FlossTube extra: Demo #1 - 3 Strand Loop Start - You CAN do it with an uneven number of strands

Be Content, Be Kind and Be Crafty!!
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[@achiral]

For my first cross stitch, I unknowingly chose a pattern with 3 strands. Thank goodness for your tutorial otherwise I would have been SOL.

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

Glad it was helpful! Sometimes it is the tiniest little tip that makes things so much easier.

[@aaronabrams7786]

I must admit that this is not a craft that I am into, but I will watch and support all of your videos because it is so cool that you are doing it. Love you forever my one and only sib.

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

AWWWW - you made me tear up in a Panera. I love you to little brother!!

[@dif5759]

Yeah!! I have never done a loop start from the front, and has always been a pain to do it from the back. So ..... learn something new every day. Thank you :)

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

I am so glad my demo was helpful. I tend to do everything from the front - loop starts and pin stitch ends - especially on my full coverage pieces.

[@reneemassimini2187]

OMG. Mind blown. That is am amazing tip that just googled how to do a loop start with 3 threads. Going home tonight to rip out the little bit i have done on my project and do this 3 over 1 tent stitch. Thank you!

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

I am so glad it was helpful! Sometimes it is the little things that make a huge difference. this will keep your back much less bulky

[@tinafraser682]

This is AMAZING first tip for our community! Thank you so much for sharing. I am going to have to link to your tip video in one of my upcoming new tips segments. Been stitching since 1989 and first time I have seen this demonstrated!

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

Thank you - I am glad I am not just putting out stuff that everybody already knows :-) -

[@bajagal3657]

Thanks so much for this tip! A few years back I bought a very elaborate kit, but didn’t realize if was full of three strand stitches. I got so frustrated each time I had to start new thread that I finally put the piece aside. With this tip I am ready to tackle it again!

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

Glad it was helpful! Sometimes it is the simplest things that can change the way we stitch and how much we enjoy it!

[@lindaloftus8780]

After watching your video, tried your method, as I am working a cross stitch that calls for 3 strands. It is so much neater and easier than working over three strands to secure. Wish I had seen your video before getting half way through my project. :) Thank you.

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

I am so glad it is helpful!!

[@barbarradevlin9111]

This is the only video I could find that taught about 3 strand stitches in detail! Thank you so much for your help!

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

You are so welcome! I am glad it helped

[@5877user]

Thank you for a wonderful tip!! Many of the stamped cross stitch patterns call for 3 strands and I’m used to doing 2. Now to watch a pin stitch and learn that 😁

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

You are so welcome! Sometimes the little tips are the best and really make things easier.

[@ks7722]

This was very helpful! The 3 strands had stumped me!

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

I am so glad I could help out! Thanks for watching!

[@destinationom]

Wow, starting a loop from the front was NEVER on my radar. I am definitely going to start doing this as I am currently working on a 24x22 full coverage and this will make it WAY easier!

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

Glad it was helpful!

[@EnlightenedFlamingo]

Wow, thank you! I'm new to cross stitch & prefer loop starts, but every video I'd watched teaching how to do it said you can only do it with even numbered threads (or doubling a single, which is what I've been doing). But I have some kits that are 3 strands & it's just a bit inconvenient not doing the loop start. I'm 100% gonna try this AND subscribe! 💜

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

Thank you! So glad it was helpful!

[@diannalynnYT]

Thank you. About to start my first full coverage. 14 count, 3 strands, 86 colors. This just made my life so much easier. Thank you.

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

Have fun with the full coverage!! Take a look at my pin stitch video also - that will help you out with ending your threads and will help you keep the back neater and less bulky. when I am doing full coverage with more than one strand I always use loop start and pin stitch end :-)

[@diannalynnYT]

KarlaBeingCrafty thank you. That is incredibly helpful!!!! Will be using that for sure!! Thanks!!!

[@beverleygardam151]

You have no idea how pleased l was to see this ,l felt lost when l had to use 2 strands of one colour and one of the other to start my crossstitch,as l am a novice l thought how am l going to do this ,but with a bit of jiggling it worked ,thankyou .😍

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

You are so welcome! I am glad it was helpful. Thank you for watching!

[@susansutton2012]

Very useful, I was wondering how to do this so thanks very much.

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mellystorms7759]

Karla, this technique is brilliant. My backs look as nice as my fronts.

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

I am so glad it is helpful

[@5877user]

As you first bring your thread back through the front, I throw the loop over the point of the needle so as I pull it out the front, the loop is already through the needle. Then just go back through the hole you indicated, etc. Hope that makes sense. Also when threading 2-strand loop method, I push the loop end through the eye of the needle. Most of the time I don’t need the threader. Works only on 2-strand

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

I know threading the needle can be the biggest challenge sometimes. Luckily I don't usually have a problem with threading my needle - I will confess I lick my thread to help get it through. My sister Stacy has a problem with depth perception so threading the needle is particularly difficult for her but she discovered using dental floss threaders - actually meant to help get dental floss through bridge work - but they work great as needlecraft floss threders also. And they are super inexpensive.

[@5877user]

@@karlabeingcrafty1089 Yes, I sometimes moisten the loop if it refuses to go through the eye, lol

[@patburton837]

Thank you for the instructions of a 3 strand loop start. I'm going to use this on my next project. I don't like the black coverage of 14 count aida 7sing two strands.

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

I am glad you find this helpful!!

[@beverleygardam151]

Thankyou for this nifty 3 strand start ,l have only done one crossstitch in my life but never 3 strands ,and l was sitting here thinking how am l going to start this with no stitches ,and you answered my thoughts.

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

I am glad my video was helpful! Thank you so much for watching

[@kjasper931]

Clever idea, Karla! Far less bulk on the back! Thanks! (And I like your close-up camera view, too. :) )

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

Thank you! Now I can stop screaming at my TV every time I hear someone say that they are using two strands instead of the three they prefer because they want to do a loop start. It is funny but they never hear me when I yell at them that way :-)

[@tinafraser682]

@@karlabeingcrafty1089 I do that too....yell at videos. Then I want to comment...but at the same time don't want to seem snarky.

[@beatricegiai-checa579]

Merci merci j'ai enfin compris pour faire avec trois brins. Gros bisous

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

Vous êtes tellement bienvenu. Je suis content que cela ait été utile !

[@susanarena1675]

Can you show in the video how you threaded the needle for 3 strand loop start. I didn’t understand how you made a loop and kept a long tail. Thanks.

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

I will try to explain, and if it is still not clear I will demonstrate in my next video so let me know. If you want to end up with a 12 inch length of floss to stitch with, cut a piece that is 38 inches. If you lay it down on the table stretched out, take one end (say the left end) and fold 12 inches back on itself, so now you have a 26 inch piece with a loop on the left side, the part toward the left is two strands thick (12 inches) and the part toward the right is one strand thick and 14 inches long. Take the single strand side and fold it back to the left making the bend point as the place where the doubled strand starts. You will be left with a triple strand. The right side of the strand will have a loop that is even with the loose piece of floss (this is the end you thread on the needle) - and the left side will have a loop and a 2 inch tail sticking out beyond the loop. You can also get a three strand piece with a tail by cutting two pieces of floss - one that is 14 inches and one that is 24 inches. Fold the 24 inch piece in half to get a double strand with a loop at the end. you thread the nonlooped end onto your needle , along with the other piece of floss. If you make the ends that you thread through the needle even, then there will be a 2 inch tail from the 14 inch piece next to the loop from the folded 24 inch (now 12 inches since it is folded) piece. Writing it out like this make it sound so much more complicated than it really is. I hope this explanation helps but let me know if you are still confused and I will either demonstrate in my next video or do a short demo on its own.

[@reneesara1566]

Brilliant, thanks for the great tip!

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

I am so glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@barbmcduffie7952]

How many strands do you usually use with 14 count. Do you wash fabric first?

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

I don't wash my fabric first, but if I am hand dying it, it gets rinsed in hot water. I usually use 2 strands on everything but there are some specific patterns (mill hill, Dimensions Gold etc) that specificlly call for 3 strands and I usually follow what it calls for. I only use one strand of Sulky thread when I use that.

[@barbmcduffie7952]

Thank you

[@nicciessie2769]

Thank you!

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

You're welcome!

[@omaratega5178]

Hi Karla, Im new to the cross stich art and watch your video. Doo you have a video how actually put the 3 strands on the needle?

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

I don't have a video demonstraing this but I will try to explain. If you want to end up with a 12 inch length of floss to stitch with, cut a piece that is 38 inches. If you lay it down on the table stretched out, take one end (say the left end) and fold 12 inches back on itself, so now you have a 26 inch piece with a loop on the left side, the part toward the left is two strands thick (12 inches) and the part toward the right is one strand thick and 14 inches long. Take the single strand side and fold it back to the left making the bend point as the place where the doubled strand starts. You will be left with a triple strand. The right side of the strand will have a loop that is even with the loose piece of floss (this is the end you thread on the needle) - and the left side will have a loop and a 2 inch tail sticking out beyond the loop. You can also get a three strand piece with a tail by cutting two pieces of floss - one that is 14 inches and one that is 24 inches. Fold the 24 inch piece in half to get a double strand with a loop at the end. you thread the nonlooped end onto your needle , along with the other piece of floss. If you make the ends that you thread through the needle even, then there will be a 2 inch tail from the 14 inch piece next to the loop from the folded 24 inch (now 12 inches since it is folded) piece. Writing it out like this make it sound so much more complicated than it really is. I hope this explanation helps but let me know if you are still confused and I will try to do a short demo video.

[@chelseasandusky8468]

The only thing I dont like about the loop menthod is that the needle is not actually secured ☹️ I prefer the tail method right now lol but this was helpful thanks for posting g!

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

I understand not wanting to drop your needle - my mom usedthis method of keeping the needle locked in the loop of the thread, but I would rather be ablt o the change my thread faster adn lock my first stitch easily so I like using the loop method tostart my threads.

[@joymcghee680]

First video for me,I sure will be trying this

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

I use this trick all the time.

[@Vivianalovesherfamily]

How to do numerous confetti stitch with a three threaded cross stitch? Thanks.

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

I am not sure what your question is. Please clarify and I will try to answer...

[@Vivianalovesherfamily]

@@karlabeingcrafty1089sorry….. I’m using three threads every time I stitch as I hate the Aida showing through if I only use two threads. Because of three threads I can’t travel as the fabric is an off white and the colours are primary and bold. How can I do the scattered confetti all over the fabric with three threads and, then obviously, finishing off every stitch firmly with three threads too. Thank you.

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

@@Vivianalovesherfamily If the confetti stitches are in a full coverage project then the threads won't show through because the stitching will be so thick, but I am assuming that is not your issue and you are dealing with stitches that are alone out in the middle of the fabric. If that is the case I would use a loop start to start the stitch and try to catch the tail in the single stitch. Then you can do a pin stitch to end. depending on the type of Aida that pinstitch could be hidden in the fabric or if that does not look rignt you can do a pin stitch along the bottom or side of the stitch you just did. Honestly I don't think any solution is perfect for a lone stitch out in the middle of the fabric - you just need to experiment and find the method that gives you the best look and a secure thread that you are comfortable with.

[@Vivianalovesherfamily]

@@karlabeingcrafty1089 hello again. Your reply makes a lot of sense. I’m going to backstitch all the randomly placed confetti - you were correct guessing that the stitches are scattered and alone. They are not included in a full coverage pattern. I think I can hide the pin stitch in the outlining. I thank you again. Thank.

[@5877user]

What size needle r you using to be able to retread the 3-threads through the eye without a threader? Love that

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

Usually is I am stitching on something that would need three threads I am on smaller count fabric (or perforated paper) - usually 14 count so I am usually using a size 24 needle in that case and there is no issue with threading anything through that. I will say that I like Pat Carson needles best because they seem to have a slightly bigger eye and seem easier to thread to me.

[@karenallen9702]

What about blended stitches? On strand of one color and one strand of a second color?

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

you can't do a loop start with two different strands unless you put a tiny knot in the end - which some people do. You can also do a pin stitch to start your thread. I have another demo on a couple of different ways of doing that also.

[@highenergyjenny]

GENIUS

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

It is a pretty simple and helpful trick ;-)

[@aether_sora6084]

How do you triple a single floss?

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

To get three strands you are folding ith piec of floss t in thirds. If you have an 30" piece of floss and laid it out on the table you would fold one end with the bend of the fold at about 10" from that end and then fold the other end also with the bend at about 10" from that end. To do the loop start you want one end with a bit of extra floss sticking out. The other way to get three strands is to double one pieceof floss - so a 20" piece of floss would be folded in half to get 10" and then lay a single piece of 10" floss next to it. Again you would actually need a single piece that is about 10 1/2" so you will have the tail on the back that you lock in with stitches.

[@genevievegiella9066]

THANK YOU ❤️

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

You are so welcome!

[@gabrielfinn2984]

Is there a way to start and stop with 3 stand? Have a pattern where I have a single x stitch with a large of amount of empty space around it, so can't use a tail and don't want to knot?

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

Check our my video showing the pin stitch. You definitely can use that to start and may be able to adapt it to end the thread also. You may just need to experiment a bit to find a method that gives you the look you want.

[@tiffanygarnett9708]

How do you secure the tail when ypu have a 3 thread confetti stitch?

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

Do you mean a stitch that is out in the middle of the fabric by itself? To be honest, I don't stitch on linen or other really see-through fabrics so I personally don't mind travelling my thread a bit on the back - so I would secure where other stitches are. Other than that you can try to catch the tail when you stitch the second leg of the stitch.

[@RiversLove]

How do you do this when doing tent stitch?

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

It is just the same. just make sure to catche the tail on the back under your subesequent stitches to secure it

[@barbaraklaver6916]

Rank beginner here. What I don't understand is: If you fold your two strands for the loop, and then add the one strand for the tail. Put all 5 strands through eye of needle, how does thread in needle go back to being 3 strands?!!! Sorry so slow!!!

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

There are only 3 strands - if you fold one piece in half that is two strands and then when you add the slightly longer third strand that is 3. You are putting the three loose ends through the needle and on the other end you will have 1 loose end and a loop

[@i.l.2647]

If you want to know how to do a 3-thread loop start, fast forward through the first 3 minutes

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

Well thanks for the feedback. As I made this (7 minute) video 2 1/2 years ago there is not a lot I can do to change it now....

[@megankochendorfer6058]

Any tips on how to do a loop start with 3 strands using tent stitch?

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

It would be the same: go down at the top of your leg leaving a loop and a tail, come up at the bottom of your leg, put the needle through the loop and go down in the first hole bringing the loop and tail through to the back side. Then use your next few tent stitches to anchor the tail.

[@Excaliber158]

How do you secure three strands in the neeedle?! doesn't the third just fall out when you try to pull it through?

[@Excaliber158]

Yea, this is a bummer. This part seems very easy, but the hardest part (Understanding how you prevent the thread from just pulling right out of the eye when you pull the needle) is skipped :'( If I have a double and a single (3 total) and thread them through the needle, I either have to tie it off or double it, resulting in 6 strands when folded over. Im so confused.

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

I want to answer your question but I am a bit confused about what exactly you are asking. When I double my thread to do a regular two strand loop start the eye of the needle is not trapped in the loop - I just feed the two loose ends through the eye, fold over a bit of thread and hold the needle so the thread stays in the eye. It is they same for three strands. I used an oversized needle with a huge eye for purposes of the demo but with a normal needle the thread does not pull out super easily.

[@tvsetula]

@@karlabeingcrafty1089 I came here to ask the same question. When I do one strand folded over I keep my needle in the loop so that the needle doesn’t fall out. Is there any way to do that with three strand or do we just have to hope it doesn’t fall off?

[@Eternalbliss702]

total brain fart here what did you mean by you can triple your single piece of floss? how? and also thanks for this video i use mostly 14 ct aida and 3 strands so this is huge

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

Hi Karen - I'm an not sure I explained it properly...the goal is to get three strands of floss and on one end there is a loop plus a single strand that is a bit longer (about half an inch) than the loop. You could do this in two ways: if you want to end up with a 15" working piece of three stranded floss you could use one piece of 30" floss doubled plus a single strand that is about 15.5" (to give you that little half inch tail that you will anchor with stitches) OR you could use one piece of 45.5" floss and fold it into thirds with the half inch tail sticking out at one end. Does this make sense?

[@Heidimg1]

I may just be a big dope, but how do you triple a single thread? When I do, I get four.

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

You are a not a dope - I probably didn't expain it clearly. So to get four srands you would fold the piece of floss in half and then in half again. To get three strands fold you are folding it in thirds - not in half. If you have an 30" piece of floss and laid it out on the table you would fold one end with the bend of the fold at about 10" from that end and then fold the other end also with the bend at about 10" from that end. To do the loop start you want one end with a bit of extra floss sticking out. The other way to get three strands is to double one piec of floss - so a 20" piece of floss would be folded in half to get 10" and then lay a single piece of 10" floss next to it. Again you would actually need a single piece that is about 10 1/2" so you will have the tail on the back that you lock in with stitiches. Please let me know if this explanation helps. If it doen't I will figure out another way to explain it :-)

[@Heidimg1]

Yes, that does help! Thanks :)

[@embroideryideas701]

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

😍

[@Yo-gp4ib]

Why not do the loop on the back? That’s how I do it.

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

Of course you can do the loop start from the back, but often people work on a project that is on a frame or something that makes turning the project difficult so it is good to know how to start and end stitches from the front of the project too.

[@Yo-gp4ib]

@@karlabeingcrafty1089 how do you end thread without looking at the back?

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

@@Yo-gp4ib I use a pin stitch. I have a demo on how to do them for July 2020.

[@haleystaten5376]

i do i dont know how to do cross stitch

[@sharondemayo2615]

It took you 3 minutes to get to the point.

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

well thanks for watching but what do you hope to accomplish by being critical of a video that was made 4 years ago?

[@fehmidafashionideas937]

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@karlabeingcrafty1089]

❤