Problems

Separating floss is not easy and takes some time. I have some expertise professionally about color in my field (good eye for colors). Not everyone can do this by plain sight. . . To help you see differences in the floss, try laying them across different colored paper. Blue/cyan, magenta/fusia or yellow paper can help you find the differences. Lay your yellows (most difficult) across the blue or a bright magenta. The differences will pop out at you. Same with the blues and greens. Yellow and magenta paper will help you determine which thread/floss is which. Greys (version of black) and Taupes (which have more yellow in them) will also be clearer on these same papers (especially yellow). Hope this helps you out!

Lynn Go to top

I suggest you try what Lynn said, I've always separated my colors from kits using a white piece of paper, though I'll try the colored paper next time. I also have the the color image of it provided by the kit, and a color chart online. When I get really desperate I literally go to JoAnn Fabrics with the colors I do not know what they are, and sit in front of their display and match colors, they generally have a wider selection than say Walmart or Michaels in my area .
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• Reply from Linda Kramm

  Thursday, April 23, 2015 2:26 PM

  First, I would call the kits manufacturer and inform them that there wasn't enough thread to complete your project. They should send you some more thread either free or for a small fee. You can go onto the internet for DMC or whatever brand-named thread company and view thread by number and a sample color. This is easier than standing in the store.
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I suggest you buy an Ott light or the same Daylight Lamp by another company, when on sale at JoAnn Fabrics.
Sign up for eMails and use the next 50% off, one non-sale item, coupon, to get one.
For craft use I have bought 5.

2 Small OttLite model CD0-006, flip open lamp with 12 LEDs, that run on batteries, to take to bead shows, stores, to make sure I get the correct colors.
People always ask me about them.
The light at them is horrible.
I bought a bunch of beads that were completely different colors when I got them home.

2 Larger ones, I bought to use for beading classes, on the road work, etc.
They sit on the table and the front flips up, turning itself on.
These have about 4 hours of use time, on battery only.
One plugs into the wall, and the other has a recharger.

I have 1 over the shoulder Daylight bulb lamp, I put it on the top, of the back of my couch, so it sits with the light coming over my right shoulder, focused on my work, but not in my eyes.
I had to buy weights to make it stay in place.
The stand was metal but not heavy enough to keep it in place.

These lights were all bought for between $15 and $35.

I don't like the teeny, tiny, clip on Daylight Book Lamps, as they are not very bright.
I like all of my work to be lit well, when I work.
I don't want to have to move the light all over the place.

I should mention I use daylight, 4 foot. fluorescent lights in my home.
I just love the daylight bulbs, as everything looks so much brighter.

I think this will help you a lot more than paper.
You will be happily surprised to see how much easier it is, to see the fabric threads, when you cross stitch, using one of these lamps.
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• Reply from Bonnie

  Tuesday, April 19, 2016 11:33 AM

  I go outside if its a nice day and stand in the sun. The colors will pop out even if its very close to another one. Go to top