Guides / Stitching
How many strands, and how to prepare the thread
Stranded cotton comes as six strands that are almost never stitched together. Knowing how many to use, and two minutes of preparation, save you knots and dull stitches.
Stranded cotton comes as six strands that are almost never stitched together. How many to take, how long to cut, how to separate them and thread the needle: a few movements, always the same.
What you need
- A skein of stranded cotton
- A size 24 tapestry needle
- Small pointed scissors
- A needle threader, if you have one
How many strands
The bigger the fabric's holes, the more thread it takes to cover them. Backstitch, which draws the outlines, is worked finer.
The same crosses on 14-count aida with 1, 2 and 3 strands: lighter or fuller, pick the look you like.- The fabric calculator suggests 2 strands on 14-count and 1 from 16-count up: a starting point, not a law.
- Keep the same number of strands for a whole colour, or the difference shows.
| Fabric | Cross stitch | Backstitch |
|---|
| 11-count aida | 3 strands | 1 or 2 strands |
| 14-count aida | 2 strands, 3 for fuller cover | 1 strand |
| 18-count aida | 1 or 2 strands | 1 strand |
| 28-count linen over two | 2 strands | 1 strand |
Tip. Try a few stitches on a corner of the fabric with 1, 2 and 3 strands, and keep the look you like.
Getting the thread off the skein
Leave both paper bands on: they hold the skein together, and one carries the colour number.
The bands stay on: they carry the colour's number and hold the skein together while you pull the thread. Photo: ФадееваНН, CC BY-SA 4.0- Hold the skein by one band and gently pull the end that sticks out.
- If it resists or loops, try the other end: one of the two always runs freely.
- Lost the band? The colour chart helps you find a number from its colour.
Tip. Wind the skein onto a small card bobbin and write the number on it: no more tangles at the bottom of the box.
Cutting the right length
A longer thread does not save time: it wears as it goes through the fabric and ends up twisting.
- The end of a length that is too long turns dull and fuzzy.
- For the loop start, a single strand twice as long, about 1 m.
50 cm from your fingertips to your elbow
Tip. If the thread twists, let go of the needle and let it hang for a few seconds: it untwists by itself.
Separating strands one at a time
Pulling two strands at once twists the others into a knot. One at a time, then put back together the ones you need.
Stranded cotton has six strands. Pull them out one at a time, then put two back together: the usual choice on 14-count.- Tap the end of the thread, or roll it between two fingers: the six strands fan out.
- Pinch a single strand and pull it slowly upwards, holding the rest of the thread in your other hand.
- The other five bunch up, then settle back. Do the same for the second strand.
- Lay the two strands side by side, ends level. Keep the other four for later.
Tip. Let the separated strands hang for a moment: they untwist, lie flat and cover the fabric better.
Threading the needle
Trim the end cleanly first: a frayed end will not go through. A size 24 needle for 14-count aida; other sizes are in what you need.
The threader's loop goes through the eye; slip the thread into it, then pull it back out. Photo: Goldi64, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE- Fold the thread over the needle, very close to the end, and pinch the fold between thumb and forefinger.
- Slide the needle out, keeping the fold pinched: it barely shows between your fingers.
- Bring the eye down onto the fold and push: a fold goes through far more easily than a cut end.
- Leave about ten centimetres hanging: that tail will not slip out of the eye.
Tip. With a needle threader: push the wire loop through the eye, slip the thread into it, then pull it back. The thread follows.
If the fabric shows between stitches
The question every beginner asks. Three causes, to check in this order.
- Too tight: ease off, the thread should lie flat on the fabric.
- Twisted: separate the strands and put them back together, as above.
- Not enough thread: go to 3 strands on 14-count, especially for a dark such as 310.
- ✓ Strands side by side, laid without pulling: the block is covered.
- ✗ Thread pulled too tight or strands twisted: the block is pinched and the fabric shows.
Tip. Do not judge too soon: washing plumps the stitches up, and they cover the fabric better. See washing a piece.