It's also helpful to use shorter lengths of thread - I hate starting and finishing off - so I would be using a 36 inch length of thread - hard on the thread and a lot of wasted energy pulling that long length through.
Several authors suggest starting with about 18-20 inches - - I compromised - I use about a 36 inch length - but go about 15 inches in one direction - and then go about 15 inches with the other end of the thread.