How to Separate Embroidery Floss?
A simple separation of individual threads from the embroidery floss can make a huge difference in the actual stitch. The look and feel of the masterpiece being made can noticeably stand-out if floss threads are stitched separately.
Today, we are going to provide some tips on how easily you can get this job done. It’s easy if you are a self-claimed ‘pro’ in your stitching work (Or even an actual one, perhaps?), but for the beginners, it’s actually a riddle to find out how to separate embroidery floss.
Well, worry not! As the savior to your ‘flossy’ trouble is finally here. Behold, and keep reading!
What Does Actually Separating Floss Mean
Okay, separating floss means what it exactly sounds. It’s stripping the threads before you are using it to stitch with it. This is just the way you can take the strands out of the actual floss-group.
Take the DMC floss, for example. These are used for embroidery works, mainly. With one single brunch of the DMC floss, comes six different strands. In other words, six strands make a brunch of floss.
These six strands can be easily removed from the actual thread group and used separately. Well, you may be wondering what the actual benefit of this is.
Yes, it gives you the option to untwist the individual strings from the group, and you can make the most out of the threads.
How to Separate the Threads
So, here’s the way you do it. Keep it in mind that there may be a number of ways for doing this, but this method seems to be easier than most of those. Or at least, we found it to be pretty easier.
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Required Length
First of all, just cut out the required length of the thread from the skein. This is the length of thread you need to carry your task or craft on. You need to measure it out before you actually put scissors on it. Take help from a scale or measuring tool for this.
Step 2: Grip the Thread Group Accordingly
Hold on to the thread by two of your fingers – thumb and the index finger. Make sure you leave a little amount of thread over the gripping zone.
Imagine the thread group is like a human. You just grip it up to the neck. Leave the head out of your grip to do the pulling works on.
Step 3: Break-up the Brunch and Pull One at a Time
Here, there’s a little trick to play. Slightly tap the top head of the floss. It will make an instant wave across the threads, and a door to separation will open up.
If a tap doesn’t work out, simply rub your finger over the head. This way, the threads will be slightly moving away from one another – making your job easier.
Hold the floss tightly, and simply identify one thread that you want to pull up. Even if you need a few threads, start with just one. It will save you from getting tangled in threads—only one thread at a time.
If you are trying to pull more than one thread at once using a pen, it will make a mess and ruin the brunch eventually. This is the last thing you want to experience.
Step 4: Pull Gently
When a part of the thread is seen getting out of the brunch, just gently pull it out. You don’t need to be in super-rage to get it out; it will make things worse.
Don’t freak out if you see the other threads below it pile up like it’s going to be a mess. It will sort itself out once you are done pulling out.
Okay, you have successfully separated the first one. Now follow the same process to pull out the remaining ones. Two, three, four, five, and finally, six strands will be pulled out from the brunch.
That’s how you do it.
Step 5:
Now, when you have successfully separated the threads, you can see that all are just lying straight without being twisted together. This gives you the leverage of a tangle-free stitch on your craft.
Even if the threads are twisting or tangling to an extent, try dangling the threads from the needle to the ground a few times. It will untangle and un-twist the threads more. Therefore, you can get a straight thread to use.
Final Words
So, once you have done it for the first time, it’s easy to do it again and again.
Moreover, it will take less time in the future, and you will be super-fast in doing so. Trust us; this will make a huge difference in the look of your craftwork. Every single thread will be straight and un-twisted.
Your artwork will project exactly what you intend to give life to. That’s the sole reason craftsmen prefer to separate the threads from floss in the first place.
