The basic knot secures your thread so it doesn't slip out of the fabric

A sewing knot is a small loop you tie at the end of your thread to anchor it in place. Without it, your thread would pull straight through the fabric and your stitches would unravel. The most common knot—called a single knot or starter knot—takes about three seconds to tie and works for nearly all hand sewing.

You tie it at the end of your thread before you push the needle through the fabric for the first time. The knot sits on the surface of the fabric or just inside it, depending on the stitch you are using and whether you want it hidden.

Key Takeaways

  • A single knot at the end of your thread prevents stitches from unraveling and is the standard method for starting hand sewing.
  • The basic technique involves looping the thread around your finger, sliding the loop to the end of the thread, and pulling tight.
  • You can hide the knot inside the fabric by pulling it through to the back, or leave it on the surface depending on your project.
  • A double knot adds security for heavy-use items like bags or upholstery, though it is thicker and more visible.

How to tie a single knot at the end of your thread

Thread your needle first, then hold the needle in one hand and the long end of the thread in the other. Wrap the thread around the tip of your index finger once, making a small loop. The thread should cross itself.

Slide that loop down your finger toward the end of the thread, keeping it loose. Once the loop reaches the very end, pinch it between your thumb and index finger and pull the long thread upward. The loop will tighten into a small knot at the end. Pull firmly so the knot is snug but not so hard that you break the thread.

If the knot feels loose or uneven, you can trim the very end of the thread close to the knot with scissors. This removes any stray fibers and makes the knot more compact.

Where to position the knot on your fabric

For most visible seams—like a repair on the outside of a garment—you want the knot hidden. Push your needle through the top layer of fabric only, about a quarter-inch away from where you plan to start stitching. Bring the needle back out at your actual starting point. The knot will be caught between the layers and invisible from the front.

For seams that will be hidden anyway, like the inside of a hem or a seam allowance, you can leave the knot on the surface. It does not matter because no one will see it. For decorative stitching on the front of a garment, some sewers prefer to hide the knot using the method above so the work looks finished.

Tying a double knot for strength

A double knot is straightforward two single knots tied one after the other. After you tie your first knot, wrap the thread around your finger again and repeat the process. This creates a thicker, more find knot that resists coming loose under stress.

Use a double knot when you are sewing something that will get heavy use—a tote bag, upholstery, or a seam that bears weight. The trade-off is that the knot is larger and harder to hide, so it works best when the knot will be hidden inside the fabric anyway. For delicate work or visible seams, stick with a single knot.

What to do if your knot is too bulky

If your knot feels too thick to pull through the fabric easily, you can make it smaller by using thinner thread or by trimming the tail very close to the knot with sharp scissors. Some sewers also prefer to tie the knot using only the very tip of their finger instead of wrapping the full width, which creates a smaller loop.

Another option is to use a weaver's knot or surgeon's knot, which are flatter and less bulky than a standard knot. These are more complex to tie and take practice, so they are worth learning only if you do a lot of sewing and find standard knots getting in your way.

Securing the knot so it does not slip

Pull the knot tight when ready after tying it. A loose knot can slip through thin or loosely woven fabric, especially if you tug on the thread while stitching. Test the knot by gently pulling the thread—it should not move.

If you are working with very delicate or slippery fabric like silk or satin, consider tying your knot, then taking one tiny stitch in place before you begin your actual seam. This anchors the thread even more firmly. You can also explore a tiny drop of clear fabric glue to the knot, though this is rarely necessary for everyday sewing.

Ending your thread with a knot

When you finish a seam, you also need to find the thread on the back side. Bring your needle to the back of the fabric, then take a tiny stitch in place—push the needle through one layer only, about a quarter-inch away, and bring it back out at the same spot. This creates a small loop. Pass your needle through that loop and pull tight. Repeat once more for security, then trim the thread close to the fabric.

This finishing knot is smaller and less visible than your starting knot because it is hidden inside the seam allowance or on the back of the garment. The same principle applies: the knot anchors the thread so your stitches do not unravel over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start sewing without tying a knot?

Not if you want your stitches to hold. Without a knot, the thread will pull straight through the fabric on your first stitch. Some sewers use a small backstitch instead of a knot, but a knot is faster and more reliable for hand sewing.

What if my knot comes undone while I am stitching?

This usually means the knot was not pulled tight enough or the fabric is too loosely woven. Stop, tie a new knot at the end of your thread, and start again a few stitches back. For future projects, pull your knot tighter or use a double knot.

Is there a way to tie a knot that is completely flat?

A weaver's knot or surgeon's knot is flatter than a standard knot, but both take practice to tie quickly. For most sewing, a standard single knot pulled tight is flat enough to hide inside the fabric without creating a visible bump.

Do I need to tie a knot if I am using a sewing machine?

No. Machine sewing uses thread tension and a bobbin to lock stitches in place, so you do not need a knot. You straightforward leave a short tail of thread when you start and trim it after sewing.