowing greater wear as you stitch.

Here's to beautiful stitching!

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Needlework Tips:

Stripping Your Floss...Use this technique for smoother stitches!
Using the Loop Method—Your secret weapon for a more beautiful back!
Stretching your needlework for a truly professional finish.
Try this simple procedure for calculating design size on different fabric counts.
The Skinny on Needles, or, why smaller is not necessarily better!
Carrying your stitches.
For the smoothest stitches...follow the grain of the floss!
Stitching with variegated thread...try it once and you are hooked!
Going with the flow...smoothing a curve with fractional stitches!
Embellishments...covered buttons add color and panache for a fresh and trendy look!
No Place To Anchor Your Thread? Try an "Away Waste Knot"!
Thread conditioners...some products simply make life easier!
To use a hoop—or not...the pros and cons.
Hardanger Tips
Tips for using metallic threads