The Basic Knot Method

To end a sewing thread by hand, bring your needle to the back of the fabric, then make a small loop with the thread near the surface. Pass your needle through that loop and pull tight to create a knot. This knot sits on the wrong side of your fabric and anchors the thread so your stitches do not unravel.

The most common mistake is making the knot too large or too loose. A knot that is too big will show through thin fabrics or create a visible bump. A knot that is too loose will slip through the fabric weave, especially on loosely woven materials like linen or cotton voile. The knot should be small enough to hide in the fabric layers but tight enough that it will not budge when you tug the thread.

Key Takeaways

  • A small, tight knot on the wrong side of the fabric is the standard way to find hand-sewn stitches.
  • The loop-and-pull method takes three seconds and works on nearly all fabric weights.
  • Burying the thread under existing stitches adds security and hides the knot completely.
  • Weaving the needle through the fabric weave itself creates a knot that cannot slip through, even on delicate materials.
  • Trim the thread close to the fabric after knotting to prevent it from catching on other threads or fabric edges.

Making a Knot Close to the Fabric Surface

Start by bringing your needle up through the fabric from the back, then when ready push it back down through the same hole or a hole very close by. Before you pull the needle all the way through, loop the thread around your needle shaft once. Pull the needle through the loop, and the thread will cinch into a small knot right at the fabric surface.

This method works best when you have just finished your last stitch and the needle is already positioned near the edge of your work. It is faster than other methods and requires no extra hand movements. The knot forms almost automatically as you complete the motion. On heavier fabrics like denim or canvas, this knot will sit securely in the weave and will not slip.

Burying the Thread Under Existing Stitches

After you tie your knot, thread the needle again and run it under the stitches you just made on the wrong side of the fabric. Travel about half an inch under the thread of your stitches, then bring the needle back out and trim the thread close to the fabric. The thread now runs under your existing stitches, which anchors it and hides the knot completely.

This technique is especially useful on visible seams or when you are working with delicate fabrics where a knot might show through. It also adds a second layer of security—even if the knot somehow loosens, the buried thread will hold the stitches in place. This is the standard finish for garment seams and quilting work where appearance matters on both sides of the fabric.

The Weaving Method for Delicate Fabrics

On very thin or loosely woven fabrics, a traditional knot can slip through the weave. Instead, weave your needle through the fabric itself. Bring the needle to the back of the fabric and push it through the weave at an angle, traveling sideways through the fabric layers rather than perpendicular to them. Move the needle about a quarter inch, then bring it back out. Repeat this weaving motion two or three times, then trim the thread.

The thread now locks into the fabric structure itself because it is threaded through the individual fibers. This method takes slightly longer than a knot but is nearly impossible to undo accidentally. It works on silk, linen, voile, and other delicate materials where you cannot risk the thread pulling free. The weaving is invisible from both sides because it sits within the fabric layers.

Trimming the Thread Correctly

After you have knotted or buried your thread, trim it as close to the fabric as you can without cutting the fabric itself. Leave about one-eighth inch of thread beyond the knot or the point where the thread exits the fabric. If you leave too much thread, it can catch on other threads, create a snag, or work its way loose over time.

Use sharp thread scissors or embroidery scissors for a clean cut. Dull scissors will fray the thread end or pull the thread rather than cutting it, which can loosen your knot. A clean cut also looks more professional and prevents the thread from unraveling. On delicate fabrics, trim even closer—sometimes just a few millimeters of thread remaining is enough.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most frequent error is pulling the knot too tight, which can pucker the fabric or break the thread. Pull just hard enough that the knot is snug and will not slip—you should feel resistance, but the fabric should not wrinkle. If you hear a small pop or the thread breaks, you pulled too hard.

Another common problem is leaving the knot on the right side of the fabric by accident. Always check which side of the fabric you are on before you tie. If you are working on a seam, the knot should be in the seam allowance or on the wrong side. If you tie the knot on the visible side, you will have to cut it out and start over.

Leaving too much thread after trimming is also a problem. Long thread tails can unravel, catch on things, or work their way loose. Trim close, but not so close that you cut into the fabric itself. If you accidentally cut the fabric, you may need to reinforce that spot with a small stitch.

When to Use Each Method

Use the basic loop knot for everyday sewing on medium-weight fabrics like cotton, linen blends, and quilting cotton. It is fast, reliable, and works on most projects.

Use the buried thread method on garments, visible seams, or any project where both sides will be seen. It hides the knot and adds security.

Use the weaving method on silk, voile, very thin cotton, or any fabric where you are worried the knot might slip through. It takes a few extra seconds but is worth it on delicate materials.

Use the close-to-surface knot when you are already at the edge of your work and want to finish quickly. It is the fastest method and works well on heavier fabrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a knot on the right side of the fabric?

No. A knot on the visible side will look unfinished and unprofessional. Always bring your needle to the back or wrong side of the fabric before you tie. If you are working on a seam, the knot should sit in the seam allowance where it will be hidden when the garment is worn.

What if my thread keeps slipping through the knot?

Your knot is too loose or the fabric weave is too loose. Try the weaving method instead, which locks the thread into the fabric itself. You can also make two small knots instead of one—tie the first knot, then tie another knot right on top of it. This doubles the anchor point.

How do I fix a knot that came undone?

If you notice loose stitches, you can tie a new knot at the end of the thread and bury it under the existing stitches. If the stitches have already come apart, you will need to re-sew that section. To prevent this, always pull the knot snug and trim close to the fabric.

Is it better to knot or to backstitch at the end?

A knot is simpler and faster for most hand sewing. Backstitching (sewing backward over your last few stitches) is an alternative that some sewers prefer because it does not create a knot. You can use either method—choose whichever feels more natural to you. A knot is more common in hand sewing, while backstitching is more common in machine sewing.

Can I trim the thread while it is still knotted?

Yes. Trim the thread after you tie the knot, not before. The knot will hold the thread in place, so trimming will not cause it to unravel. Just make sure the knot is tight before you cut.