How to Separate Embroidery Thread Step by Step

Separating embroidery thread is one of those small beginner skills that makes a big difference. Once you know how, it’s quick, easy and helps you get cleaner, smoother stitches.

Quick answer: Most embroidery thread is made up of six strands twisted together. To separate embroidery thread, pull out the number of strands you need one at a time, then recombine them before stitching. Fewer strands give a finer, more delicate line, while more strands create a bolder, thicker stitch.

Watch: how to separate embroidery thread

If you’d like to see it in action first, this short video shows the whole process. You can also follow the photos and steps below.

Make beginner embroidery easier

Learning small skills like separating thread is much easier when you have the right materials in front of you. These are good places to start if you want a project that feels clear, simple and beginner-friendly.

Beginner-friendly embroidery kits with thread, hoop, pattern and instructions included

Beginner embroidery kits

Complete kits with the pattern, hoop, thread and instructions included, so you can start stitching without guessing what you need.

Shop embroidery kits

Embroidery hoops, needles, threaders and tools for beginner hand embroidery

Hoops and tools

Useful embroidery supplies for making stitching smoother, from hoops and needles to threaders and starter tools.

Shop hoops and tools

Just getting started? You can also download my free embroidery sampler and practise 13 beginner stitches.

Why separate embroidery thread?

Being able to separate embroidery thread is one of the most useful skills to learn in hand embroidery. Many beginners worry about mastering it, but it’s easy once you know the knack.

Most embroidery thread is called six stranded embroidery thread, which means each length is made up of six thinner strands twisted together. Embroidery patterns often ask you to stitch with a certain number of strands.

To do that, you’ll separate the six strands and choose the number you want to use. This could be one single strand or all six, depending on the design. Changing the number of strands changes the thickness and look of your stitches.

What different strand counts look like

Here you can see how the same stitch looks when the thread is separated into different combinations of strands.

Each curl is stitched in stem stitch, starting with one strand and working up to the full six strands. The lines become thicker as more strands are used. Detailed and delicate areas can be stitched with a single strand, while a bold, chunky outline would use all six.

You can find my guide to stem stitch here.

Stem stitch curls showing different embroidery thread strand counts from one strand up to six strands

How to separate embroidery thread step by step

If you’re separating thread for the first time, it can feel a little fiddly. Keeping your thread short makes it much easier, especially if you’re learning embroidery.

Step one: cut a manageable length

Cut about 30cm of thread. A handy trick is to hold one end in your fingertips, stretch it to your elbow and cut there.

Step two: separate the strands you need

At one end, gently tease apart the number of strands you want to use. In the photo, the thread is split into two groups of three strands.

Embroidery thread being separated into two groups of three strands

Step three: pull the strands apart slowly

Hold the main bundle steady, put a finger between the separated strands and slowly pull down to separate them. The thread may twist as you go, so take your time and let it untwist naturally.

Separating embroidery thread by slowly pulling the strands apart with fingers

Separating embroidery thread: quick FAQs

How many strands should I use for embroidery? ▾

It depends on the look you want and what your pattern suggests. One to two strands give a fine, delicate line, while three to six strands create a bolder, thicker stitch.

Why does my thread keep tangling when I separate it? ▾

Tangling usually happens when the thread length is too long or you pull too quickly. Try working with a shorter length and separate the strands slowly so they can untwist.

Do I need to separate the strands one at a time? ▾

For the smoothest results, yes. Pulling out a single strand at a time helps prevent knots and keeps the thread looking neat when you stitch.

Using different thread thicknesses in one design

Here’s another example using stem stitch with different numbers of strands. Larger rose petals are stitched with four strands to make them stand out, while leaf veins are stitched with one strand for finer detail.

This design was stitched using my Rose Bouquet iron-on embroidery pattern.

Close-up of stem stitch on a rose embroidery design showing thicker petals and fine leaf veins

Tip: If your thread is tangling a lot, try using a shorter length, separate one strand at a time and let the thread dangle every so often so it can untwist.

More embroidery help

Want more beginner help? Browse my Beginner’s Embroidery Guides for stitch tutorials, tips and project ideas.