Three Strands

I found three loose strands of cotton embroidery floss anchored beneath a brass ruler on the worktable—cream, pale sage, and soft cedar. Kneeling on the green cutting mat, I assessed the tension of the threads and aligned them side by side. Working with slow, deliberate movements, I crossed the outer strand over the middle, alternating left and right in a quiet, measured rhythm. My fingers kept the weave flat and even without snagging the fibers. After several careful inches, I smoothed down the finished miniature cord and anchored the tip with a small ceramic marble. The tight herringbone pattern held its structure beautifully against the grid.