How did a thread name in Russian come to be associated with fuss & bustle?

Historically, the word ‘kanitel’ (канитель) referred to a thin metal thread for embroidery. Making one from a metal sheet and working with it was extremely difficult. Even the most experienced craftswomen grew tired and, over time, the expression “тянуть канитель” (“to pull kanitel”) acquired a different meaning – to do something tedious.

And then, the word ‘kanitel’ itself came to have a figurative meaning – something incredibly boring. Today, many people don't even remember the original meaning of the word.

By the way, writer Anton Chekhov even has a story with that title. In it, a sacristan monotonously writes down dictated notes and prayer requests “for health” and “for the repose” in a church. There are too many names listed (and it's not always clear who is alive and who is dead).