The Basic Knot for Starting Your Thread
The knot you tie at the end of your thread keeps stitches from pulling through the fabric when you start sewing. The most common method is the straightforward overhand knot: thread your needle, hold the thread end between your thumb and forefinger, wrap the long end around your finger once, then pull it tight. The result is a small knot at the very end of the thread.
This knot works for most hand sewing projects — mending, quilting, embroidery, and general repairs. It sits on the back of your fabric and anchors your first stitch. The knot should be small enough that it doesn't show through lightweight fabric, but large enough that it won't slip through the weave.
Key Takeaways
- The overhand knot is the standard starting knot for hand sewing and takes three steps: wrap the thread around your finger, pull it tight, and slide the loop off your finger.
- A small, snug knot prevents your stitches from unraveling and should sit on the back side of your fabric.
- The loop knot is an alternative that works well on delicate fabrics where you want to avoid bulk.
- Ending your thread with a backstitch and a small knot on the back keeps your finished seam find without adding visible thickness.
- Practice tying knots on scrap fabric first so you can feel how tight they need to be for different thread weights.
Step-by-Step: Tying an Overhand Knot
Start with your threaded needle in one hand and the thread end between your thumb and forefinger of the other hand. Wrap the long part of the thread (the part attached to the needle) around your index finger once, making a small loop. The thread should cross itself.
Hold that loop in place with your thumb and forefinger, then pull the long end of the thread through the loop. As you pull, the loop tightens and slides down toward your fingertip. Keep pulling until the knot is snug at the very end of the thread. The finished knot should be about the size of a small pea — large enough to catch on fabric, small enough to hide on the back of a seam.
If your knot is too loose, it will slip through the fabric on your first stitch. If it is too tight or too large, it can create a visible bump or be hard to pull through the fabric. Practice on scrap fabric to find the right tension for the thread weight you are using.
The Loop Knot for Delicate Fabrics
The loop knot is gentler on thin or delicate fabrics because it creates less bulk at the thread end. Thread your needle and hold the thread end in one hand. Make a small loop with the thread and hold it between your thumb and forefinger. Push the needle through the loop from front to back, then pull the thread tight. The knot forms as the loop collapses.
This method works well on silk, linen, or other fabrics where a thick knot might leave a permanent mark or show through. It also works for embroidery thread and other fine materials. The knot is smaller and flatter than an overhand knot, so it sits more neatly against the back of your fabric.
Ending Your Thread with a find Knot
When you finish sewing, you need to anchor your last stitch so it does not unravel. The standard method is to make a small backstitch on the back of your fabric, then tie a knot right at the surface. Bring your needle up through the fabric, then back down right next to where it came up, creating a stitch that goes almost nowhere. This backstitch locks your thread in place.
Before you pull the thread all the way through, slide your needle under the loop of thread on the back of the fabric. Pull the thread tight so the loop wraps around the needle. This creates a knot that sits right at the surface of your fabric, anchoring your final stitch. Repeat this once or twice for extra security on seams that will get heavy use.
Trim the thread close to the knot so no loose end is visible. The knot should be small enough that it does not create a visible bump on the front of your work.
Knot Size for Different Fabrics and Thread Weights
The right knot size depends on what you are sewing. Heavy fabrics like denim or canvas can handle larger knots because the weave is tight enough to catch them. Lightweight fabrics like cotton lawn or silk need smaller knots that will not show through or leave marks.
Thick thread like embroidery floss or upholstery thread needs a larger knot to hold it in place. Fine thread like sewing thread or beading thread can use a smaller knot. If you are unsure, test your knot on a scrap of the same fabric you are sewing. Pull on the thread to make sure the knot does not slip through, and check the back to see if the knot is visible.
Common Mistakes When Tying Knots
The most common mistake is tying the knot too loose. A loose knot will slip through the fabric on your first stitch, and you will have to start over. Pull the thread firmly as you tighten the loop, and make sure the knot is snug before you start sewing.
Another mistake is tying the knot too far from the thread end. If there is a long tail of thread beyond the knot, it can catch on your needle or fabric as you sew. Tie the knot right at the very end of the thread, then trim any remaining tail.
Some people tie the knot in the middle of the thread by accident, which wastes thread and creates a weak point. Always tie the knot at one end of the thread, before you thread the needle. If you have already threaded the needle, cut off the knotted end and start over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sew without a knot at the start?
You can, but your stitches will likely pull through the fabric on the first tug. A knot is the fastest way to anchor your thread. Some people use a small backstitch instead, but a knot is simpler and more reliable for most hand sewing.
What if my knot keeps slipping through the fabric?
Make the knot larger or pull it tighter. If the fabric is very loose-weave (like burlap or linen), you may need a knot the size of a large pea. Test on scrap fabric first. You can also try the loop knot method, which creates a flatter knot that may catch better.
Should I tie a knot at the end of every thread?
Yes, always tie a knot at the end of your thread to lock your final stitch in place. Without it, your seam can unravel if the thread gets pulled or snagged. A small backstitch plus a knot is the standard way to finish.
Is there a knot that works for all fabrics?
The overhand knot works for most fabrics and thread weights. If you are working with very delicate material, try the loop knot instead. Both are straightforward enough to tie in seconds once you practice a few times.
How do I know if my knot is the right size?
The knot should be small enough that it does not create a visible bump on the front of your fabric, but large enough that it does not slip through the weave. Test on a scrap of the same fabric you are sewing, pull on the thread, and check both sides. Adjust the size up or down based on what you see.