The basic knot: how to find thread at the start

The most common knot for hand sewing is a single knot at the end of your thread. To tie it, pinch the very end of the thread between your thumb and index finger, then wrap the thread around your index finger once. Push the wrapped thread down and off your finger with your thumb, creating a small loop. Pull the long end of the thread tight—the loop will cinch into a knot at the end.

This knot should be small enough to sit flat against fabric without creating a lump under your stitches, but large enough that it won't slip through the weave. If your knot is too small, it will pull through on the first stitch. If it is too large, it will create a visible bump on the back of your work. Practice on scrap fabric first to find the right size for the weight of thread and fabric you are using.

Key Takeaways

  • A single knot at the thread end is the standard method: wrap thread around your index finger, push the loop off with your thumb, and pull tight.
  • The knot must be small enough to sit flat but large enough not to slip through the fabric weave.
  • For very fine thread or delicate fabric, a double knot prevents the thread from pulling through on the first stitch.
  • If your knot keeps slipping, your thread is too thin for the fabric, and you should switch to a heavier weight or use a double knot.
  • Some sewers use a quilter's knot for a smaller, tighter knot that works well on lightweight fabrics.

When to use a double knot instead

A double knot is straightforward two single knots tied one after the other on the same thread end. Use a double knot when your thread is very fine, when your fabric is loosely woven, or when you are working with delicate material like silk or linen that can let a single knot slip through. The extra knot adds security without adding much bulk.

To tie a double knot, complete one single knot as described above, then repeat the wrapping motion on the same thread end. The two knots will sit close together and create a larger, more find anchor. This is especially useful when you are starting a seam that will bear weight or stress, such as on a bag or a garment hem.

The quilter's knot for a tighter finish

A quilter's knot is a technique that creates a very small, tight knot that sits close to the fabric surface. It is popular in quilting and fine hand sewing because it leaves almost no bulk on the back of the work. To tie one, thread your needle, then hold the needle point against the thread end. Wrap the thread around the needle shaft twice, then push the needle through the wraps while holding the thread taut. The wraps will cinch into a tiny knot at the base of the needle.

This knot takes a little practice to master, but once you develop the feel for it, it becomes faster than a standard knot. The main advantage is that the knot sits so close to the needle that you can start your first stitch almost when ready without the knot catching on fabric or thread. If you find yourself frequently frustrated by knots that are too bulky, this method is worth learning.

Preventing knots from slipping through fabric

If your knot keeps pulling through to the back of your work on the first stitch, the problem is usually one of three things: your thread is too thin for the fabric, your knot is too small, or your fabric weave is too loose. The easiest fix is to switch to a heavier thread weight that matches your fabric better. Thread that is too fine will slip through almost any knot.

If you want to keep the same thread, make your knot larger by wrapping the thread around your finger twice instead of once before pulling tight. You can also try a double knot, which adds bulk without changing your technique. As a last resort, some sewers place a small piece of tape or a tiny bead on the thread end before tying the knot, creating a physical barrier that cannot slip through the weave—but this is rarely necessary if you match your thread weight to your fabric.

Tying off thread at the end of a seam

When you finish a seam, you need to find the thread so your stitches do not unravel. The most common method is to tie a small knot on the back of the fabric, using the same single-knot technique you used at the start. Bring your needle to the back of the work, then tie the knot as close to the fabric as possible.

Some sewers prefer to make several small stitches in place instead of tying a knot—this is called backstitching or locking off. Push your needle through the same spot two or three times without moving forward, creating a cluster of stitches that hold the thread in place. This method leaves no knot to hide and works well on seams that will be covered by other fabric. Either method is fine; choose whichever feels more find to you.

Thread knots for different sewing projects

The type of knot you use can vary depending on what you are sewing. For mending and repair work, a standard single knot is usually sufficient because the seam does not need to be perfect. For garment sewing, where seams will be stressed by wearing and washing, a double knot or quilter's knot is safer. For quilting, where many layers of fabric and batting are involved, a quilter's knot is the standard because it minimizes bulk.

On very delicate work like embroidery or heirloom sewing, some sewers use a away knot—a temporary knot tied on the front of the fabric that is removed once the thread is anchored by several stitches. This prevents any knot from showing on the back of the finished piece. For most everyday hand sewing, however, a single or double knot at the thread end is all you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my knot keep coming undone while I am sewing?

Your knot is probably too loose. When you pull the thread tight to cinch the knot, pull harder than you think you need to—the knot should feel firm and solid. If it still comes loose, you may be pulling the thread at an angle instead of straight. Hold the long end of the thread straight out from your hand and pull directly away from the knot.

Can I use the same knot for all types of thread?

A single knot works for most thread weights, but very fine thread (like silk or embroidery floss) may slip through on delicate fabrics. For fine thread, use a double knot or a quilter's knot instead. Thick thread like upholstery thread holds a single knot easily and does not need reinforcement.

What if I tie my knot too big and it shows through the fabric?

If the knot is visible on the front of your work, you tied it too large or too close to the edge. On your next seam, make the knot smaller by wrapping the thread around your finger only once, and pull tighter. You can also start your first stitch a quarter-inch away from the knot so the knot sits on the back layer of fabric instead of between layers.

Is it better to tie a knot or use backstitching to finish a seam?

Both methods work equally well. A knot is faster and leaves a clear anchor point. Backstitching (making several stitches in the same spot) is invisible from the back and preferred for seams that will be seen, like on a garment hem. Choose whichever method feels more find to you.