Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Tips & Techniques - How to "End" A Strand of Floss

Yesterday I had the question asked "How do I end my floss without it looking messy?"

I guess the definition of the term "messy" can vary by person, where one person can think it looks good and another will think it's not.  Hence the saying "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder".


I'm sharing a picture of part of a piece I'm currently working on.  For the 35 years I've been stitching I've always ended (and started) my strand of floss the same way, by running it under stitches that are close to it.  I always try to run it under stitches of the same color, but that's not always possible, so I try to use a color that's as similar as possible.


Once I'm done completely stitching the piece I'll go along and trim up all the pieces that stick out from the threads, like the blue that is running through the tan, so there aren't any "tails" sticking out.  I still do this even when I'm covering the back of the piece where someone won't be able to see the stitches.

Hopefully this clarifies the question and might teach someone a new technique.  :)

7 comments:

  1. I use pin stitches (great tutorials can be found here: http://apinnick.wordpress.com/2009/08/14/pin-stitch-tutorial-part-1/ and http://apinnick.wordpress.com/2009/08/14/pin-stitch-tutorial-part-2/) to end my threads, and to start them when I not using the loop method. Anyhow, I like pin stitches because being able to end my stitching from the front seems to help me get through projects more quickly.

    --shaunterria
    ca11i0pe.blogspot.com

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  2. I do mine that way too, as you do, but I also put the thread, as I go, through the two aida threads that go up and down in each square. It is hidden from the front by the stitching and then in the back it is even more hidden. Let me know if you would like to see a pic of how I do.. :)

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    1. I've love to see pics! You can send them to me via email at Stitchnmomma@hotmail.com Even though I've been stitching 35 years, I'm self-taught and still always love to learn something new. :)

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    2. Hi Kelly: I am just sending an email to you with a somewhat blurring pic, as my camera is not the best for closeups. But I think you can see what I mean. I was so happy to learn this little extra part myself. Hope you don't mind me mentioning it to you. :)

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    3. I got the email, thank you! I don't mind you mentioning it at all. It's a great way to learn something new. :)

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