starting and ending threads for a haed

[crystalangel]

hi can you tell me how you start and end your threads please thankyou

[Vega]

I always leave a long tail to start the first thread. Then stitch over it (holding the tail for the first 2 stitches) to secure it in place. I use at least 5 stitches to secure it. Then when its time to end it, I just run it under the previous stitches.

Snip the excess thread as close to the piece as possible. I've found using cuticle scissors to be wonderful for this because they have a nice curve. And cheap too, just $1.25 at the local dollar store. I hold the strand of floss up straight, lay the scissors flush to the back of the piece, and snip it off!

[kell]

I use the loop start method. When using two strand thickness, I use a single strand of floss doubled over and put the two ends through the eye of th eneedle. i then come up through the fabric to work the first leg of my first stitch, but then before the loop end comes up, I complete the leg and thread my needle back through the loop at the bac kof the fabric (does that make sense?). At the end, I just run the thread under 3 or 4 stitches and snip it close to the fabric. I find the loop method uses less floss than leaving a tail at both ends. I also seem to have neater backs using this method, as there's only half as many ends threaded under stitches as there would be.

[Vega]

I agree with Kell, if you're using 2 strands, use the loop method!

[Bridge]

I used to just run the thread under a few stitches on the back. But then I read on a board (maybe Haed, don't remember) about the pinhead stitch. I have been using it for a few weeks now and I am in LOVE!! It is easy, no flipping to the back (well occasionally to check for knots or bumps) and it also seems to shorten my orts. I find that to end the stitch, I do the same as start as long as it will be covered by future stitching. That way I only have to do the ending process occasionally. It is a little tricky since you are working under a completed stitch.

Pinhead Tutorial for Aida
There are also tutorials on the left for Linen.

I highly suggest giving this a try.

[Rose]

I can maybe see how that would work for starting a thread but how does it work for ending. If you just cut it off after the X is finished that would not hold???? At least not from what I read in the instructions. Maybe I am just missing a step, or something.