The Best Way To Use Your Cross Stitch Threads

One of the first things new stitchers want to know is how on earth to get those threads off the card, separated out, and onto the needle without everything turning into a tangled mess! Don't worry - we've got you covered. Here are our favourite tips and techniques to get you stitching smoothly and knot-free.

What You'll Need

• Your thread card with secured threads (see our previous tutorial if you haven't set these up yet!)
• Your needle
• Your cross stitch fabric

Step 1: Remove a Thread from the Card

Once your threads are secured to the card with a lark's head knot (as shown in our previous tutorial), removing a single length is nice and simple. Gently loosen the knot slightly by pulling on the loop section, then use one hand to hold the card steady whilst you slide a single six-stranded length free with the other. The remaining threads stay neatly in place on the card, ready and waiting.

Step 2: Understand Your Thread

Your thread is a six-stranded cotton, which means that if you tap the end gently, you'll see it splay apart into six individual strands. Most cross stitch patterns use just two strands at a time, so it's always worth checking your pattern instructions before you begin. You have a couple of options for how to separate and use your threads, so choose whichever method suits you best!

Method A: Separate the Strands

Take your full length of six-stranded thread and hold it between your thumb and forefinger. Tap the end to help the strands separate, then pull out one strand at a time, doing so individually and gently to avoid any knots or tangles. Once you have your individual strand, you can either:

• Use one strand folded in half this gives you a two-stranded cotton with a ready-made loop at one end, which is perfect for the loop start method (more on that below!)
• Pull out a second individual strand and use the two together

Method B: Pull Directly from the Card

This is a neat little trick! Rather than removing a whole six-stranded length and then separating it out, you can hook your needle under just one individual strand whilst it's still on the card, then hold the card steady with one hand and gently pull the single strand free with the other. Keep an eye on the other threads as you do this to make sure nothing catches or knots up. It's a great method once you get the hang of it!

Step 3: Thread Your Needle

Line up your two strands of thread so that the ends are roughly level and sitting neatly alongside each other. Then lick the very end of the thread and pinch it tightly between your thumb and forefinger - right at the very tip, so that barely any thread is showing.

Here's the key trick: rather than trying to push the thread through the needle eye, hold the thread completely still and bring the needle down onto the thread instead. Place the eye of the needle down over that pinched tip and pull it through. You'll find this so much easier than trying to poke a floppy thread at a tiny hole!

Step 4: Secure Your Thread (Two Options)

Option 1: The Double Knot If you're using two separate strands, tie a knot at the other end to stop the thread pulling through your fabric. Wrap the thread around your fingers, push the end through the loop, and pull to form a knot. Repeat this a second time so you have two knots sitting on top of each other - this gives a much more secure hold and will keep everything in place as you stitch.

Option 2: The Loop Start (our favourite!) If you used Method A and folded a single strand in half, you'll have a ready-made loop at one end of your thread - and this makes for a beautifully neat, knot-free start. To use it, bring your needle up through the fabric from the back, then take your first half-stitch and go back down.

Before you pull the thread all the way through, pass your needle through the loop that's sitting at the back of your work and pull gently. This anchors the thread securely without any knot at all, leaving a really tidy finish on the reverse of your stitching. Then you're ready to go!

You're Ready to Stitch!

Whether you prefer the security of a double knot or the neatness of a loop start, you're now all set to begin your cross stitch. Getting these basics right means you'll have lovely, even stitching with a tidy back and that makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable.