If you are using  sashiko thread from Olympus, pull off the paper collar and carefully find the small tied loop.

Hold onto that loop and smooth the thread out into a flat oval. Cut through the bottom of the threads.  Now cut through the top where the loop you are holding is.

Best tip ever:  After you cut both ends of the thread you have a bunch of loose threads, YIPES!   Get someone to hold one end while you braid them together.  Tie each end of the braid snugly (not tight) with a short piece of thread.

Now you can gently pull each thread out while the rest remain tidy.  If the braid smooshes up pull it flat again from the ends.

I often braid several colors together.  It’s pretty. Also convenient.

Cheers, Susan