I am sure with all the great minds in this chat room, we can help solve your problem.

Since I can't see what you are doing, I have a couple of questions to ask. I don't know what kit you are you doing, so I am assuming you are using DMC or equivalent brand of floss. First are you separating your length of floss into 6 strands? Second are you pulling your cross stitches too tight?

I didn't think I was pulling too hard, it's definitely not any harder than the other projects I have done and I haven't had a problem like this before(if anything I'm pulling softer trying to keep from breaking the thread. I have been separating the strands out into 6 individual strands just like I always do.

it could be your needle. If there are any rough spots in the eye, it will shred the floss. Pitch the one that came with the kit and buy some good ones- John James or Bohin are good brands.

I did not even think about the needle, I'll have to try that and see if it helps

I didn't think of the needle! Thanks MissKitty! :)

I second the needle issue. The needles that come in kits are super cheap - I generally buy nicer needles to replace them with.

If you are still having issues, try picking up some Thread Heaven. If the cloth is slightly rough (also sometimes an issue with kits) it can help it go through more smoothly. It's like lip balm for your thread, haha. Smooths it out so it runs so much easier. I don't like having to use it, but sometimes it's necessary, especially with cheaper floss (like the Dimensions brand) and fabric.

mistyms, I also agree with the needle issues. I'll tell you why. I was working on 32 count linen and was using the size 28 (very small) needle they gave me when I bought the fabric. I found that the very small needles will actually "bend" from us bringing the thread through the fabric. There are some kits that come from other countries...I am not sure about the threads they produce. I do know I was using standard DMC floss. I went up to a size 26 needle and the problem vanished! Someone here in the Chat Room a while ago said to get a magnifying glass and look at the needle under a good light. I did that and could see that the small needles were not completely "smooth" inside the eye. I also suggest that you do that. Good luck. Please let us know how you resolve this!!

Always the needle for me!

I agree that the issue is probably a too small needle or improperly machined needle. Even brand names can have an occasional issue. :)

I have to agree with all the others. it is probably your needle. I always use my own better quality needles than those that come with kits. Good luck.