Selecting the right floss for your new cross-stitching project is not extremely difficult to do. All you need is to take note of a few steps. This will help you prevent a lot of problems later.
Step 1 - Research
Read your chart carefully. Write down a list of colors with their brands and numbers, including with the amount of skeins required.
Note: Make sure you do not have the wrong numbers as a wrong digit could mean a wrong shade. You also do not want to run out of floss. Nothing is more frustrating than running out thread halfway through your sewing and realizing that the shop does not have any more stock in that color.
Step 2 - Purchase
Make sure your store has stock of the threads you need. If a particular brand is unavailable, you can use a conversion chart to buy another floss of a similar color.
Note: If you need more than 1 skein, make sure you check the batch number. As there are variations in color even in the same number, do not select another skein simply by comparing them visually. Our eyes cannot tell the difference easily.
Step 3 - Preparation
If your floss is made of 6 strands, take out four strands and twist them together. This will make your sewing flatter and neater, especially if you are working with Aida cloth with a bigger count.
Note: Different brands pack their floss differently, so you need to check.
Step 4 - Sewing
Cut about 30cm or 1 foot of thread. Do not tie a knot before you start sewing. Leave an inch of floss and as you stitch, tuck the thread under the stitches and it will not run. When your thread is about to end, just tuck the thread under previous stitches by putting your needle through them.
Note: The knots will make the cloth lumpy and the lumpiness will show when you frame your project. If your strands are of varying length, it could be that there is a knot somewhere. Check and make it smooth it before the difference become more apparent.
