Cross-Stitching

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Stitchs twisting into rope
Sat, Oct 3, 2015 6:55 PM
Posted by Paul L
I am working on a piece that calls for 3 and 4 strands of thread. I get several flat stitches then the twisting starts and i can't get the stitch to lay flat after that. I have let the thread hang and spin out, does not help. I've taken the needle off and separate the threads and two stitches later it twistes again. Any hints or tips would be appreciated. Paul
  • Reply from Judy
    Saturday, October 3, 2015 11:36 PM
    Paul,

    I have the same problem usually if I just separate threads and recombine them it works. Since that's not working for you google "how to prevent floss from twisting" and you'll get lots sites to check for remedies. Hope you find one that helps. Enjoy your day and happy stitching...Judy :) Go to top

  • Reply from Finny
    Monday, October 19, 2015 6:48 PM
    Using a shorter length of thread definitely helps along with when you separate your threads make sure they aren't twisting on themselves, run the separated strands between your fingers a few times to release some of the curling action they may still have. I usually cut my thread 2ft long and pull the non working tail as long as it can without being caught in the stitches while working. Which usually is about 5-7 inches of working thread between my needle and my cloth. I just pull it longer when I need more thread. I also found that using the sewing method rather than the stabbing method reduces twisting, but not prevents it. -Finny
    Go to top
  • Hide Replies
    Reply from Interlacements
    Saturday, October 31, 2015 10:12 PM
    Paul, I use two strands (mostly, sometimes one or three) and separate the threads completely when I pull them from the 6-strand. I cut off a piece that's about 2', then combine the two pieces. I stitch and after a few stitches, I let the needle drop and untwist. There are always some threads that twist over each other as I stitch, but because I'm pretty even in my tension, they tend to lie pretty flat (even when they switch sides.)

    If you really don't like that look and it bothers you, you can try a laying tool. That's a piece that looks a bit like an ice pick attached to a finger that you put under the two threads as you tighten the stitch. As the stitch goes towards the cloth over the tool, they tend to keep straight. You remove the tool when you've tightened the stitch down onto the metal of the "pick" and just finish pulling the stitch taut. I use this method for metallic threads in Japanese embroidery. It *is* a bit more time consuming.

    Good luck and happy stitching. Go to top

    • Reply from Interlacements
      Saturday, October 31, 2015 10:15 PM
      I did miss the fact above that you are working with 3 and 4 threads. Increased threads in the needle will lead to increased "chaos" in the stitch as they twist around each other. I would highly recommend a laying tool for that many strands. There are videos out there on how to use them. (In a pinch, you can simply use another needle as the tool.) Go to top