The loop method is absolutely the BEST way to start your cross stitch thread (it's so quick and easy!) and hands down one of the MOST useful things you can learn as a cross stitcher.
Even if you’ve been stitching for a while you may not know about this, and even if you do, do you also know how to do it from the front of your work?
Let me explain why this loop method is so darned useful and show you exactly how easy it is to do!
I'll walk you through step by step but if you'd like to see in action then check out the video version of this article >>>
How to do a loop start
Ok, if the name hasn’t already given the game away, you are going to need a loop for this method to work, so you’ll want to take a single strand of thread and fold it in half.
Yes, that means this is NOT going to be possible if you are using 1 or 3 strands of thread!
A quick side note, because if threading the needle is something you struggle with then you might like my post with 3 tips to make threading your cross stitch needle easier.
Step by step: loop start from the back
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Step by step: loop start from the front
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A couple of quick Q&As
Can you loop start right next to other completed stitches?
Yes, you absolutely can. I’ve done a loop start for a stitch that is completely surrounded by other stitches. It is a tiny bit trickier to get the needle back down in the right spot without splitting any of the other threads when done from the front, in which case you can always go back to a loop start from the back.
Can you loop start on a row of half completed stitches?
Yes to this too! If you've done a row of the bottom arms of your crosses and need to start a new piece of thread for the top arms then you can loop start here too, both from the front or back.
Can you use a loop start for just a few stitches?
It's perfect for this! Just snip a really short piece from a single strand of thread and fold it in half then loop start!
Now you know about this method, I can guarantee you won’t want to start your thread any other way! Ok, sometimes you might have to, but it’s so good isn’t it?!
Until next time, happy stitching!