Why You Need to Know How to Knot in Sewing
A knot secures your thread so stitches do not unravel when you pull the fabric or wash the finished piece. Without a knot at the start and end of your seam, your work falls apart. The knot anchors the thread to the fabric and keeps tension even as you sew.
Most hand sewing uses one of two knots: the away knot (tied on the thread itself before you begin) or the knot at the end of the thread (tied after you have threaded the needle). Machine sewing uses a different method — you backstitch instead of tying a knot, because the machine locks thread automatically. This guide covers hand sewing knots, which work for mending, embroidery, and basic repairs.
Key Takeaways
- The away knot is tied on the thread before threading the needle and is the fastest method for most hand sewing.
- An end knot is tied after you thread the needle and works well when you want the knot hidden inside a seam.
- Both knots use the same basic motion: loop the thread, pull it tight, and trim the tail close to the knot.
- Practice tying knots on scrap thread first so you develop the feel before you sew on fabric.
- Machine sewing does not use hand knots — instead, you backstitch at the start and end of every seam.
The Away Knot: The Fastest Method
The away knot is tied directly on the thread before you thread the needle. It is the quickest knot to tie and works for most hand sewing jobs. To tie an away knot, hold the thread between your thumb and forefinger of one hand. With your other hand, wrap the thread around your index finger once, making a small loop.
Pull the thread tight so the loop slides down and forms a knot near the end of the thread. Trim the short tail with scissors, leaving about one-eighth inch. Thread the needle through the eye and pull the knot down so it sits at the very end of the thread. When you push the needle through the fabric, the knot catches on the back side and stops the thread from sliding through.
This knot works best for seams where the knot will be hidden on the inside of the garment or project. If you are mending a visible tear, the knot may show on the front, so use an end knot instead.
The End Knot: When You Need the Knot Hidden
An end knot is tied after you thread the needle. It hides better inside a seam because you can push it between the fabric layers. Thread your needle first, then hold both the needle and the long end of the thread in one hand. Wrap the thread around the needle shaft once, close to the fabric end.
Pinch the loop with your other hand and pull the needle through it. The loop tightens into a knot on the thread. Pull the needle away from the knot to tighten it fully. Trim the tail close to the knot with scissors. This knot sits farther from the end of the thread than an away knot, so it is easier to hide inside a seam allowance.
Use an end knot when you are sewing a visible seam on a garment or when you want the knot completely hidden from view. It takes slightly longer to tie than an away knot, but the result is neater.
Tying Off at the End of Your Seam
When you reach the end of your seam, you need to tie off the thread so the stitches do not come loose. Bring the needle to the back of the fabric and make one small stitch in place — push the needle through the fabric and back out in nearly the same spot. Do not pull the thread all the way through; instead, leave a small loop.
Push the needle through the loop and pull tight. This creates a knot on the back of the fabric. Repeat this process one more time for strength, then trim the thread tail close to the knot. Two small stitches tied off this way hold much better than a single knot, especially on seams that will see wear.
For extra security on items that will be washed or handled often, you can make three small stitches instead of two before trimming. This is standard practice for mending clothes that will be worn regularly.
Common Mistakes That Weaken Your Knots
Leaving the thread tail too long is the most common error. A long tail can catch on fabric or unravel if it gets pulled. Always trim within one-eighth inch of the knot. Another mistake is tying the knot too loosely — pull hard enough that the knot does not slip when you tug the thread, but not so hard that you break the thread.
Tying the knot in the middle of the thread instead of at the end wastes thread and makes the knot harder to hide. Always tie at the very end of the thread, whether you use an away knot or an end knot. If your knot keeps slipping, you may be pulling too gently; practice on scrap thread until you feel the right tension.
Practice Exercises Before You Sew on Fabric
Spend five minutes tying knots on scrap thread before you start a real project. Cut a length of thread about 12 inches long and tie an away knot at one end. Untie it and tie it again. Do this five times until the motion feels natural. Then practice end knots the same way.
Once both knots feel smooth, thread a needle and practice tying off on a scrap of fabric. Make a few small stitches and tie off using the method described above. This builds muscle memory so you do not have to think about the steps when you are working on a real garment or project.
Machine Sewing Does Not Use Hand Knots
If you are using a sewing machine, do not tie knots in the thread. Instead, backstitch at the start and end of every seam. To backstitch, sew forward for one stitch, then press the reverse button and sew backward over the same stitch. Sew forward again to continue your seam. The machine locks the thread automatically, so a hand knot is not needed and can jam the machine.
Always backstitch on both ends of a seam, even if it is a short repair. This takes only two seconds and prevents the seam from unraveling. If you forget to backstitch, the seam will come apart the first time the fabric is pulled or washed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same knot for all hand sewing?
You can use either the away knot or the end knot for most projects. The away knot is faster; the end knot hides better. Choose based on whether the knot will be visible. For tying off at the end of a seam, use the small stitch method described above — it is stronger than either starting knot.
What if my knot keeps slipping when I pull the thread?
Your knot is too loose. Pull harder when you tighten it. The thread should not move at all when you tug it firmly. Practice on scrap thread until you feel confident with the tension, then try again on your project.
Do I need to tie a knot if I am using a sewing machine?
No. Machine sewing uses backstitching instead of knots. Backstitch at the start and end of every seam by pressing the reverse button and sewing backward over your first stitch, then forward to continue. This locks the thread without a hand knot.
How close should I trim the thread tail after tying a knot?
Trim within one-eighth inch of the knot. A longer tail can catch on fabric or unravel. A tail shorter than one-eighth inch is difficult to cut without cutting the knot itself.
Is it better to tie the knot before or after threading the needle?
Both work. The away knot (tied before threading) is faster. The end knot (tied after threading) hides better inside seams. Choose based on your project and how much time you have.