A sewing knot holds your thread in place so stitches don't unravel
A sewing knot is a small knot you tie at the end of your thread before you start stitching. It sits on the underside of your fabric and stops the thread from pulling through when you make your first stitch. Without it, your thread slides right out and your seam falls apart.
The most common method is the single knot — you loop the thread around your finger, pull it tight, and slide the loop off. It takes about five seconds once you know the motion. There are other knots for different situations, but the single knot works for almost all hand sewing.
Key Takeaways
- A sewing knot anchors your thread to the back of the fabric so your first stitch doesn't pull loose.
- The single knot is the fastest method: loop thread around your index finger, pull the loop tight, and slide it off to create a small knot at the thread's end.
- You can also tie a knot by wrapping thread around a needle, but the finger method is easier to control.
- If your knot is too large, it will show on the front of your fabric or catch on the needle as you sew.
The Single Knot: The Standard Method
Hold the thread between your thumb and index finger, about 2 inches from the end. Loop the long part of the thread around your index finger once, making a small circle. The loop should sit on top of your finger, with the thread end still between your thumb and finger.
Now roll your index finger forward slightly so the loop tightens around itself. As you do this, hold the thread end steady with your thumb and finger. The loop will shrink down and form a knot at the end of the thread. Pull the long thread gently to tighten the knot all the way.
The knot should be small — about the size of a peppercorn. If it's too big, it will either poke through to the front of your fabric or catch on your needle as you push it through. If it's too small or loose, it won't hold. Practice a few times on scrap thread until the size feels right.
The Needle-Wrap Method for Smaller Knots
Some sewers prefer wrapping the thread around the needle instead of their finger. Thread your needle, then hold the needle in one hand and wrap the thread around the needle shaft once, close to the eye. Pinch the wrapped thread between your thumb and finger to hold it in place.
Slide the needle out from under the wrap while keeping the wrap tight. The thread will bunch up and form a knot. This method gives you a very small, tight knot, which is useful for delicate fabrics or when you want the knot to sit completely on the back of the fabric without any risk of showing through.
Positioning the Knot on Your Fabric
Once your knot is tied, insert the needle through the back of your fabric about 1/4 inch away from where you want your first stitch to start. Push the needle all the way through to the front, then bring it back down right next to where it came out. This first stitch will anchor the knot to the fabric.
The knot itself stays on the back of the fabric, hidden from view. If you're sewing something that will be seen from both sides — like a pillowcase or a garment lining — you may want to hide the knot inside a seam allowance or between two layers of fabric instead.
When Your Knot Is Too Large or Too Small
If your knot keeps coming undone, it's too loose. Tighten it by pulling the long thread more firmly as you form the loop. You can also tie a second knot on top of the first one if the first knot feels weak, though one good knot is usually enough.
If your knot is too large and shows through the front of your fabric, cut it off and tie a new one. You can also try the needle-wrap method, which produces a smaller knot. For very delicate fabrics like silk or linen, a smaller knot is always safer because it's less likely to leave a permanent dent or hole.
Knots for Different Sewing Situations
The single knot works for most hand sewing — mending, quilting, embroidery, and general repairs. If you're sewing something that will get a lot of stress, like a seam on a bag or a button on a coat, you can tie two knots instead of one, or tie a knot, then tie another knot on top of it.
For machine sewing, you don't tie a knot at all. Instead, you backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam. The machine locks the thread in place mechanically, so a hand knot would jam the needle or break the thread.
Common Mistakes That Unravel Your Seam
The most common mistake is tying the knot too far from the end of the thread. If there's more than 1/4 inch of thread sticking out past the knot, it can slip through the fabric on your first stitch. Trim the thread close to the knot before you start sewing.
Another mistake is making the knot too loose. If you can slide the knot along the thread with your finger, it's not tight enough. Pull the thread firmly as you form the loop to make sure the knot cinches down completely. A third mistake is starting your first stitch too far away from the knot — if the knot is more than 1/4 inch from your first stitch, it won't anchor properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start sewing without a knot?
No — without a knot, the thread will pull straight through the fabric on your first stitch and your seam will unravel. You can backstitch instead (push the needle backward through the same holes you just made), but a knot is the fastest way to anchor the thread.
What if my knot keeps slipping through the fabric?
The knot is too small or too loose. Tie a new knot and pull the thread tighter as you form the loop. You can also make the knot larger by wrapping the thread around your finger twice instead of once before pulling it tight.
Should I tie a knot at the end of my thread too?
Yes. When you finish a seam, tie a knot at the end of the thread on the back of the fabric. This stops the last stitch from coming undone. Use the same single-knot method, or backstitch a few times if you're doing hand sewing.
Can I use a knot with machine sewing?
No. Machine sewing uses a different locking method — the machine interlocks the top and bottom thread at each stitch. A hand knot will jam the needle or break the thread. Instead, backstitch at the start and end of each seam.
How do I hide the knot if the fabric will show on both sides?
Insert the needle between two layers of fabric or inside a seam allowance, then bring it out at your starting point. This way the knot stays hidden inside the fabric layers instead of sitting on the back surface.