thread conditioning embroidery floss?
 

Does anyone condition DMC embroidery floss with beeswax or thread heaven when doing redwork? I never have because I think it would stiffen the loops and "fluffiness" of the DMC floss, and I have never heard it recommended in project instructions. But hey, I still have trouble with knotting even after I keep my thread short, watch my needle angles, etc. Wondered if any experts on the QB have any experience with keeping DMC floss unknotted or untwisted?

Good idea, Tartan. Are You conditioning the perle cotton with beeswax or thread heaven to reduce knots and twists?

I have never conditioned my embroidery floss. I do cut it about 18". and stop and let it dangle out the twists..and every once in awhile say a few bad words when it gets knotted, but why don't you try a little beeswax on a sample to see how it handles?

I also have switched to perle cotton balls. I have a ton of floss and love your idea of using it up on tied quilts. Do you use all 6 strands when doing this?

I use "Thread Heaven" if needed on my DMC embroidery floss. Sometimes I need it and other times I don't seem to.
As noted by others, I too let the needle dangle occasionally and untwist.

I do use all 6 strands for tieing. I have lots of floss to use up.:)

Ok, thimblebug, I'm up for a challenge. The result of using beeswax on two strands of DMC floss: It make two strands act as a single thread. The stitches look more even in width, (a good thing) and appears as "thick" thread. No knots, no twists. hmmm....so I am going for it, as all stitch types were not tried, I will report if I find some negative results. Now I am wondering why it is not recommended in the literature......
Thanks for all ya"lls ideas.

Cool! I will try it out next Tuesday at my quilt group...better put the beeswax into my bag right now! Thanks!