All About Threads

Terms

Length of Thread – Do not use a thread or yarn that is longer than needed (usually 16”-24”). Long lengths will usually wear thin or even shred.

Orts – These are the small pieces of yarn or thread that are trimmed from the starting and ending threads

Perle Cotton – This is a twisted 2-ply thread.

Persian Yarn – This is a 3-ply (three 2-ply strands) yarn that can be separated into individual strands.

Stranded Cotton – This is the British name for floss.

Stripping – Separating the 3 plies of Persian yarn or the 6 strands of floss into individual threads.

Tapestry Yarn – This is a twisted 4-ply yarn used mainly for needlepoint.

Twisted Thread – This is caused by rolling the needle as you stitch. When this occurs, let the yarn and needle dangle. The thread will unwind by itself.