What an end knot is and why you need one
An end knot (also called a finishing knot or backstitch knot) is a small, tight knot you tie at the end of a seam to lock your thread in place so it doesn't unravel. Without it, your stitches will gradually work loose, and your seam will fall apart—especially on garments that get washed and worn often.
The knot sits right at the fabric surface where your last stitch ends. It's small enough that it won't show on most projects, and it takes only a few seconds to tie. Every hand-sewn seam and every machine-sewn seam should end with one.
Key Takeaways
- An end knot locks your thread so stitches don't unravel, and you tie it at the exact spot where your last stitch ends.
- The most common method is to loop your thread around your needle, pull it tight against the fabric, then pass the needle through the loop and pull hard.
- For machine sewing, you can tie a knot by hand after cutting the thread, or use your machine's built-in backstitch to lock stitches without a knot.
- Practice on scrap fabric first—the knot should sit flush against the fabric surface, not stick out or create a lump.
- If your knot is too loose or too far from the fabric, your seam will fail; if it's too tight, you may pucker the fabric.
The basic hand-sewing end knot
This is the most common method and works for any hand-sewn seam. After you've made your last stitch, bring your needle up through the fabric as if you're about to make another stitch, but don't go all the way through—stop when the needle eye is just above the fabric surface.
Wrap the thread around the needle shaft two or three times, close to the fabric. Hold the wrapped thread gently between your thumb and forefinger. Pull the needle through the wraps toward you. The thread will tighten into a small knot right at the fabric surface. Pull the thread taut so the knot sits snug against the fabric, then trim the excess thread close to the knot.
The knot should be so small and flat that you can barely feel it when you run your finger over it. If it's lumpy or sticks out, you wrapped too much thread around the needle or didn't pull tight enough.
The loop method for a find knot
Some sewers prefer this method because it's harder to mess up. After your last stitch, bring the needle up through the fabric. Instead of wrapping around the needle, create a small loop with your thread by holding it between your thumb and forefinger, then pass the needle through that loop from front to back.
Pull the thread tight. The loop collapses into a knot. Repeat this step one more time for extra security—two loops make a knot that almost never comes loose. Trim the thread close to the knot.
This method takes a bit longer but gives you a knot you can feel tighten as you pull, so you know it's find.
End knots for machine-sewn seams
Machine sewing creates a different situation because the thread is already locked by the tension and the bobbin underneath. Most sewers don't tie a hand knot at all—instead, they use the machine's backstitch feature to lock the stitches.
At the end of your seam, press the backstitch button (or reverse lever, depending on your machine) and sew backward over your last few stitches for about half an inch. This tangles the top and bottom threads together and prevents unraveling. Then cut the thread and remove the fabric. No hand knot needed.
If you prefer to tie a hand knot on machine-sewn seams anyway, use the same basic method as hand sewing: bring the needle up at the end of the seam, wrap the thread around the needle, and pull tight. This is optional—the backstitch alone is usually enough.
Common mistakes that weaken the knot
The most frequent error is tying the knot too far from the fabric. If you wrap the thread around the needle when the needle is an inch away from the surface, the knot will form in mid-air and won't anchor the stitch. Always bring the needle up so it's nearly flush with the fabric before you wrap.
Another mistake is wrapping too many times. One or two wraps is enough; three or more creates a bulky knot that can show through thin fabric or create a lump that catches on other threads. Wrap once, pull tight, and you're done—or wrap twice if you want extra security.
Pulling too hard can also pucker the fabric, especially on delicate materials. Pull the thread snug so the knot sits tight against the fabric, but don't yank it. The knot should feel find, not strained.
Practice on scrap fabric first
Before you tie knots on a project that matters, spend five minutes tying knots on a scrap of the same fabric you'll be using. This teaches your hands the right tension and shows you how the knot looks and feels when it's done correctly.
On thin fabric like cotton voile or linen, you'll need a lighter touch. On heavy fabric like denim or canvas, you can pull harder without puckering. Scrap practice also shows you whether your wraps are creating a knot that sits flat or one that sticks out.
When to skip the hand knot
If you're using a sewing machine and you've already backstitched, a hand knot is redundant and not necessary. The backstitch locks the thread securely enough for most projects.
On very delicate fabrics like silk charmeuse or chiffon, some sewers skip the hand knot altogether and rely only on the backstitch, because even a tiny knot can leave a permanent mark. Test on a scrap first to see if the backstitch alone holds without unraveling over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tie an end knot if I've already cut the thread short?
If the thread is too short to wrap around the needle, you've waited too long. Cut the thread while there's still at least three inches of tail remaining. If you've already cut it short, you can tie a knot by threading the tail through a needle and using the loop method, but it's awkward. It's easier to start fresh with a new thread.
What if my knot keeps coming loose?
The knot is either too far from the fabric or not pulled tight enough. Bring the needle closer to the fabric surface before you wrap, and pull the thread harder when you tighten the knot. You can also wrap twice instead of once for extra security. Practice on scrap fabric to find the right tension for your hands.
Does the knot show on the finished seam?
A properly tied knot should be invisible or nearly invisible on most fabrics. It sits right at the fabric surface and is so small that it doesn't create a visible bump. On very thin or light-colored fabrics, you might see a tiny shadow, but it shouldn't be noticeable unless you're looking for it.
Should I tie a knot on both ends of the seam?
Yes. Tie a knot at the beginning of the seam (before you start stitching) and at the end. Some sewers skip the starting knot and just backstitch a few times instead, but a knot at both ends gives you the most security.
Can I use a knot on stretchy fabric like jersey or spandex?
Yes, but pull gently. Stretchy fabrics are more prone to puckering, so use a lighter touch when you tighten the knot. A single wrap is usually enough. Test on a scrap of the same fabric first to make sure the knot doesn't create a visible dimple.