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The LoomRoom Cross-Stitch Guide
Part 3 - Getting Started

Threading the Needle

Embroidery floss can easily separate into individual strands while you're threading the needle, so it's helpful to trim the end neatly and gently flatten it between your fingers.

You can also use a needle threader, which is especially useful when stitching with multiple strands or when using a small needle.

Another helpful trick is to lightly moisten the end of the floss or run it across a small piece of soap. This helps the strands stay together, making it much easier to pass the thread through the eye of the needle.

Starting Your Embroidery – The Waste Knot Method

There are several ways to begin stitching. The most important thing is to make sure the thread is securely anchored so that it does not come loose while you work.

The Waste Knot Method:

Tie a small knot at the end of the thread. Insert the needle into the fabric a short distance away from where you want to begin stitching, leaving the knot on the front of the fabric.

Then work your first cross stitches, securing the thread on the back by stitching over it. Once the thread is firmly anchored, cut off the knot.

Front view of the embroidery – the knot is on the right, and stitching begins on the left

Front view of the embroidery – the knot is on the right, with several stitches worked on the left

Back view of the embroidery – the thread is secured underneath the stitches

The knot should not remain in the finished piece.

Starting Your Embroidery – The Loop Start Method

The loop start method works when stitching with an even number of strands, such as two or four.

Pull a single strand of embroidery floss from the skein that is twice the length you would normally use. Fold it in half and thread the two loose ends through the eye of the needle. This will leave a small loop at the opposite end.

Bring the needle up from the back of the fabric and stitch the first diagonal half of a cross. Before pulling the thread all the way through, pass the needle through the loop on the back of the fabric. Then pull the needle through one of the loop's openings and gently tighten the thread.

This secures the thread neatly without using a knot.