What is the most helpful thing you've learned?

[Sammich]

- Rubbing some chapstick or lipgloss on the thread makes it easier to get through the needle and makes it fray less. My needles have very small eyes so this helped me a lot so far.
- Putting all the stitches in the same direction.
- Dropping the needle to prevent knots, though I still get them a lot...
- Stitching some obvious details in a big pattern first so you can use them for reference for the rest.
- Marking stitched areas in the pattern.

I still separate floss the silly way though, never manage to pull the strands out without knots...

[crazystrange]

easiest way to seperate floss is to hold the length from the top, select one strand with your other hand and pull it out upwards, the rest of the floss will bunch up but fall back down without tangling, repeat for the desired amount of floss strands

[Kareesh]

To separate floss, I usually hold one end between my legs, and then take the number of strands I need, and pull them apart from the top. The tension of keeping one end in place keeps it from getting knotted.

Hopefully that made sense....

[Yurtle]

Start from the middle of your pattern and work your way out! In doing this, start from the centre of your fabric! When you're working on a project that may not have a lot of extra fabric, this can be crucial!

[Ploegette]

Start from the middle of your pattern and work your way out! In doing this, start from the centre of your fabric! When you're working on a project that may not have a lot of extra fabric, this can be crucial!

I agree. I'm bad for not leaving myself enough room.

Either that or grid out your project in the first place. That also helps with not making as many mistakes.