How to Join Velvet Thread in Chanhua: 4 Simple Methods

One of the most common challenges when making Chanhua is running out of velvet thread halfway through wrapping a petal or leaf.  

For small pieces, you can often use a single piece of thread from start to finish. With experience, you’ll get a sense of how much thread is needed for different sizes. But for beginners—or when working with larger petals, or wrapping several in a row—it’s easy to misjudge.  

Using one very long piece of thread isn’t ideal either. It can drag on the table or floor, causing the thread to fray, and it makes the wrapping motion awkward.  

That’s why learning how to join thread is so useful. Joining simply means adding a new piece of thread when the old one runs out. The key is to make the join as invisible as possible. Skilled artisans can hide it so well that the finished piece looks seamless.  

Below are four methods you can try. Click this link to watch the video version—it's easier to follow along: https://youtu.be/OdPksDxJzEA

 

Method 1

1. When you’re halfway through wrapping a petal, but the thread is running out.  

2. Cut two new pieces of thread of equal length and place them under the petal.  

3. Hold both the old and new threads firmly with your finger.  

4. Continue wrapping as usual—keep holding the threads in place.  

5. After wrapping 4–5 turns, you can release your finger and keep wrapping.  

6. Trim the excess thread ends at the back.  

7. Continue wrapping until the end.  

8. To finish: separate the two copper wires, wrap the remaining thread a few times between them, then twist the wires together.  

9. Pinch the tip with your fingernail to tidy it up.  

10. The petal is now complete.  

 

Method 2

1. Place the thread over the copper wire.  

2. Take the new thread (do not cut it yet) and hook it over the wire.  

3. Adjust the new thread into position.  

4. Use the new thread to hold down the loose end of the old thread.  

5. Fold the old thread end up and trim it.  

6. Keep holding the ends firmly in place.  

7. Turn the piece over and continue wrapping.  

8. After the first wrap, check the front to make sure the join is covered.  

9. Continue wrapping. The join will be barely visible from the back.  

 

Method 3

1. When you run out of thread while wrapping petals continuously.  

2. Quickly use a lighter to melt the thread end.  

3. Give it a quick flash with the lighter again to secure it.  

4. Add a new piece of thread and continue wrapping.  

5. Attach the next paper template and continue with the Chanhua piece.  

 

Method 4

1. Cut a piece of thread roughly long enough for the petal.  

2. Wrap it once around the copper wire where the wires will meet and tie a small knot.  

3. When the thread runs out, take another piece of thread long enough to finish the petal.  

4. Attach the new thread in your preferred way (e.g., by looping it over).  

5. Spread the copper wires apart and place the old thread alongside them.  

6. Before wrapping the next petal, wrap the new thread around the copper wire twice, then add the petal template and wrap as usual.  

7. When you reach a suitable point, turn the piece over and trim the old thread.  

8. At the end of the second petal, bring the two copper wires together, wrap around them once, and tie a knot.  

 

For three-strand thread:  

9. Hold the old and new threads together at the back.  

10. Wrap the new thread from back to front around the wires once, pull tight, then wrap twice more to secure.  

11. At the end, bring the wires together and wrap once to tie off.  

12. Add stamen in the center—this will completely hide the join.  

 

Every Chanhua artist has their own way of joining thread. What matters most is making sure the join is secure while keeping the finish clean and smooth. Feel free to try these methods, adapt them, or even come up with your own—that’s the beauty of working with your hands.