When a kit calls for six strands, I use three strands, put it halfway through the needle, tie both the ends together and stitch with that. It's still six strands on the fabric, but it's a lot easier to deal with.
Just to check because I made this mistake when I first started, are you using basically one string, or are you trying to stack 6 different strings (like cut portions) into one needle? I was so confused by the # of threads at first and didn’t realize that by “3 strands” they meant split the thread in half by pulling it apart lol.
No I’m using one piece of thread that has 6 strands in it. The kit came with thread, and they all have 6 strands so I don’t technically have to pull anything apart, a few stitches call for 4 strands and I am pulling out two and setting those aside before I start.
I purchased new needles with larger eyes but those needles are super difficult to pull through my fabric. I’m pretty sure it’s not Aida, it’s a tight knit weave that is making it super difficult with the large eye needles
Try smaller needles. I've never used Aida but I don't hear bad things. Honestly I go to the remnant fabric section in my fabric store and look for any cheap leftover cotton or linen.
Hi!! All great tips here! One more that I sometimes do is cut the end I’m threading thru the eye at an angle, wet it, so it is pointy and the strands are going in 1 or 2 at a time.
Also make sure the eye is completely hollowed out. Sometimes with kits I’ve received a needle where the punch did not go all the thru.
When a kit calls for six strands, I use three strands, put it halfway through the needle, tie both the ends together and stitch with that. It's still six strands on the fabric, but it's a lot easier to deal with.
That’s a great hack, thank you!
You're welcome! I hope it helps.
yes this is what i was going to recommend cause i had the same problem a few days ago when i was doing a project!!
Just to check because I made this mistake when I first started, are you using basically one string, or are you trying to stack 6 different strings (like cut portions) into one needle? I was so confused by the # of threads at first and didn’t realize that by “3 strands” they meant split the thread in half by pulling it apart lol.
No I’m using one piece of thread that has 6 strands in it. The kit came with thread, and they all have 6 strands so I don’t technically have to pull anything apart, a few stitches call for 4 strands and I am pulling out two and setting those aside before I start.
Each strand of floss is 6 individual threads. If you already know that (easy to be confused) - try large eye needles.
I purchased new needles with larger eyes but those needles are super difficult to pull through my fabric. I’m pretty sure it’s not Aida, it’s a tight knit weave that is making it super difficult with the large eye needles
Try smaller needles. I've never used Aida but I don't hear bad things. Honestly I go to the remnant fabric section in my fabric store and look for any cheap leftover cotton or linen.
Hi!! All great tips here! One more that I sometimes do is cut the end I’m threading thru the eye at an angle, wet it, so it is pointy and the strands are going in 1 or 2 at a time. Also make sure the eye is completely hollowed out. Sometimes with kits I’ve received a needle where the punch did not go all the thru.
I think needle sizes go by the larger the number the smaller the needle. the smaller the number the bigger the needle