How to Braid Thread

Waxing and braiding thread for quilting saves valuable time by strengthening the thread and preventing tangles. You no longer need to interrupt your sewing to portion out equal lengths of thread and then smooth the ends each time you need to thread a new needle.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Cut the thread in half by inserting scissors at the end of the board and snipping across all the threads. Carefully lift all of the thread off the board in one piece.

2. Find a friend to hold one end of the thread or secure it to a table on one end. Then divide the thread into 3 equal bundles.

3. Handle the thread with care to prevent tangling. Comb the segments with a table fork or hair comb to help tame the thread and keep it separated into three parts.

4. Braid the three separate bundles as you would braid hair. Take one part in your left hand and the other two parts in your right hand, keeping them separate with your fingers.

5. Weave the leftmost part over the middle segment. Weave the rightmost part over the middle segment and repeat this pattern until you reach the end.

6. Begin sewing by picking a single strand of thread and pulling gently. You're now ready to thread your needle with ease.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose high quality thread to prevent breakage while sewing.
• Work with shorter lengths of thread and tie off the ends to prevent tangling and fraying. This is especially important when using cotton thread.
• You can also pass the needle and thread through a dryer sheet folded in half in lieu of waxing. This helps reduce tangling and breakage as well.