Knots happen, it’s just part of the process of creating fiber art. But don’t toss that project out the window just yet! There are ways to fix knots, and to prevent them.
Watch this quick video to learn more, or keep reading.
Why Knots and Tangles Happen
This is the #1 problem for new stitchers . And it still happens to me sometimes!
Every time you pull the needle through the fabric, it twists just a little. This can’t be helped, it’s just the way our arms and hands work with any type of embroidery. This causes the thread to curl and twist in on itself. And if you don’t untwist it, the floss will soon become tangled up in a tight knot.
Fix It
Let Go
For thread that twists and tangles, every few stitches, let go of the needle and let it hang. The thread will naturally untwist. Let it stop before you resume stitching.
Work It
For a knot, remove the needle from the embroidery floss and work it between the threads of the knot to try to undo it. If the knot won’t come out, you’ll need cut it.
If the knot has strangely formed a little loop, this is a slip-knot. Try this:
Prevent It
The floss may be too long
Trim your floss so that it is roughly the length of your arm from your elbow to the tip of your fingers. Shorter threads twist less and form fewer knots.
Using More Than One Thread
If you are using more than one thread, separate all of the threads one at a time before putting them back together and threading your needle. Watch this quick video about how to do this without tangles here.
With these techniques, you should have fewer knots to wrestle with and more time for stitching.
If you have a problem and you need help, please contact me. I’m here for you. 💙
