------------------------------
  How to Start the Thread
------------------------------


And now for a strong suggestion--DO NOT KNOT THE THREAD.  An exception _might_
be made for cross stitch on clothing, towels and the like.

  ~ Knots can create lumps and bumps on the front when the picture is mounted.

  ~ Knots can catch the floss.

  ~ Knots can lead to uneven thread tension and distorted fabric.

  ~ Knots can pop through to the front, especially on a loosely woven fabric.

  ~ Knots are harder to undo if you make a mistake.

  ~ Knots make the back look messy.  A good general rule is that a neat back
    means a better looking front.

So, what is it you _should_ do?  There are several methods listed below.  Many
people use more than one, letting the circumstances determine their selection.

As a side note, see the section "7.1 Needles" for information on what size and
type of needle to use.


Running Under
-------------

Run the thread under 4 or 5 of the stitches on the back, if they are right
next to where you want to start.  You may choose to whip stitch around the
second or third stitch as you are running under.  This helps to lock the
thread in.

Sometimes dark colors show through when woven under lighter colors.  Check to
make sure this isn't happening.


Loop Method
-----------

The loop method only works for even numbers of strands.

For two strands, start with one long strand about 36"-40" long.  Fold it in
half.  Thread the needle so the two ends are the tail, near the needle, and
the "loop" is the end farthest from the needle.  Start the stitch with the
loop end dangling a little bit below the cloth.  When the needle comes back
down to the underside, run it between the loop and the cloth, and pull tight
(gently).


Knotless Waste Knot
-------------------

Start the thread from the top side, an inch or two from where you want to
begin stitching.  Leave a tail of thread on the top side.  When you have
completed some stitches, pull the tail to the back side.  Run it under the new
stitches.


Waste Knot
----------

This is similar to the knotless waste knot described above.  One difference is
that the tail on the front is knotted, to act as an anchor.  It should be
started farther away from the stitching point, as the tail-and-knot on the
front is cut away when the stitches are completed.  The remaining tail on the
back is run under the new stitches.

For both the waste knot and knotless waste knot, careful placement of the
"knot" will cause the tail on the back to be covered as you stitch.