How to Use Embroidery Floss

Are you interested in trying your hand at embroidery but not sure where to start? Embroidery floss, also known as embroidery thread, is a key material needed for any embroidery project.

Embroidery floss is a staple in the world of handcrafts, offering boundless possibilities to bring intricate designs and vivid colors to life on fabric. This guide will introduce you to the fundamental techniques for using embroidery floss, from selecting the right materials to mastering the art of threading a needle.

Whether you’re a seasoned embroiderer or picking up a needle for the first time, understanding how to use embroidery floss can transform your projects from simple stitches to stunning artworks.

Embroidery floss, composed of six strands, allows for versatile customization in thickness and texture, enabling both delicate works and bold pieces. Prepare to immerse yourself in the colorful, creative process of embroidery as we explore the essentials of handling embroidery floss.

What are the Benefits of Using Embroidery Floss?

Embroidery floss is specifically designed for embroidery and offers several advantages over other types of threads or yarns. Some key benefits include:

• Durability and Strength: Embroidery floss is made from high-quality, tightly twisted cotton or rayon fibers, making it strong and resistant to fraying.
• Colorfastness: The dye used in embroidery floss is specially formulated to be colorfast, meaning it won’t fade or bleed onto the fabric.
• Versatility: Embroidery floss, with its wide range of colors and textures, offers endless possibilities for creating beautiful designs.
• Ease of Use: Embroidery floss is easy to handle and work with, making it suitable for all skill levels.
• Affordability: Compared to other types of threads or yarns, embroidery floss is relatively inexpensive, making it accessible to anyone interested in trying embroidery.

These benefits make embroidery floss an essential material for any embroiderer, whether they are a hobbyist or a professional.

What Will You Need?

Before you begin your embroidery project, there are a few essential tools and materials that you will need in addition to the embroidery floss. These include:

• Fabric: Choose a fabric that is suitable for embroidery, such as cotton, linen, or even denim.
• Embroidery Hoop: A circular or oval-shaped frame holds the fabric taut while embroidering.
• Needles: Embroidery needles come in various sizes and are specially designed with larger eyes to accommodate multiple strands of embroidery floss.
• Scissors: Sharp scissors are necessary for cutting the floss and fabric.
• Thimble: A small tool worn on your finger to protect it from being poked by the needle while stitching.
• Pattern: A design or pattern to follow for your embroidery project.
• Light Source: Good lighting is essential to prevent eye strain while embroidering.

With these tools and materials, you are now ready to begin using embroidery floss and creating beautiful designs on fabric.

8 Easy Steps on How to Use Embroidery Floss

Step 1. Choose Your Embroidery Floss:

The first step in starting your embroidery project is selecting the right embroidery floss. With a vast array of colors and brands available, it’s essential to pick floss that not only matches the color scheme of your design but also suits the fabric you’re working with. Consider the following factors when choosing your floss:

• Material: Embroidery floss is typically made from cotton, silk, or rayon. Cotton floss is the most common and offers a matte finish, while silk and rayon provide a glossy look.
• Color: Look for shades that complement your pattern. Most brands provide a color chart to help you match precisely.
• Brand: While there are several brands available, it’s advisable to stick to one brand per project to ensure consistency in texture and color.

Once you’ve selected your embroidery floss, you’re ready to move on to preparing it for use in your embroidery project. This will involve cutting the floss to a manageable length and separating the strands if necessary for your specific design needs.

Step 2. Preparing Your Embroidery Floss:

Before you start stitching, it’s important to prepare your embroidery floss properly to ensure smooth, tangle-free embroidery. Follow these steps to get your floss ready:

• Cut the Floss: Measure about 18 inches of floss and cut it gently with sharp scissors. This length is ideal because it’s long enough for stitching but short enough to prevent tangling and knotting.
• Separate the Strands: Embroidery floss is typically composed of six strands twisted together. Depending on the thickness you desire for your embroidery, you may need to use all six strands or separate them into smaller groups. Hold the floss between your fingers, find a single strand, and slowly pull it out and away from the remaining strands. Repeat this process until you have the desired number of strands.
• Thread the Needle: Take the end of the strands you plan to use and pass them through the eye of the needle. For easier threading, you can moisten the tips of the strands or use a needle threader. Leave a short tail of floss and you’re ready to begin.

By properly preparing your embroidery floss, you are setting the stage for a successful and enjoyable project.

Step 3. Starting Your Stitch:

To start your embroidery with a clean finish, securing your floss to the fabric without creating a bulky knot is important. Here’s a simple method to begin your stitch:

• Anchor the Floss: Thread your needle with the prepared embroidery floss. Secure the floss on the backside of your fabric by making a small stitch in an inconspicuous area. Leave a short tail of floss on the backside.
• Running Stitch: Start your design with a simple running stitch. Pierce the fabric from the back to the front, pulling the needle and floss through until the tail end is snug against the fabric (but not tight). Then, make a small stitch forward, pushing the needle back through to the underside of the fabric, leaving a small space, and repeat. The running stitch is a basic technique that can be used for outlining or adding detail.
• Securing the Floss: After completing a few stitches, secure the starting tail of the floss by stitching over it as you continue your embroidery. This will ensure that your work does not unravel.

This step ensures that your project starts smoothly and remains secure throughout your embroidering process.

Step 4. Ending Your Stitch

Once you’ve reached the end of your design or are ready to switch colors, it’s crucial to finish your stitch to prevent it from unraveling. Here is a straightforward way to end your embroidery stitch. On the backside of your fabric, slide your needle under the last few stitches you’ve made.

This method weaves the tail of the floss through the existing stitches for a secure hold. Pull the needle and floss through, ensuring it’s snug but not puckering the fabric. Finally, trim any excess floss close to the fabric with sharp scissors. This method is effective for creating a neat and durable finish for your embroidery project. By carefully ending your stitches, you ensure the longevity and beauty of your embroidered design.

Step 5. Adding Detail with Different Stitches

Once you have mastered starting and ending your stitches, as well as the basic running stitch, you can begin adding intricate details to your designs with various stitches. Each stitch technique allows you to achieve different textures, depths, and effects, making your embroidery work truly stand out. Here are a few stitches to explore:

• Backstitch: Ideal for creating solid lines and outlines, the backstitch involves bringing the needle up a stitch length ahead and then going back into the hole at the end of the previous stitch.
• French Knot: The French knot is perfect for adding a decorative dot or texture. After bringing the needle up through the fabric, wrap the floss around the needle several times before reinserting it close to where it came up.
• Satin Stitch: To fill in areas with smooth, satin-like coverage, use the satin stitch by making flat stitches next to each other across a shape.

Experimenting with these and other stitches will enhance your embroidery projects’ visual appeal and complexity.

Step 6. Finishing and Framing Your Embroidery

After completing your embroidery project, giving it a proper finishing touch before framing is important. This step ensures your work is presented best, protecting it for years to come. Here’s how to finish and frame your embroidery:

• Ironing: Gently iron your embroidery from the backside to remove any wrinkles, ensuring the front design remains crisp and not flattened. Use a pressing cloth to protect your stitches.
• Mounting: Choose a method to mount your embroidery on a sturdy backing. This could be an acid-free foam board or another archival-quality material. Stitch or glue the fabric tautly over the mounting board.
• Framing: Select a frame that complements your work. Make sure the frame is deep enough to accommodate the thickness of the embroidery without pressing against the glass, which can damage the stitches over time.
• Sealing: Seal the back of the frame to prevent dust and insects from entering your embroidery. You can use framing tape or backing paper for this purpose.
• Displaying: Hang your framed embroidery in a spot away from direct sunlight to avoid fading of the colors over time.

Following these steps’ll add a professional finish to your embroidery projects, ensuring they are displayed beautifully and preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Step 7. Experimenting with Different Materials and Techniques

Embroidery offers endless possibilities for creativity, so don’t be afraid to try new materials and techniques. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Different Types of Fabric: Experiment with different fabrics, such as linen, cotton, or silk, to see how they affect the look and feel of your stitches.
• Using Different Threads: Instead of traditional embroidery floss, try using other types of thread, such as metallic or variegated, for added texture and visual interest.
• Incorporating Beads: Adding beads to your embroidery can create a three-dimensional effect and add sparkle to your designs.
• Mixed Media Embroidery: Combine embroidery with other techniques such as painting, collage, or fabric dyeing to add even more depth and dimension to your work.

The key is to have fun and let your imagination guide you. With practice, you’ll develop your own unique style and create stunning embroidered pieces that showcase your creativity and talent.

Step 8. Caring for Your Embroidery

Proper care and maintenance of your embroidery ensure its longevity and preserve its beauty. Here are some tips for taking care of your embroidered items:

• Washing: Hand wash your embroidery gently with mild detergent in lukewarm water. Avoid rubbing or twisting the fabric too harshly to prevent damaging the stitches.
• Drying: Lightly press out any excess water with a clean towel after washing. Lay the item flat on a dry towel to air dry. Avoid using a tumble dryer, as the heat may shrink the fabric or damage the embroidery.
• Storing: Store your embroidery in a cool, dry place. For items that are not displayed, wrap them in acid-free tissue paper or cotton fabric to protect them from dust and moisture. Avoid folding embroidery to prevent creases; if folding is necessary, place buffered acid-free tissue paper between the folds to minimize fabric stress.
• Avoiding Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade the colors of your embroidery. When displaying embroidery, choose a spot away from direct sunlight or consider framing behind UV-protective glass.

By adhering to these care instructions, you can enjoy your embroidery for many years, passing it down as a cherished heirloom or piece of art.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

1. Preventing Knots with Wax: To prevent your embroidery floss from tangling and knotting while you work, consider running it through beeswax or a thread conditioner. This not only smoothens the floss but also strengthens it, making your stitching process smoother and more enjoyable.
2. Using the Loop Start Method for a Clean Back: Use the loop start method for projects where the back of your embroidery needs to be as neat as the front. This technique is perfect for starting with a double strand, creating a loop at one end of your floss, and then pulling the needle through the loop to secure your first stitch without a knot.
3. Blending Threads for Unique Colors: Blending threads by creating unique shades and textures. Use a single strand from two different floss colors together in the needle. This technique is excellent for achieving gradient effects or subtle color changes in your designs.
4. Storage Solutions: Keep your floss organized and untangled using storage solutions like floss bobbins, organizer boxes, or DIY solutions like clothespins or cardstock pieces. Proper storage not only keeps your floss clean and ready to use but also makes it easier to pick the right color for your project.
5. Length Matters: To reduce tangling and ensure easy stitching, keep your length of floss to about 18 inches (45cm) or less when threading your needle. This length is long enough to stitch efficiently but short enough to minimize knots and tangles during your work.

By incorporating these tips and tricks into your embroidery practice, you’ll enhance your stitching experience, improve the quality of your work, and make the process more enjoyable and efficient.

5 Things You Should Avoid When Using Embroidery Floss

1. Avoid Using Too Long Strands: Using strands that are too long can lead to tangling, knotting, and fraying of the floss. It makes stitching more difficult and can damage the overall appearance of your work.
2. Don’t Use Knots to Start or End: Knots can create lumps and unevenness in your finished piece. Instead, weave the ends of your threads through the back of your stitches to start or end your work for a smoother finish.
3. Avoid Mixing Different Brands in the Same Project: Different brands of embroidery floss may have slight variations in thickness and sheen, which can cause inconsistency in your work. Stick to the same brand for a uniform look.
4. Don’t Skip Using a Thread Conditioner for Difficult Floss: For floss that twists and tangles easily, skipping a thread conditioner can frustrate your stitching process. A thread conditioner can greatly reduce these issues, making for a smoother stitching experience.
5. Avoid Direct Sunlight When Storing Floss: Exposure to direct sunlight can fade the colors of your embroidery floss. Store your floss in a cool, dark place to maintain its vibrancy and color integrity over time.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure your embroidery floss remains in top condition and your projects turn out beautifully.

Conclusion

How to use embroidery floss is a pivotal skill in creating exquisite and durable embroidered pieces. From the initial selection of quality threads and understanding the importance of color choices to meticulous care in storage and maintenance, each step plays a crucial role in the embroidery process.

By incorporating the techniques and precautions outlined in this guide, including the innovative use of thread conditioners, the loop start method, and the careful avoidance of common pitfalls like using overly long strands or exposing floss to direct sunlight, you are set to enhance the precision, beauty, and longevity of your work.

Embroidery is an art form that combines creativity with technique. With the right approach to using embroidery floss, your pieces can transcend mere craft to become treasured heirlooms and expressions of personal artistry.