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Sorting Floss

Sort floss for a new project in natural light. Sunlight is best, but natural light lamps may also be helpful.
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Separating Floss

When separating two threads from a skein, remove them one at a time then put them back together again. This will help keep the strands from twisting and knotting while stitching.
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Finishing Off a Short Thread

To finish off a short end of floss, thread it under backwards. Instead of using the point, push the eye end of the needle under other stitches. A pair of tweezers or a rubber thimble may help in pulling the needle through.
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Donīt Stretch It!

Some types of blending filaments have the tendency to stretch when stitching. Donīt pull them too tightly, and be careful of those pesky knots in your strand.
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Use Shorter Strands

Metallic thread is often used as an accent rather than as a main color, so strands can be cut shorter. Metallics can fray if pulled through too much fabric.
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Floss Length

Every stitcher will have their preferred length of floss to use, but in general 16-20" is a good length. Keeping lengths short will prevent them from knotting.
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Substitute (Carefully!) if Necessary

If you canīt obtain the particular color a pattern calls for, consider a substitution. In some cases, the next closest shade might work. Be careful - this wonīt work well for patterns that use several similar shades from a particular color.
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How many strands?

If youīre unsure how many strands to use in a particular fabric, try a few stitches and see how it looks. Following the suggestions in the pattern or kit is usually a good idea, but you may wish to alter it for a different effect.
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Prewashing

For projects that will be washed frequently (such as baby bibs, pillows, tablecloths), prewashing floss is a good idea. Hand wash each color separately in a small bowl with a gentle detergent and lay flat to dry.
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Tweeding

Tweeding is when you use one thread of two different colors in the same stitch. It is used to create various effects in stitching.
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Donīt Use It Alone

Blending filament is designed to be used in conjunction with another strand of thread. This tweeding effect gives a shimmer to all the stitches.
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How Much to Use?

If you want to experiment with the look that metallic thread gives, try using either more or fewer strands.
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Stock Up on Floss

Take advantage of the sale on floss at your local craft store. Stock up on common colors such as white and black, and pick up any others that may work with your future projects.
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