Stitchers' Forum
Katerina
Member
I don't quite understand the looped start - it says to only use 1 strand of thread, but if the pattern calls for 2 strands, what am I supposed to do?
I'd like a neater way to start, as at the moment, I thread my needle with the 2 strands, and when I make the first half of the cross, I leave a bit of thread at the back, and catch it into the other stitches as I'm making the crosses - if that makes sense. So, I'd like to know how to do this looped start, but am confused.
Kat
Brigitte Gant
Member
The loop start is really easy. Just take one strand and make it twice as long as you need, fold it in half and thread the two ends through the needle. Push the needle from below in the spot where you need to start, don't pull thread through completely, but go through the loop then pull tight gently. This avoids having to sew in two ends.
Katerina
Member
How can I make one strand twice as long as I need when it's only a certain length anyway?
Plus, the kit I'm doing has threads of 6 strands that I need to separate depending on what section I'm doing. Some areas are done with 2 strands, some with 1.
I still don't understand this loop method. Once I've done it, do I join another strand in or something to make the two strands?
Oh bother, I'll stick to the way I'm doing it, as this just doesn't make sense to me!
Thanks anyway :)
Cecilia
Member
The loop start only works if the design needs and even number of strands, i.e. 2, 4, 6 etc.
For the areas that need two strands, you only need to use one strand because when you fold it in half, that makes two strands. So as Brigitte said, thread your needle posting the two "ends" through the eye of the needle. Now, when you look at it, you'll see two strands threaded on the needle with one end being "uncut".
Now, make the first arm of your cross, come up through the first hole leaving the "uncut" part of the strands at the back, like what you'd do if you used two separate strands, then finish the first arm by going through the second hole as you would normally do (first arm makes a half cross stitch) but when you go through the back, put the needle through the loop 9which should also be at the back), then pull the needle further to finish the first arm and this will make the loop secure at the back with no trailing ends to catch.
The website below has a good tutorial. If you are making lots of cross stitches you only need to follow items one to eight.
http://www.better-cross-stitch-patterns.com/loop-start.html
So, then when you need to just use one strand you will have to do what you normally do, i.e. catching the thread underneath your stitches as you go.
Hope this makes sense.
Brigitte Gant
Member
That link was really good, Cecilia. The loop method is really helpful when there are a lot of colour changes in a small area. It prevents a lot of 'sausages'.
Katerina
Member
Hey I get it now! We went to the craft exhibition at Westpoint Arena in Exeter and Jane Greenoff was there and she showed me the loop start.
I got a great frame for holding my work in too from another stall. It's much better than a hoop because the tension stays tight. It goes from very small to quite large, you just screw in these plastic bits and stretch the fabric over these gripper rod type bits.
Here's the company if anyone's interested - http://www.sewitall.com
Kat x
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