Hello Everyone hope your week is going well. Last week we talked about the nap of the thread and many of you wrote in asking how you know which is the right end to thread into the needle. I thought I would share with you this wonderful hint sent in by Pat Jay, who is a teacher of embroidery, on how to do this. I have done my best to draw you a diagram of the process hope it helps explain. (click on the diagram for a larger view).
1. Pull out a length of thread from your skein (approx 50cm or whichever length you prefer) and cut this off.
2. Tie a knot at the end you cut off. (bottom end near skein).
3. Seperate the strands and cut off one strand near the knot. Thread the (long) end away from the knot into the needle.
4. Repeat this each time you want to re-thread. You will be using your thread in the same direction each time.
So simple and yet so effective, thanks for the great hint Pat! What I love about this is that you end up with a clean cut on your skein of floss. I always seem to have a bunched up bit where I have been pulling out strands, this is much neater. Have a good week. Trish
Thanks for the referral I love your blog. Trish
FINALLY, the answer to having threads look right when worked up on a design. Thanks!
Trish,
Great idea! Thank you! I have 2 of your books and your video and they are all wonderful. Question: does crewel wool have a nap? I haven’t been able to find anything about it online. Thank you!
Yes Lisa crewel thread does have a nap – it is easier to tell because it is hairy. Run the wool between your finger and thumb (at the join) and you will feel that one way is smooth and the other rough. Trish
It took me a while to learn how to separate floss … and now you’ve solved the problem of how to remember which is the end to thread.
Thank you!!!
This really solves the problem of knowing which end to use each time! Thanks for this great tip Pat, and for passing it along, Trish!