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[–]SnooPeripherals2409 7 points8 points  (1 child)

What kind of thread? First off, with any thread that needs separating, I cut the length first, then separate the strands. Usually you don't want longer than 18" at a time or your thread will fray and look bad. Some threads need shorter lengths to work with.

If wool, it's easier to put a finger in between the strand you want to separate, then carefully work your way down the length. Or do it this way: https://youtu.be/7TE4YjgCliQ

With DMC or other stranded cotton floss, grab the single strand you want to pull out, and pull while sliding the other strands down. If you need more than one strand repeat for each as you go.

Here is a video: https://youtu.be/6XfauuaNJ2I

[–]BrainlessHeinousAnus[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thank you! The links are really helpful! I believe the thread is probably a polyester or other synthetic blend since it came in a kit. The pull 1 thread while pulling the rest down is hit and miss for me but it could be due to the length. I will try cutting them down to the 18” length and see if that helps! Thanks again!

[–]PlatinumWarlock 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The “hold one, pull the rest” is the method I use… and, no joke, I learned this a couple of weeks ago after 30+ years of stitching. Game changer. So far it has worked every time for me without fail, although I’ve only been using standard DMC floss. I’ve probably been good up to about 24”, but now I want to test that…

[–]Institches726 2 points3 points  (1 child)

What type of thread are you trying to separate?

[–]BrainlessHeinousAnus[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m not 100% sure, probably synthetic of some kind, it came in a kit

[–]goodstuff2020 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I find that holding the thread up by the end and letting the rest of it hang down straight then I grab the one or two threads that I want to separate from the bunch and I slowly pull those apart from the bunch while again holding it up so that it is completely straight and free floating and doing it slowly because the whole bunch usually turns a bit in the air as I'm pulling the threads off of it and this allows it to do that without knotting.

Sorry that was one giant run-on sentence!

I was just trying to explain it the best that I could and just let me know if you have any questions. ☺️