Array ( [0] => Array ( [pid] => 7957082 [fid] => 84 [tid] => 246301 [first] => 1 [author] => aoleary1791 [authorid] => 64865 [subject] => Saving and Wasting Thread [dateline] => 1433649191 [message] => [size=3]I don't know about anyone else, but as a beginner cross stitcher (I've been doing it a while but I haven't gotten up the nerve to attempt any really complicated projects like HAED or a large kit from Dimensions), I work with small kits quite often. I ran into a little problem once where I nearly ran out of thread to use in the kit![/size] [size=3] [/size] [size=3]Ever since I find that I am pretty hoarder about my thread. I HATE to waste even an inch of it if I think I could get just ONE more stitch out of it! I'm just curious if anyone else behaves this way, or if you don't, how do you save on thread and/or make sure you have enough?[/size] [size=3] [/size] [size=3]For example - I missed a stitch in a pattern I'm working on and rather than cut a new length from the kit and waste a ton of thread I filled it in with an adjacent color. But that is annoying to me almost as much as wasting the thread! I would really appreciate any tips or tricks to save thread or just hear about what kind of neuroses anyone has about their projects.[/size] [size=3] [/size] [size=3]Thanks! [/size]:P [useip] => 96.252.60.171 [port] => 0 [invisible] => 0 [anonymous] => 0 [usesig] => 1 [htmlon] => 0 [bbcodeoff] => 0 [smileyoff] => 0 [parseurloff] => 0 [attachment] => 0 [rate] => 0 [ratetimes] => 0 [status] => 0 [tags] => [comment] => 0 [replycredit] => 0 [position] => 1 ) [1] => Array ( [pid] => 31128674 [fid] => 84 [tid] => 246301 [first] => 0 [author] => htsear13 [authorid] => 331021 [subject] => [dateline] => 1644436255 [message] => Following this thread [useip] => 76.102.199.150 [port] => 46842 [invisible] => 0 [anonymous] => 0 [usesig] => 0 [htmlon] => 0 [bbcodeoff] => -1 [smileyoff] => -1 [parseurloff] => 0 [attachment] => 0 [rate] => 0 [ratetimes] => 0 [status] => 0 [tags] => 0 [comment] => 0 [replycredit] => 0 [position] => 14 [hotrecommended] => 1 ) [2] => Array ( [pid] => 46705141 [fid] => 84 [tid] => 246301 [first] => 0 [author] => Knitpurlsm [authorid] => 412198 [subject] => [dateline] => 1712516728 [message] => Thanks for the info! [useip] => 97.118.184.108 [port] => 14724 [invisible] => 0 [anonymous] => 0 [usesig] => 0 [htmlon] => 0 [bbcodeoff] => -1 [smileyoff] => -1 [parseurloff] => 0 [attachment] => 0 [rate] => 0 [ratetimes] => 0 [status] => 0 [tags] => 0 [comment] => 0 [replycredit] => 0 [position] => 15 [hotrecommended] => 1 ) [3] => Array ( [pid] => 7957183 [fid] => 84 [tid] => 246301 [first] => 0 [author] => CraftyLouAnna [authorid] => 57359 [subject] => [dateline] => 1433651784 [message] => I use the loop method for starting, so cutting a small length of thread 3 inches long gives me enough to do a stitch without having to use a long length of thread. I save all of my thread 3 inches and longer, just in case I have a stitch to do either here or there. I know my odd bits and pieces can be used in other projects as well so they are saved. [useip] => 204.191.113.25 [port] => 0 [invisible] => 0 [anonymous] => 0 [usesig] => 1 [htmlon] => 0 [bbcodeoff] => -1 [smileyoff] => -1 [parseurloff] => 0 [attachment] => 0 [rate] => 0 [ratetimes] => 0 [status] => 0 [tags] => 0 [comment] => 1 [replycredit] => 0 [position] => 2 ) [4] => Array ( [pid] => 7959542 [fid] => 84 [tid] => 246301 [first] => 0 [author] => CraftyLouAnna [authorid] => 57359 [subject] => [dateline] => 1433687120 [message] => [i=s] Edited by CraftyLouAnna at 2015-6-7 22:27 [/i] I put them on my homemade thread sorter which is made of boxboard (cereal box or another light piece) and cut 1 cm slits on each side. I do make these narrow enough to hold a 3" piece of thread that is held in place by the slits across the cardboard. I can save these pieces since the DMC numbers are listed I can use them on my next project. If it's a kit I keep them separate as they are good for small projects like cards and Christmas ornaments. [attach]728271[/attach] [useip] => 204.191.113.25 [port] => 0 [invisible] => 0 [anonymous] => 0 [usesig] => 1 [htmlon] => 0 [bbcodeoff] => 0 [smileyoff] => -1 [parseurloff] => 0 [attachment] => 2 [rate] => 0 [ratetimes] => 0 [status] => 0 [tags] => [comment] => 1 [replycredit] => 0 [position] => 3 ) [5] => Array ( [pid] => 7961261 [fid] => 84 [tid] => 246301 [first] => 0 [author] => LucyLocket [authorid] => 61156 [subject] => [dateline] => 1433705940 [message] => CraftyLouAnna that is really well organised.:lol [useip] => 82.127.91.129 [port] => 0 [invisible] => 0 [anonymous] => 0 [usesig] => 1 [htmlon] => 0 [bbcodeoff] => -1 [smileyoff] => 0 [parseurloff] => 0 [attachment] => 0 [rate] => 0 [ratetimes] => 0 [status] => 0 [tags] => 0 [comment] => 0 [replycredit] => 0 [position] => 4 ) [6] => Array ( [pid] => 7962135 [fid] => 84 [tid] => 246301 [first] => 0 [author] => Lakeland [authorid] => 63019 [subject] => [dateline] => 1433720193 [message] => That is very nice! I use Floss Away bags, so can put various bits of the same thread in one of those. [useip] => 50.130.49.74 [port] => 0 [invisible] => 0 [anonymous] => 0 [usesig] => 1 [htmlon] => 0 [bbcodeoff] => -1 [smileyoff] => -1 [parseurloff] => 0 [attachment] => 0 [rate] => 0 [ratetimes] => 0 [status] => 0 [tags] => 0 [comment] => 1 [replycredit] => 0 [position] => 5 ) [7] => Array ( [pid] => 7964689 [fid] => 84 [tid] => 246301 [first] => 0 [author] => Lakeland [authorid] => 63019 [subject] => [dateline] => 1433767914 [message] => Floss Away bags are a trademarked little plastic zip top bag. Do you have Amazon? If so, you can search on there and find them. [useip] => 50.130.49.74 [port] => 0 [invisible] => 0 [anonymous] => 0 [usesig] => 1 [htmlon] => 0 [bbcodeoff] => -1 [smileyoff] => -1 [parseurloff] => 0 [attachment] => 0 [rate] => 0 [ratetimes] => 0 [status] => 0 [tags] => 0 [comment] => 1 [replycredit] => 0 [position] => 6 ) [8] => Array ( [pid] => 8018050 [fid] => 84 [tid] => 246301 [first] => 0 [author] => Meeshee [authorid] => 65362 [subject] => [dateline] => 1434560204 [message] => I seem to have a lot of areas that just need one stitch of a single color, can't rember what they call that-confetti stitches maybe. So I keep any floss that is long enough to make the single stitch and tuck under. Sometimes I have to use another piece of floss to run under the stitches in the back and tuck it into the loop and pull it through. [useip] => 50.135.243.90 [port] => 0 [invisible] => 0 [anonymous] => 0 [usesig] => 1 [htmlon] => 0 [bbcodeoff] => -1 [smileyoff] => -1 [parseurloff] => 0 [attachment] => 0 [rate] => 0 [ratetimes] => 0 [status] => 0 [tags] => 0 [comment] => 1 [replycredit] => 0 [position] => 7 ) [9] => Array ( [pid] => 8018178 [fid] => 84 [tid] => 246301 [first] => 0 [author] => lasice [authorid] => 18711 [subject] => [dateline] => 1434561319 [message] => Dimensions or another threads, that are long enought for use, I have all in one plastic briefcase. I use it for small charity project like bookmarks, pincushions, small projects... I have all DMC threads, so after work I give it back to stitch bows. [useip] => 91.219.240.105 [port] => 0 [invisible] => 0 [anonymous] => 0 [usesig] => 1 [htmlon] => 0 [bbcodeoff] => -1 [smileyoff] => -1 [parseurloff] => 0 [attachment] => 0 [rate] => 0 [ratetimes] => 0 [status] => 0 [tags] => 0 [comment] => 0 [replycredit] => 0 [position] => 8 ) [10] => Array ( [pid] => 8024999 [fid] => 84 [tid] => 246301 [first] => 0 [author] => stitcherex [authorid] => 39956 [subject] => [dateline] => 1434689380 [message] => These are a few 'stingy' things I do : 1) change to a petite needle. I use a John James petite, which is shorter than the corresponding regular number. I can stitch up to the last 1.5in of the thread. 2) if stitch using a double strand, start using the loop method as posted by @CraftyLouAnna. When using a single strand, I start using the pinhead. Scarlet Quince website has a good tutorial on this. 3) keep all threads measuring 3 in or more, they are good for those missed one or two stitches. I put them with the main skein so that they don't get lost. Hope these help ! [useip] => 175.136.249.65 [port] => 0 [invisible] => 0 [anonymous] => 0 [usesig] => 1 [htmlon] => 0 [bbcodeoff] => -1 [smileyoff] => -1 [parseurloff] => 0 [attachment] => 0 [rate] => 0 [ratetimes] => 0 [status] => 0 [tags] => 0 [comment] => 0 [replycredit] => 0 [position] => 9 ) [11] => Array ( [pid] => 8031485 [fid] => 84 [tid] => 246301 [first] => 0 [author] => Rapsy [authorid] => 65282 [subject] => [dateline] => 1434786492 [message] => I have a big glass vase that I put all of my threads in. When I just need to do one stitch, which often happens with HaED, I just go through that and find the color I need. I used to be incredibly frugal with my threads, but now I have a x-stitch store in my town (how lucky am I?) so I find I've become quite wasteful. [useip] => 70.67.144.215 [port] => 0 [invisible] => 0 [anonymous] => 0 [usesig] => 1 [htmlon] => 0 [bbcodeoff] => -1 [smileyoff] => -1 [parseurloff] => 0 [attachment] => 0 [rate] => 0 [ratetimes] => 0 [status] => 0 [tags] => 0 [comment] => 1 [replycredit] => 0 [position] => 10 ) ) Saving and Wasting Thread-Cross stitch Communication / Download (only reply)-Stitch Tips|Tricks-PinDIY.com - Powered by Discuz! Archiver

aoleary1791 Publish time 2015-6-7 11:53

Saving and Wasting Thread

I don't know about anyone else, but as a beginner cross stitcher (I've been doing it a while but I haven't gotten up the nerve to attempt any really complicated projects like HAED or a large kit from Dimensions), I work with small kits quite often. I ran into a little problem once where I nearly ran out of thread to use in the kit!


Ever since I find that I am pretty hoarder about my thread. I HATE to waste even an inch of it if I think I could get just ONE more stitch out of it! I'm just curious if anyone else behaves this way, or if you don't, how do you save on thread and/or make sure you have enough?


For example - I missed a stitch in a pattern I'm working on and rather than cut a new length from the kit and waste a ton of thread I filled it in with an adjacent color. But that is annoying to me almost as much as wasting the thread! I would really appreciate any tips or tricks to save thread or just hear about what kind of neuroses anyone has about their projects.


Thanks! :P

htsear13 Publish time 2022-2-10 03:50

Following this thread

Knitpurlsm Publish time 2024-4-8 03:05

Thanks for the info!

CraftyLouAnna Publish time 2015-6-7 12:36

I use the loop method for starting, so cutting a small length of thread 3 inches long gives me enough to do a stitch without having to use a long length of thread.
I save all of my thread 3 inches and longer, just in case I have a stitch to do either here or there.   I know my odd bits and pieces can be used in other projects as well so they are saved.

CraftyLouAnna Publish time 2015-6-7 22:25

Edited by CraftyLouAnna at 2015-6-7 22:27

Iput them on my homemade thread sorter which ismade of boxboard (cereal box or another light piece) and cut 1 cm slits on each side.   I do make these narrow enough to hold a 3" piece of thread that isheld in place by the slits across thecardboard.I can save these pieces since the DMC numbers are listed I can use them on my next project.If it's a kit I keep them separate as they are good for small projects like cards and Christmas ornaments.


LucyLocket Publish time 2015-6-8 03:39

CraftyLouAnna that is really well organised.:lol

Lakeland Publish time 2015-6-8 07:36

That is very nice!I use Floss Away bags, so can put various bits of the same thread in one of those.

Lakeland Publish time 2015-6-8 20:51

Floss Away bags are a trademarked little plastic zip top bag.Do you have Amazon?If so, you can search on there and find them.

Meeshee Publish time 2015-6-18 00:56

I seem to have a lot of areas that just need one stitch of a single color, can't rember what they call that-confetti stitches maybe.So I keep any floss that is long enough to make the single stitch and tuck under.Sometimes I have to use another piece of floss to run under the stitches in the back and tuck it into the loop and pull it through.

lasice Publish time 2015-6-18 01:15

Dimensions or another threads, that are long enought for use, I have all in one plastic briefcase. I use it for small charity project like bookmarks, pincushions, small projects... I have all DMC threads, so after work I give it back to stitch bows.

stitcherex Publish time 2015-6-19 12:49

These are a few 'stingy' things I do :
1) change to a petite needle.I use a John James petite, which is shorter than the corresponding regular number.I can stitch up to the last 1.5in of the thread.

2) if stitch using a double strand, start using the loop method as posted by @CraftyLouAnna.When using a single strand, I start using the pinhead.Scarlet Quince website has a good tutorial on this.

3) keep all threads measuring 3 in or more, they are good for those missed one or two stitches.I put them with the main skein so that they don't get lost.

Hope these help !

Rapsy Publish time 2015-6-20 15:48

I have a big glass vase that I put all of my threads in.When I just need to do one stitch, which often happens with HaED, I just go through that and find the color I need.

I used to be incredibly frugal with my threads, but now I have a x-stitch store in my town (how lucky am I?) so I find I've become quite wasteful.
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