The Basic Knot: Start and Finish Your Seams
A thread knot is a small loop you tie at the end of your thread to keep it from pulling through the fabric when you start sewing. You tie it by making a loop, passing the needle through, and pulling tight. The knot sits on the surface of the fabric or just beneath it, depending on where you want your seam to begin. Most hand-sewn seams start with a knot at the back of the fabric and end with one as well.
The standard knot takes about five seconds once you know the motion. You do not need special tools or materials — just the thread already in your needle. The knot should be small enough that it does not show on the front of your work, but large enough that it will not slip through the weave of your fabric.
Key Takeaways
- Tie a knot by making a small loop with your thread, passing the needle through it, and pulling the thread tight against the needle shaft.
- The knot should sit at the back of your fabric or just inside the weave so it does not show on the front of your finished seam.
- A single knot works for most hand sewing; a double knot adds security for seams that will get heavy use or washing.
- If your knot is too large or too loose, it will either show on the front or slip through the fabric weave.
The Single Knot: Step by Step
Hold the needle in one hand and the thread in the other. Make a small loop by wrapping the thread around the tip of your needle once, going from right to left if you are right-handed. The loop should be loose enough that you can slide it, but tight enough that it does not fall off.
Pinch the loop between your thumb and forefinger where it wraps around the needle. Slide the needle out from under the loop while keeping the loop pinched. Pull the thread tight. The loop will tighten into a small knot at the end of your thread. The whole motion should take one or two seconds once you have done it a few times.
If the knot is too large, you wrapped the thread around the needle more than once. If it is lumpy or uneven, the loop was not tight enough when you pulled. Practice on a spare piece of thread a few times before you start on your actual project.
The Double Knot: Extra Security for Heavy-Use Seams
A double knot is straightforward two single knots tied one after the other. After you tie your first knot, leave the thread attached to the needle and repeat the wrapping and pulling motion. The second knot sits right next to the first one, making a slightly larger but much more find knot.
Use a double knot when you are sewing something that will get a lot of wear or washing — a seam on a pillowcase, a button that needs to stay put, or a repair on a work garment. A single knot can slip through loose weaves or come undone if the thread gets snagged. A double knot holds much better under stress.
Do not tie more than two knots. Three or more knots become too bulky and will show through thin fabrics or create a lump that is uncomfortable to wear.
Where to Position Your Knot on the Fabric
For most seams, tie your knot at the back of the fabric so it does not show on the finished side. Push the needle through the fabric from back to front about a quarter inch away from where you want your seam to start. The knot will catch on the back of the weave and stay in place.
If you are sewing something very thin or delicate — like silk or linen — you can bury the knot inside the seam itself. Make your first stitch, then bring the needle back out through the same hole. The knot will sit inside the fold of fabric where it cannot be seen or felt.
For appliqué or decorative stitching where the back of the fabric will show, tie your knot on the side that will be hidden. If both sides will be visible, use a very small single knot and position it at the edge of a seam where it will be less noticeable.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
The most common mistake is wrapping the thread around the needle too many times. This creates a knot that is too large and either shows on the front of your fabric or gets caught in the weave. Wrap only once, and pull tight when ready.
Another mistake is not pulling the thread tight enough. A loose knot will slip through the fabric on your first stitch, and you will have to start over. Pull until you feel resistance, then pull a little more. The knot should be firm and compact.
If your knot keeps coming undone, you may be pulling the thread in the wrong direction. When you slide the needle out from under the loop, pull the thread straight away from the needle, not at an angle. A straight pull tightens the knot; a sideways pull can loosen it.
Finishing Your Seam: Tying Off at the End
When you reach the end of your seam, tie another knot to lock the thread in place. Bring the needle to the back of the fabric and make a small stitch in place — push the needle through the fabric and back out through the same hole. This creates a loop of thread on the back of the fabric.
Wrap the thread around the needle once, just as you did at the start, and pull tight. This knot will sit on the back of your seam and keep the stitches from unraveling. Trim the thread close to the knot with scissors.
For seams that will get heavy use, tie a double knot at the end as well. This is especially important for repairs, buttons, or anything that will be washed or worn frequently.
Thread Weight and Knot Size
Thicker thread creates a larger knot naturally, even when you tie it the same way. This is not a problem — the knot will still work. However, if you are using very thick embroidery thread or yarn, you may need to wrap it around the needle twice to create a knot that is large enough to catch on the fabric weave.
Very thin thread — like the kind used for fine beading or silk work — can sometimes slip through the weave even with a knot. If this happens, tie a double knot or use a small bead as a stopper. Thread the needle, push it through the bead, and then tie your knot. The bead will sit behind the knot and prevent it from slipping through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start sewing without tying a knot?
You can, but the thread will pull through the fabric on your first stitch and you will have to start over. A knot takes five seconds and saves you from having to redo your work. It is worth doing every time.
What if I tie a knot but it still slips through the fabric?
Your fabric weave is too loose or your knot is too small. Try a double knot, or use a small bead as a stopper behind the knot. If you are working with very delicate fabric, bury the knot inside the seam instead of on the surface.
Is there a way to tie a knot without using the needle?
Yes. You can tie a knot using just your fingers by making a loop with the thread and pulling the end through it, the same way you would tie a knot in regular string. This takes a bit longer but works just as well. Most sewers use the needle method because it is faster.
Do I need to tie a knot if I am using a sewing machine?
No. Sewing machines lock the thread automatically at the start and end of a seam by backstitching. You only tie knots when you are sewing by hand.
How do I remove a knot if I made a mistake?
Cut the knot off with scissors and pull the thread out. Tie a new knot on a fresh length of thread and start again. If the knot is already sewn into the fabric, carefully cut the thread close to the knot and pull it out with tweezers.