Is it really necessary to separate the floss?

The individual threads within a strand of 6-ply embroidery floss are all twisted on each other. When you separate the ply of your thread and then put them back together again, called “stripping”, they will lay next to other.
There are several tools on the market that may be used for stripping floss. The “old-fashioned way” still works, however. Hold one end of the strand of floss between the thumb and forefinger of one hand with about ¼ inch showing above the fingers. With the thumb and forefinger of the other hand pull one ply out and straight up. The floss will tend to gather up under the holding fingers, but fall down again after the one ply is pulled all the way through. Lay that one ply down and repeat until you have the number of ply needed. When these are put together again, you will see the difference (and appreciate it as you continue stitching).
Frequent stroking on the thread whenever you drop your needle to untwist the thread will maintain the smooth flat effect initially created.

Information from Cross Country Stitching Magazine columns "Ask Judie" - Judie Solomon, Thistle Needleworks & "Carol’s Crafty Corner" - Carol Rice, The Craft Menagerie

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