I had started winding my floss onto these new-fangled bobbins, thinking storage would be neater. I stopped as it was way too much work and my floss appeared “kinked” to me. Your methods of keeping the skeins tidy by just using their original labels in various ways makes a lot of sense to me. Thank you for this video.
@amishgirl10003 жыл бұрын
I can't tell you how many times I've ended up with a big knotty mess. Thank you Sarah, you've made my day.
@Karenseiley2 жыл бұрын
I am not sure if this applies only to cross stitch but if you are working with two threads of the same color, I discovered the loop starting method and it was a lifesaver! Eliminates the knotting on the back of the piece and is such an easy way to start.
@kimthomas93013 жыл бұрын
Bless you! You've answered so many of my questions in one video. You make learning to embroider so much easier than struggling to figure it out on my own.
@caroleknoles32053 жыл бұрын
I loved the video but confess to being on team bobbin. I find my two filled bobbin boxes in numerical order somehow so satisfying. When I start a new project, I pull all the bobbins that I need and thread them on a loose leaf type ring so that I do not have to dig around for the next color.
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery3 жыл бұрын
Team bobbin! Whatever works for you is good x
@rebeccal7863 жыл бұрын
Brilliant. I never learned any of this from relatives, friends or teachers. Thank you!
@oneotherandrew3 жыл бұрын
I like to keep my skeins intact too, rather than wind them on bobbins. Those skein management tips at the end were genius! Folding the smaller label was such a simple idea, but so useful for when the skeins get skinny.
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery3 жыл бұрын
More time to stitch!
@CJ-cn1sf3 жыл бұрын
After watching the Tuesday Tip (threading a needle), it has been on my mind how many strands to use. This video has so much information and you answered all my questions. Anyone who does any kind of stitching needs to watch this one. A big Thanks.
@rebeccajourney31833 жыл бұрын
Thank you for posting about the needle threading! I was amazed how many videos Sarah has!
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery3 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful CJ!
@cathsmith5347 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for all this information. You have cleared up a few things for me. Biggest one no more winding my thread on those cardboard bobbins.
@DipityS3 жыл бұрын
That was fantastic, you covered so clearly many of the questions I had and a few I didn't know to ask - thank you 😊
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery3 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@carawestgate3 жыл бұрын
This is the first time I've heard of a colonial knot. Can't wait to try it 🙂
@lydiabosley9152 Жыл бұрын
Thanks, Sarah! I am just getting into needlework (well, counted cross stitch, I have done needlepoint before) but your videos really inspire me to try something freehand ~ I am working on only my third cross stitch, but I'm trying the technique of gridding the (Aida) fabric with a water-soluble pen and so far this is makin cross stitch a whole lot easier for me! I am going through your whole library of videos and enjoying them all...this one on how to save thread (etc.) is very useful, thanks again!
@marijkeschellenbach2680 Жыл бұрын
You have again shown me how to do things better when it comes to embroidery! You are such a gem!
@MonkeeKitty Жыл бұрын
OMG, I did it 1st try, 2nd try & 3rd try. You are making me feel very talented Sarah!
@cookysmith52153 жыл бұрын
You read my mind! I was going to ask you to teach us about number of strands, and here’s the video! Thanks!!
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery3 жыл бұрын
I will add mind reading to my skill set! 😁
@MariaRevArt3 жыл бұрын
You have shown me how to separate strands without tangling them so thank you, thank you, thank you. This is going to make embroidery much less tedious going forward. Also, the tip about where to put your excess threads - back on the skein - was so insightful. I discovered your channel recently and it is a goldmine of information.
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery3 жыл бұрын
You’re welcome Maria! 😊
@claudettethomas59213 жыл бұрын
Hello from New Zealand. I thank you for these lessons. I am trying to improve my craft and these have been amazing for me. Being le;lf taught I am still learning
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery3 жыл бұрын
I'm still learning too Claudette! :)
@francescasvv2 жыл бұрын
I love this video! I keep forgetting how to start a cotton floss and I have to go back to watch it! 🤪🤪 thank you Sarah!
@amandaglidewell84513 жыл бұрын
This is one of the most in depth and informative videos on stranded cotton that I’ve seen. I just recently discovered your channel and I’m really enjoying your videos.
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery3 жыл бұрын
Thank you Amanda!
@marlenejones6266 Жыл бұрын
I ordered some inexpensive threads from Temu. I forgot to look for fiber content when ordering and when I received it I found out it was polyester. I went back and looked and found many were polyester but I also found a lot of cotton too. So it pays to look but if it doesn't say on the label then it's either acrylic or polyester i would say. My order on the way is all cotton. 100 wonderful skeins of cotton. Yay
@VeganDoris2 жыл бұрын
8:25 Thank you! I came here to get an answer to this exact question, so it was great to hear your explanation!
@Yogawithcarly193 жыл бұрын
Absolutely love your videos so practical, to the point and your voice is lovely 🧡
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!
@strawberryx2573 жыл бұрын
Wow this is invaluable, wish I’d seen when I first started, I wouldn’t have a tub of messy threads now 🙄. Thanks so much for all your info I love your channel have learnt so much. Here’s to using threads correctly 🙏
@carolyndaughton33733 жыл бұрын
Thank you for providing this very informative tutorial. You are so helpful!
@lorraineknox7695 Жыл бұрын
Excellent video. The end of thread you cut whether in embroidery or sewing cotton reels makes threading the needle easier as you are going with the twist when it was put onto the skein or reel.
@ashleyadams68032 жыл бұрын
Thank you for all the info! I love it when your suggestions are what I do.
@danisehetland3576 Жыл бұрын
I’ve not used stranded cotton thread before (I’m an Appletons girl), so this video was really helpful. Thanks, Sarah!
@carolinehomfray18307 ай бұрын
I love how to keep all the different sized ends of thread usable and with their number!
@charlottet73792 жыл бұрын
I’ve already written it on the first video I found of you but I have to say this again: you are a delight to listen to and watch ☺️ thank you for making these videos, I learn something on each video (even when I see a title and think “ha, I already know how to… oh, no. No I did not🤷♀️” 😄)
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for watching Charlotte!
@wildplumbeauty2 жыл бұрын
Sarah is so cute 🥰 AND I learn loads of things on this channel!
@feestuart24993 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing your vast knowledge Sarah. Much appreciated.
@coralfinucane70822 жыл бұрын
Thankyou, this video was very helpful for me, especially the skein housekeeping.
@darlenemurphy15112 жыл бұрын
This is a wonderful tutorial for beginners worried about strands & needles!!! I keep this one in my library and refer back to it frequently! Thank you❤
@reneejohnson504111 ай бұрын
Awesome info again! BTW. Nothing g to do w embroidery floss, but you are blessed w beautiful hair, skin and nails. 😊 Love your no nonsense way of teaching. Thanks!
@Cheryl4110 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for this video! It was enjoyable to listen to and the content was easy to comprehend.😊
@malinikothari540310 ай бұрын
Such a well made and informative video!! With a little effort our work becomes so much more easier!! Thanks for sharing ❤
@phanterleo3 жыл бұрын
I’ve done the occasional basic hoop with a pdf pattern but really am still a proper beginner because I never invested any time into the „proper way“ of doing things. Your series has been helping me with that! I’m making a hoop for the birth of my baby and it’s my first „free style“ hoop and includes some slightly smaller details which will require me to separate my strands and I’ve never dared to try before. Really great resource- thank you so much for taking the time to share these videos!
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for watching phanterleo, glad you are finding the videos helpful!
@elainet58703 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Sarah! 😃
@ching-lingliu61973 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much, wonderful teaching.
@junee94663 жыл бұрын
Great tips, thank you Sarah!
@diane29413 жыл бұрын
Aren't you the clever one! Very helpful tips. Thank you.
@CelticBearWoman8 күн бұрын
I learned so much! Thank you!
@SusanMJB45 Жыл бұрын
Thank you Sarah !!! So much great information.... not only in this video, but in all of your videos. I am so happy that I found your channel. As a total beginner with embroidery, I know that I am learning from one of the best. Thank you !!!
@amandajane82273 жыл бұрын
Fabulous video with so many useful tips. That knot at the end came up on a knot video I watched earlier this week....very useful for tying guy ropes when camping. :D
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery3 жыл бұрын
And Macrame Amanda!
@carolinebroadbent40043 жыл бұрын
Thanks for explaining so clearly it’s alway handy to know this information. Love your videos.
@russells34442 жыл бұрын
Sarah, I have recently found your channel and I am so grateful for you. You are a wonderful teacher! I am a nurse and discovering embroidery has provided much peace in an incredibly challenging time. And you have inspired me to explore all that you can do with these materials. Could you do a video on “thread painting” and color mixing (techniques and approaches)? Perhaps you have done this and just haven’t found the video, but I have searched. Thank you for all that you do!
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery2 жыл бұрын
Check out the silk shaded Pansy video Russell S; there are two parts!
@russells34442 жыл бұрын
Will do! Thank you for taking the time to get back to me.
@bgood69303 жыл бұрын
I love your videos Sarah, I always learn so much from everything you do!
@dawnagoad97452 жыл бұрын
I would love to see how you store your equipment. Threads, hoops, needles, etc.If there is a video on that, please direct me to it. Thanks for all you do.
@elmo1999elmo Жыл бұрын
Most helpful 💜💜🇦🇺🇦🇺
@healwithmetoday Жыл бұрын
I so enjoy your teaching 😊. Thank you for sharing ❤️🙏
@kehlenn13 ай бұрын
Thanks for the info about thread nap. There are people out there who swear by this. In my specific experience it's with some EGA teachers who've commented that my strands are running in the wrong direction. I have great difficulty in determining if a strand is smoother or rougher this way or that when I run it through my fingers.
@fayneilly8332 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this great information. 🙏
@rebeccajourney31833 жыл бұрын
I always learn something new! I so appreciate that❣ I enjoyed this presentation. I hope you'll do another on hand dyed flosses!! I would love💕 your input on the different types of hoops and frames please Sarah❣
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery3 жыл бұрын
We have a video on hoops and frames Rebecca check out the Beginners embroidery playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLC2TZFIW8ZoOf-FzgU_Zz9KyisR6PZl0q
@LisaLovesHomespun11 ай бұрын
Great tutorial! 🪡🧵
@jacquiphillips24622 жыл бұрын
Thank you Sarah; so informative. Xx 💕💕
@whitneyherriage9083 жыл бұрын
Wonderful tips! Thank you! I’d like to add one more tip, if I may. When you are down to the last little bit of thread, and you don’t think you can use it, DON”T throw it away. Keep a little bag or jar by your sewing for thread ends, and keep saving them. Eventually, you’ll have a lot to work with. These ends, all mushed together, make great stuffing for little toys and animals, or anything else that needs be stuffed!
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery3 жыл бұрын
Great tip Whitney!
@whitneyherriage9083 жыл бұрын
I forgot to say that this also works with yarn, if you knit or crochet.
@tarynnharden55963 жыл бұрын
Fantastic very helpful 👍👍
@lottiephillips78052 жыл бұрын
I have just found your channel and subscribed. Thank you so much Sarah, ALL your videos are so interesting and I am learning so much as a beginner. Best wishes from Lottie in Suffolk.
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery2 жыл бұрын
Thank you Lottie!
@0JReynolds3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this video 😘
@ndbyers2310 ай бұрын
Another great video! Thanks Sarah ❤
@blumagama2641 Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much, this was very helpful.
@gailgaddy53403 жыл бұрын
Ty very good information.
@lorettaroot87573 жыл бұрын
Re: whether there’s a nap to the thread/should you use it one direction vs. the other. While this isn’t necessarily an issue with embroidery floss/thread, it IS an issue with wool crewel yarn. Phillipa Turnbull has a video about how to check the “rough” side and “smooth” side.
@conqueringmountscrapmorewi25093 жыл бұрын
Great tips and ideas! Thanks for sharing!
@sheltiepeas3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Love your videos
@radhasrinivasan2032 жыл бұрын
Very very very informative!!!! Thank you so much:)
@dthomascful2 жыл бұрын
Love learning what to know that I didn't know :-) Thank you!
@daisysew14173 жыл бұрын
Thank you for such a helpful video yet again.
@tim17243 жыл бұрын
I agree that you don't always have to separate all the strands and recombine them before stitching. In some circumstances I do so, such as with satin stitch, for better coverage. I would also separate my strands in most cases for canvaswork, again for better coverage, and I might want to when working cross stitch depending on what ground fabric and how many strands of cotton I'm using. But for a lot of surface embroidery I don't bother. I don't think it matters much on something like stem stitch or split stitch. And for French knots (or any other knots, such as bullions) It works better not to separate and re-combine the strands.
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery3 жыл бұрын
I definitely agree tim1724!
@sujatadey46983 жыл бұрын
I liked this video 👍 very much
@nancy-katharynmcgraw26693 жыл бұрын
Absolutely full of pertinent information here; thanks much! Love the cat on the shelf to your right. Looks like glass & ceramic, is that a quilt upon it's back? Am a quiltmaking cat lady!
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery3 жыл бұрын
The cat on the shelf is painted paper mache Nancy-Katharyn!
@dawnpybus97283 жыл бұрын
Another great video, thank you. I miss your handsome Ginger shadow though! :)
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery3 жыл бұрын
He was having a day off!
@silverriverarts Жыл бұрын
Another great video, as usual, Sarah! I would find it very helpful if you could do one on what size of non-stranded thread to use for counted work--I am about to embark on my maiden blackwork and assisi work project (first time for both...I may be biting off more than I can chew!) I watched your 10 threads comparison vid, as well as your blackwork ones, but I'm still left with one question...how thick a thread should I use for various counts of fabric? E.g., do I use a #25 coton a broder for 22-count evenweave, etc. Coton a broder is a little tricky to come by where I live, and I don't want to have to order a bunch of thread sizes that aren't what I need. Thanks so much for your help, and say "hi" to your furry video buddy!
@dannsherstone10373 жыл бұрын
Awesome video! I am somewhat new to your channel and I am working my way through previous videos. Have you done a video on how to use the twisted up skeins - like the ones you sell? I have not mastered these and always end up in a tangled mess.
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery3 жыл бұрын
You need to cut them D'Ann! See this video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZDQqJ6tltZ7m6c
@dannsherstone10373 жыл бұрын
@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery That was very helpful! Thank you so much!
@pegasuvius97652 жыл бұрын
I am going down the Sarah Homfrey rabbit hole apparently as KZbin is showing me these vids now. But, i am quite happy learning!
@ramyavanmaele96434 ай бұрын
Your are the best thank you
@elinac1985 Жыл бұрын
Sarah, I am new to freehand embroidery, and I love your videos. You are such a great professional and teacher! So thank you so much for that. I have a question: what is the difference between using the stranded cotton skeins and using regular thread (like you use for sewing), by cutting the amount of strands you need? Is there a difference between the threads?
@laracraft822 жыл бұрын
I got my threads from amazon as a part of the beginner kit, I do find need to use the wax though as can get easily knotted...though I am a beginner but that is where I have been going wrong pulling too many threads at once
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery2 жыл бұрын
If they are getting knotted try shorter lengths Lara
@laracraft822 жыл бұрын
@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery ok nice one will try that too 👍
@carole82492 жыл бұрын
I have had crewel skein's recently which have knots within the skein, it's caused some interesting sorting out issues. Some of the figure of 8 ends for drawing out have then been buried and not obviously fixable. From Appleton's I expected better.
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery2 жыл бұрын
Speak to them Carole and see what they say; the odd knot happens occaisionally but any more than this probably shouldn't be happening
@DahHar1172 жыл бұрын
This is all very interesting. But, how do you organize the stranded cotton so that you can find your colors when a pattern calls for a particular DMC number? I rewind my "floss" (I'm American) around a bobbin and then run a cable through the eye of the bobbin so that they all remain in order of the DMC number. (I'm so glad I found you !!)
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery2 жыл бұрын
See my 'How to Orgainse your stash' video!
@katrienvh4289 Жыл бұрын
In Belgium (Flanders) we call them "splitgaren" what means "split yarn" 🙃
@mrstukutela51263 жыл бұрын
What is the best thread to use for shadow work? I have noticed that some people prefer to use floche. Floche is expensive so does it really matter?
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery3 жыл бұрын
I don't really have enough experience of this technique to know Mrs Tukutela; Floche isn't divided into strands like floss/stranded cotton is so this might make it better for this purpose?
@deborahakamilo13522 жыл бұрын
When I do a sampler, is it better to use a fabric which is similar to or the same as what I am using for my project? Or does that not matter?
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery2 жыл бұрын
If you are sampling for a particular project try and use similar fabric, if general sampling, use a plain cotton or linen
@MoMaryR2 жыл бұрын
Your videos always so helpful. I wonder if you can tell me if there's another name for Cotton à Broder? Is it the same as Coton Pearlé? I live in France and it is for redwork.
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery2 жыл бұрын
They are different threads Mo M, DMC call theirs Special Embroidery thread. check out their website for explanations of the different types
@MoMaryR2 жыл бұрын
@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery Many thanks I'll have a look there.
@elainegothard3 жыл бұрын
Any ideas on storage. I have over 1000 colours, so carding is impractical.
@oneotherandrew3 жыл бұрын
I keep mine in the skein, and then I store them in small sandwich sized ziploc bags. Those bags usually have a label section where you can write on them in permanent marker. Then I mark them with the 'from' and 'to' number range in the bag, because the bags usually have a number of colours in them..
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery3 жыл бұрын
Great way to organise The Other Andrew! I believe some people then put this in ring binders as well?
@elainegothard3 жыл бұрын
@@oneotherandrew me too, but I have a glory box full of them.
@reneenewman61833 жыл бұрын
I use floss bows. The floss can be divided from the center. The floss bow goes inside. They have a small hole to put the end of the floss in. It even has a piece of plastic on the side for you to put the paper that has the number of the color in. They have plastic inserts to put the floss bow in. And, binders to put the inserts in. No more loading.
@elainegothard3 жыл бұрын
Cant get the binders, ive managed to obtain some floss bows and again poor postal service (lockdown affected- 4mth delay). Ive made a lot with tongue depressors. Made a v in each end . Then use the zip lock bags to keep them flat.
@Artiimoo2 жыл бұрын
Hi there, great video! I have a question, totally new to embroidery. I’ve been collecting dmc pearl cotton floss but when I go to separate the strands, there’s no clear distinction at either end or where I cut at. Everything just fluffs up when I attempt to separate them, as if there are no individual strands present. The most I can do is separate out into 2 somewhat smaller strands and even that frays up as I pull. Have I maybe done something wrong to my threads? I made sure to store them all properly since I wasn’t ready to use them yet so I’m not too sure what’s happening and I can’t seem to find anyone else having this problem either. Yours came apart so distinctly and even before you pulled you can see all 6 pieces at the end.
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery2 жыл бұрын
Check which thread you have Artiimoo: DMC perle is a twisted thread and not meant to be separated. DMC stranded cotton/floss is made of 6 separate strand which you can separate
@Artiimoo2 жыл бұрын
@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery ahhhh that makes so much more sense! I kept buying the perle type since I thought it was the 6 strand. I’ll be looking into the dmc cotton very soon, and maybe even getting some silk thread. Thank you so much for explaining for me!
@Wilma.B3 жыл бұрын
👍
@maryann2692 Жыл бұрын
I hold the strain between my knees hold tight with knees choosen amount start the separation then pull apart left and right
@elainegothard3 жыл бұрын
The older term for threads is embroidery silk.
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery3 жыл бұрын
If they are made from silk Elaine! 😁
@elainegothard3 жыл бұрын
@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery im quite old. I do know some threads are real silk. However I also grew up with the common term of "silks". We poor folk couldn't afford the real stuff. It didn't stop us using the term silks tho. Lol. Embroidery Silks certainly seems to have stuck in my country/community.
@VeretenoVids3 жыл бұрын
@@elainegothard I'm in the US. In reasearch I see a lot of early 20th century ads that refer to embroidery silks, but then later in the ad they will specify "art silk", i.e., rayon. The phrase embroidery silks is no longer commonly used where I am (as far as I know). The generic word is thread. Floss is used for "divisible" threads. Language is so fascinating! :)
@elainegothard3 жыл бұрын
@@VeretenoVids silks is still a common term here (Australia). We're very muticultural and young n old use the term. But thread is extraordinary difficult to get any variety. Embroidery is very much a dead art in this region. Except for bulk xstitch kits.
@ycb65372 ай бұрын
fold over label and scotch tape it.
@Seveniosity3 жыл бұрын
We Brits are the worst for ignoring the fibre content when referring to stuff. Embroidery thread? Stranded cotton. Silk thread? Still stranded cotton. Yarn? Wool. Cotton yarn? Still wool. At least in my household haha
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery3 жыл бұрын
And I bet it hasn't stop you making anything! :)
@meenakhandelwal72133 жыл бұрын
We have Anchor an DMC theard s in india
@sandraboyer96809 ай бұрын
I enjoy her
@jojojo88352 жыл бұрын
I feel like the labels on cheaper skeins are a bit misleading. Like sometimes I think what they call ‘cotton’ is actually viscose made from cotton waste.
@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery2 жыл бұрын
If it doesn't say cotton in the small print on the label then it's synthetic Jo!
@lamiaemoussaoui55073 жыл бұрын
👍👍👍 🌹 1000000
@rosannasbandi249010 ай бұрын
Perché non permetti di tradurre anche in italiano ???🙋🏼♀️
@ВалентинаКарагодина-х3х Жыл бұрын
Желательно больше показывать вышивку и меньше говорить😊