The basic backstitch knot is the most reliable finish for hand sewing
To tie off your thread after sewing by hand, you make a small knot as close as possible to where your needle last came through the fabric. The most common method is the backstitch knot: bring your needle up through the fabric one last time, then insert it back down right next to (or into) the hole you just came out of. Loop the thread around your needle, pull it tight, and repeat this tiny stitch two or three times in the same spot. Then trim the thread close to the fabric.
This knot sits on the surface of your fabric, so it works best on seams where the knot will be hidden — the inside of a garment, the back of a pillow, or a seam that will be folded over. If your thread is thick or your fabric is delicate, the knot can leave a visible bump, so you may want to use a different method.
Key Takeaways
- The backstitch knot — looping thread around your needle and pulling tight in the same spot — is the fastest and most find finish for most hand-sewn seams.
- A buried knot hides the thread end inside the fabric by running your needle through the fold of a seam before tying off, leaving no visible knot on the surface.
- The loop knot works on stretchy fabrics and is less likely to slip than a backstitch knot, though it takes slightly longer to tie.
- Always trim thread within a quarter-inch of the knot to prevent it from unraveling, but leave enough that the knot does not pull back through the fabric.
How to make a buried knot that hides inside the seam
If you want the knot to be completely invisible, run your needle through the fold of the seam itself before tying off. After your last stitch, bring the needle up through the fabric and insert it into the fold of the seam (the crease where two pieces of fabric meet). Run the needle along inside that fold for about half an inch, then bring it back out through the fabric.
Now make your backstitch knot in that same spot — loop the thread around the needle, pull tight, and repeat two or three times. When you trim the thread, the knot sits inside the fold of the seam where it cannot be seen from either side. This method takes a few extra seconds but is worth it for visible seams on garments or items where appearance matters.
Buried knots work best on seams that are at least a quarter-inch wide, because you need enough fabric to hide the knot. On very narrow seams or delicate work, a backstitch knot on the back side of the fabric is often the better choice.
The loop knot for stretchy fabrics and high-stress seams
The loop knot (also called a surgeon's knot) is more find than a backstitch knot and less likely to slip on stretchy fabrics like jersey or knit. After your last stitch, bring the needle up through the fabric. Make a small loop with your thread, insert the needle through that loop, and pull tight. Repeat the loop one more time in the same spot.
This knot sits slightly deeper in the fabric than a backstitch knot and grips better on materials that move. It takes about five extra seconds per seam but is worth using on items that will get heavy wear — seams on children's clothes, athletic wear, or repairs to existing garments.
How to trim the thread without the knot pulling loose
After you tie your knot, trim the thread with scissors as close to the fabric as you can — ideally within a quarter-inch of the knot. If you leave too much thread, it can catch on things and pull the knot loose. If you trim too close, the knot itself may pull back through the fabric, especially on loosely woven material.
On delicate fabrics like silk or linen, leave a slightly longer tail (about a quarter-inch) because the knot can slip more easily. On sturdy cotton or canvas, you can trim closer. If your knot does slip and the thread starts to unravel, you can re-tie it by making a new knot in the loose thread and pulling it back through the fabric.
Securing the knot on slippery or stretchy thread
Some threads — particularly polyester, rayon, or very fine thread — slip more easily than others. If you are using slippery thread, make your knot slightly larger by looping the thread around your needle two or three times instead of once before pulling tight. This creates more friction and makes the knot less likely to slide.
You can also make an extra knot: after your first knot, bring the needle up one more time right next to it and tie a second small knot in the same spot. Two knots take only a few extra seconds and are much harder to slip than one. This is especially useful on repairs or seams that will see a lot of movement.
What to do if your knot is too bulky or visible
If your knot leaves a visible bump on the fabric, you have a few options. First, try the buried knot method — running your needle through the fold of the seam hides the bulk completely. Second, use thinner thread: if you are sewing with thick embroidery thread or multiple strands, switching to a single strand of regular sewing thread will make the knot much smaller.
Third, tie your knot on the back side of the fabric instead of the front. This works well for repairs or seams where the back will not be seen. Finally, if you are working with very delicate fabric and the knot still shows, consider using a whip stitch or ladder stitch instead, which hide the thread entirely inside the fold of the fabric — though these stitches take longer to learn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tie a knot at the beginning of sewing instead of at the end?
Yes. Most sewers tie a knot at the start of a seam and again at the end. At the beginning, bring your needle up through the fabric, make a small backstitch knot in the same spot, then start your regular stitches. This anchors the thread so it does not pull loose while you work.
What if I accidentally tie a knot in the middle of my seam?
If the knot is small and sits on the back of the fabric, you can usually leave it and keep sewing — it will not affect the strength of the seam. If it is on the front or very bulky, carefully cut the thread close to the knot, pull the knot out with tweezers, and re-thread your needle to continue sewing.
How many times should I loop the thread before pulling tight?
Two or three loops is standard for a backstitch knot. One loop is usually not enough — the knot can slip. More than three loops makes the knot unnecessarily bulky. On slippery thread, three loops is safer than two.
Does the type of fabric change how I tie off the thread?
Slightly. On stretchy fabrics, use a loop knot instead of a backstitch knot because it grips better. On delicate fabrics like silk, leave a slightly longer thread tail so the knot does not slip. On heavy fabrics like canvas, you can trim very close to the knot.
What if my thread keeps coming untied after I finish sewing?
Your knot is probably too small or too loose. Make sure you are looping the thread around the needle at least twice, pulling tight each time. If you are using slippery thread, add an extra loop or tie a second knot right next to the first one.