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Hello
I have just returned to doing cross stitch after trying some other crafts. I bought a kit with pre sorted threads.
After a week what a mess I have got them in
Any tips to tangle free threads Please!!!

Sue

When I get a kit I put all the threads on bobbins and put them in one of my boxes with a label so I know what they are for. I can't be doing with loose threads all over the place and I don't get on well with the punched hole sorters at all.

There is no one way to do things and others here will share their ways. Just find what works for you.

I use the punched hole organizer that either comes with the kit or make my own using notecards. I loop tie them so they don't come off (fold thread in half, put loop through the hole, pull the thread through the loop--make sense?)

I do the loop hole knot as well, and when i take my thread off, I wrap all the threads around the holder so they dont get tangled.

I use both of these methods...I often use old birthday cards and punch holes around the edges.. that way you can even fold the threads up inside the card when not in use

Ooh Jilly that's so creative and such a good thought!! I'm always worried about mine getting "furry" (the perils of having three kitty-babies) when I have them on hole-punched cards....inside cards would certainly help some with that problem!

That's a good idea Jilly
I always fold the threads twice before looping through - less length to tangle then.
Oh and I always use a separate sorter for threads started.

Thank You for all your suggestions
I have been into town and bought some bobbins and will wrap my floss around them
(thank you freelady)

Sue

for the kitws, i use cardboard bobbins, I got something like 400 of them free so I write the symbol on the cardboard bobbin and so they are all labelled. The cardboard ones can be used again. I just liquid paper over the symbol I draw on.

Yes it is the cardboard ones I have bought, and that os a very good tip on how to reuse them Thanks Sue

I'm too impatient to stitch I try and keep my threads as neat as possible and when it gets too bad, I spend a little bit of time untangling. Fortunately I've never come across a bad tangle yet, but I'm sure I'm tempting fate.

must be more disciplined....

I just liquid paper over the symbol I draw on.

That is such a good idea! Why did I never think of that? Silly me!

liquid paper = tipp-ex?

iwind them onto bobbins then pop them all in a project wallet

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWNX:IT" target="_blank

Yes it's Tippex Lisa

I also use homemade thread sorters. ANd then keep the kits in doculment wallets til they are finished! I have a lot of them about!

thanks helbel

I use ziplock snack bags. I pop the thread in close it and use a label I write colorname and number on it, stick it on the baggy, make a hole with my hole punch ( i put it on top above the zipper, it's more sturdy) and put all of them on a metal shower curtain hook. Works great for me and keeps the cat and dog hairs off the floss.

Great idea with the individual ziplock bags!

I normally separate each color and knot in on itself. Then I put them all in a gallon bag with the chart, scissors, pen, etc. If its a kit and comes with a color card I just figure its a bonus.

I use the original card with holes, and tie them around it so they don't come loose.

I use floss-away bags and write the number on the bags. I place all the bags on a 4 inch ring.