The Basic Overhand Knot
The simplest way to knot a sewing needle is to tie a single overhand knot at the end of your thread. Thread your needle, then hold the needle in one hand and the thread tail in the other. Bring the thread tail up and around to form a small loop, then pull the thread through that loop and tighten it against the needle eye. The knot sits at the end of the thread and catches in the fabric when you start sewing, preventing the thread from pulling through.
This knot works for most hand sewing projects—mending, basic repairs, and straightforward stitching. It takes about three seconds to tie and holds reliably as long as your thread is long enough that the knot doesn't slip through the fabric weave on your first stitch.
Key Takeaways
- An overhand knot at the thread's end is the standard method: loop the thread, pull it through, and tighten against the needle eye.
- For delicate fabrics where a knot might show or slip through, wrap the thread around your finger twice before pulling through to create a larger knot.
- If your thread keeps slipping, the knot is too small or the fabric weave is too loose—use a double knot or switch to thicker thread.
- Always tie the knot after threading the needle, not before, so the knot sits at the correct end of the thread.
The Double Knot for Delicate Fabrics
When you are working with lightweight or loosely woven fabric—linen, cotton voile, or thin silk—a single knot may slip right through the weave on your first stitch. A double knot prevents this. After you tie your first overhand knot, tie a second one directly on top of it, pulling tight each time. The result is a knot roughly twice the size, which catches in even loose fabric.
Double knots are also useful when you are hand-sewing something that will get heavy wear, like a button on a coat or a seam repair on work pants. The extra knot gives you a backup if one layer of the knot begins to fray.
The Wrapped Knot for Invisible Stitching
If you want a knot that is larger but still neat, wrap the thread around your finger instead of looping it. After threading the needle, hold the thread tail between your thumb and forefinger. Wrap the thread around your finger twice—two full circles—then roll the wrapped thread between your finger and thumb to create a small ball. Pull the needle through that ball. The result is a knot that is rounder and larger than an overhand knot, but takes up less space than a double knot.
This method is popular for embroidery and decorative hand sewing because the knot is compact and less likely to leave a visible bump on the back of the fabric. It also works well on very fine or delicate materials where you need a larger knot without adding bulk.
Tying the Knot Without Slipping
The most common reason a knot slips is that you pulled the thread too hard while tightening, which can actually loosen the knot instead of securing it. Pull the thread firmly but not violently—you should feel resistance, not a sudden snap. If the knot still slips, your thread may be too thin for the fabric, or the fabric weave may be very loose.
Another cause of slipping is tying the knot too close to the needle eye. Leave about half an inch of thread between the needle and the knot so the knot has room to catch and hold. If you tie the knot right at the needle eye, it can slip past the eye itself and come undone.
When to Tie the Knot
Always tie your knot after you have threaded the needle, not before. If you tie the knot first, it may slip through the needle eye when you push the thread through, or it may catch and fray the thread. Thread the needle, then when ready tie the knot at the end of the thread that is now hanging free. This ensures the knot is the right size and sits in the right place.
If you are using a very long thread—more than an arm's length—you can tie a knot in the middle of the thread and thread both ends through the needle. This gives you two working threads at once, which is useful for reinforcing seams or sewing through thick fabric. Tie the knot before threading in this case, because you need the knot to stay in the middle.
Fixing a Knot That Keeps Coming Loose
If your knot unravels while you are sewing, the thread itself may be fraying or splitting. This happens with older thread, thread that has been wound too tightly on a spool, or thread that is straightforward poor quality. Try a different thread first—a fresh spool often solves the problem without any change to your technique.
If the thread is fine and the knot still slips, switch to a thicker thread or use the wrapped-knot method instead of a straightforward overhand knot. You can also seal the knot by running it quickly through a candle flame (hold it far enough away that the thread does not catch fire, just warm enough to slightly melt the thread fibers together). This is common in embroidery and works well for thread that tends to fray, though it is not necessary for most everyday sewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tie a knot in the middle of the thread instead of at the end?
Yes. Tie the knot before threading the needle, then thread both ends through the needle eye. This gives you two threads working at once, which reinforces your stitches and is useful for mending or sewing through thick fabric. The knot stays in the middle of the fabric and is hidden when you finish.
What if the knot is too big and shows on the front of the fabric?
Start your first stitch on the back or underside of the fabric, and push the needle through to the front. The knot will catch on the back layer and stay hidden. If the knot is still too large, use a thinner thread or switch to the overhand knot instead of a wrapped knot.
How do I remove a knot if I tie it in the wrong place?
Gently pull the thread out of the needle and carefully unwind the knot by hand. If it is too tight, use a seam ripper or small scissors to carefully cut and pick apart the knot. Then re-thread the needle and tie a new knot at the correct end.
Should I wax my thread before knotting it?
Waxing thread makes it stronger and less likely to tangle or fray, but it does not change how you tie the knot. If you use waxed thread, tie the knot the same way—the wax coating actually helps the knot hold more securely because it reduces fraying.