Tips for Split Threads

mns5bsl

Any tricks or tips for split threads when backstitching?  Using a blunt needle, but still the split threads drive me nuts.:Q

tcca

Are you getting split threads when you push your needle up from the bottom to top? or are they splitting when you go from top to bottom? I always try to push my needle up in a hole that doesn't have a backstitch in it already, and push down into the hole that has the stitch so that you can see where the needle is going. Also, sometimes if I'm having a really hard time, I take a slightly bigger needle and wriggle it into the hole to make a 'gap' for the needle I am using to go through more easily, since the bigger the needle, the blunter it is. On the other hand, you could try using a super super sharp needle and use it to nudge the bits of thread aside to push it in the right place - it is hard to do that with a blunt needle.

I would say the best thing is to experiment a bit with needles both bigger and smaller to see which gives you the best results. It's a bit like goldilocks and the porridge that is too hot and too cold.

mns5bsl

I'm not sure when the splitting is occurring.  I am looking back after stitching and seeing that I have split threads.  I am using a thick blunt needle b/c I seem to stitch faster w/ bigger blunt ones, but I can try a smaller one  to see if it helps prevent my threads from splitting.  Thanks for the advice.

mns5bsl

tcca replied at 2013-6-11 09:20

                               
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Are you getting split threads when you push your needle up from the bottom to top? or are they split ...

After trying different sizes, it seems that my thread is often split before I even push through the fabric.  I think I'm going to try a little thread conditioner to see if that helps.  Do you condition your threads?

tcca

mns5bsl replied at 2013-6-16 16:15

                               
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After trying different sizes, it seems that my thread is often split before I even push through th ...

It sounds like maybe your thread is getting untwisted as you stitch. Try keeping an eye on it and if the twist starts getting loose, turn the needle a couple of times to twist it back up again.

mns5bsl

tcca replied at 2013-6-16 18:39

                               
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It sounds like maybe your thread is getting untwisted as you stitch. Try keeping an eye on it and  ...

Thanks!!  That was a simple, quick-fix that did the trick.  When I noticed the thread was split, I undid the last backstitch and twisted it back up.  I was skeptical about using thread conditioner because I'm not sure if it's greasy or leaves any residuals, but now there is no need.  Thanks again!:loveliness:

tcca

mns5bsl replied at 2013-6-18 06:46

                               
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Thanks!!  That was a simple, quick-fix that did the trick.  When I noticed the thread was split, I ...

Awesome, so glad it worked!

tcca

Thanks for the points :)

tcca

Oh.. and about the thread conditioner - I have some thread heaven, but I don't really use it for DMC floss. I find that it's not really needed. When I start working with silks or metallics or krenik braid type stuff I'll give it a try. One other tip is to not cut your floss too long. The longer the floss the more times it will go in and out of the holes, and towards the end, it might start looking pretty ratty - that's probably part of why your floss started getting untwisted. I work on very fine count cross stitch (28 count and higher) so I cut my floss to a max of 12 inches. If you work on a smaller count, 14 or 11 for example, maybe it would be ok to cut longer, but still not too long or the floss starts to wear out and isn't as shiney any more.

Jazzi

tcca replied at 2013-6-19 19:35

                               
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Oh.. and about the thread conditioner - I have some thread heaven, but I don't really use it for DMC ...

Exellent and detailed tips. Thanks!