Twisted- Cording

Materials

• Embroidery floss, pearl cotton or other fiber to complement stitching Note: To determine amount needed, see step 1. Refer to ornament color code for specific colors and fibers used. • Mini cording drill or hand mixer with one beater

• Large carabiner

1. To determine the length of floss needed, multiply the desired finished length of cording by three, making sure to include any length needed for the hanger when finishing an ornament.

2. Place all lengths of floss together and tie a knot in each end.

3. If using a cording drill, slip one knotted end of floss onto hook. Make a loop at the opposite end and slip onto the carabiner; attach the carabiner to a standing object such as a drawer pull or doorknob. Pull so that floss is taut. Operate drill in a forward direction floss will begin to twist. Continue twisting until floss is very tightly twisted and is about to twist upon itself.

4. Carefully remove knotted end from drill hook, being extremely careful not to let go of end and keeping twisted floss taut.

5. Tie end that was removed from drill to carabiner, still keeping floss taut. Place hook of drill in center of length of twisted floss. Operate drill in a reverse direction until desired twist for cording is achieved. Remove drill. Remove ends from carabiner and secure with another knot.

6. If using hand mixer, follow steps 3 and 4, attaching one knotted end of floss to beater and using slow speed. Remove loop from carabiner and fold length in half, making sure to keep twisted floss taut.

7. Twist both ends of folded length until desired look is achieved. Tie ends opposite from folded end together to hold twist.

Note: Cording can be made by one person; however, the procedure can be awkward at times, especially when dealing with long lengths of floss— an extra set of hands is always helpful!