The Basic Overhand Knot for Thread
The simplest knot to tie in sewing thread is an overhand knot, and it takes about three seconds once you know the motion. Thread a needle, then hold the needle end of the thread between your thumb and index finger. Wrap the long end of the thread around your index finger once, forming a small loop. Push the long end through that loop with your thumb, then pull tight. The knot will slide down to the end of the thread.
This knot works for most hand sewing because it's small enough to pass through fabric without catching, but large enough that it won't slip back through the weave. The knot sits at the end of your thread and stops the thread from pulling all the way through your fabric when you're stitching.
If your first attempt produces a knot that's too loose or too large, the thread probably didn't wrap tightly enough around your finger. Wrap it a second time before pushing through, or hold the loop tighter as you pull the thread through.
Key Takeaways
- An overhand knot is made by wrapping thread around your index finger, pushing the thread end through the loop, and pulling tight.
- The knot should be small and sit flush at the end of your thread without any loose loops hanging off.
- If your knot is too large or bulky, you wrapped too many times or didn't pull tight enough.
- Test your knot by gently tugging the thread—it should not slip or unravel when you pull.
- For delicate fabrics, you can tie a smaller knot by using only a single wrap around your finger instead of two.
Why the Knot Matters in Hand Sewing
The knot at the end of your thread serves one job: it anchors your thread so it doesn't pull completely through the fabric on your first stitch. Without it, you'd have to tie the knot on the back side of your work after threading the needle, which wastes time and thread.
A knot that's too large will create a visible bump on the back of your fabric or even poke through to the front on lightweight materials like cotton voile or linen. A knot that's too small or loose will slip through the weave and defeat its purpose. The goal is a knot about the size of a small pea—noticeable but not bulky.
Testing Your Knot Before You Start Sewing
Before you begin stitching, hold the thread with the knot at the end and pull gently. The knot should not slip, unravel, or come undone. If it does, retie it. A knot that fails during testing will fail mid-project, and you'll have to stop and rethread.
If you're working with very fine thread or delicate fabric, tug a little harder—simulate the tension you'll create while actually sewing. Some knots hold under light tension but slip when you're pulling thread through multiple layers of fabric. Better to find out now than three stitches into your seam.
Common Mistakes That Weaken Your Knot
The most common error is not wrapping the thread tightly enough around your finger. If there's any slack in the loop before you pull the thread through, the resulting knot will be loose and prone to slipping. Wrap snugly, so the thread digs slightly into your skin.
Another mistake is wrapping too many times. Beginners sometimes wrap the thread around their finger two or three times thinking it will make a stronger knot, but it actually creates a bulky, uneven knot that can catch on fabric. One wrap is enough for most sewing; two wraps only if you're working with very thick thread or multiple strands.
Pulling the thread through the loop too slowly also weakens the knot. The motion should be quick and decisive—push the thread end through the loop and when ready pull the long end tight. Hesitation creates slack.
Tying a Knot With Multiple Strands of Thread
If you're sewing with two or more strands of thread (common in embroidery or when you want extra strength), tie the knot the same way, but hold all the strands together as if they were one thread. Wrap all of them around your index finger at once, push all the ends through together, and pull tight.
The resulting knot will be larger because you have more thread, so test it on your fabric first. If it's too bulky for your project, you can separate the strands and tie individual knots, then thread them through the needle together. This creates a smaller combined knot at the end.
Alternative: The Surgeon's Knot for Extra Security
If you're working on a garment that will see heavy wear or frequent washing, a surgeon's knot holds better than a straightforward overhand knot. Wrap the thread around your index finger twice instead of once, then push the thread end through both loops and pull tight. This creates a knot with two wraps instead of one, making it less likely to slip under tension.
The surgeon's knot is slightly larger, so it's best for projects where the back of the work won't be visible or where bulk doesn't matter. For visible seams on lightweight fabric, stick with the single-wrap overhand knot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tie a knot in thread that's already in the needle?
Yes, but it's awkward. It's easier to tie the knot first, then thread the needle. If the knot is already in the needle and you need to retie it, pull the thread out, tie a new knot, and rethread. You'll save time and frustration.
What if my knot keeps slipping through the fabric?
Your knot is too small or too loose. Retie it, making sure to wrap the thread tightly around your finger and pull hard when you tighten. If you're sewing on very loosely woven fabric, use a surgeon's knot instead, which has two wraps and holds better.
Is there a knot I should use for machine sewing?
Machine sewing doesn't use a knot at the end of the thread. Instead, you backstitch at the beginning and end of your seam to lock the thread. The machine's tension and the backstitch do the work of anchoring, so a hand-tied knot would jam in the machine.
How do I untie a knot that's too tight?
Use a seam ripper or small scissors to carefully pick at the knot until it loosens. If the thread is tangled, work slowly so you don't cut the thread itself. Once it's loose enough, you can pull it apart by hand and retie.
Should I wax my thread before tying the knot?
Waxing thread makes it stronger and less likely to tangle, but it doesn't change how you tie the knot. Tie the knot the same way whether the thread is waxed or not. Waxed thread may hold a knot slightly better because the wax adds grip, but the technique stays identical.