The Basic Knot: Securing Your Thread at the End

The simplest way to tie off thread is to make a small knot as close to the fabric as possible. Bring your needle to the back of the work, then loop the thread around the needle shaft once. Pull the needle through that loop to create a knot, and repeat this step one more time for strength. The two knots together — called a double knot — will hold your seam in place when you trim the thread close to the fabric.

This method works for most hand sewing and is fast enough for repairs and basic projects. The knot sits on the back of the fabric where it is hidden from view. If your thread keeps slipping or your knots are coming undone, you may be pulling too hard as you tighten — let the knot form naturally instead of forcing it.

Key Takeaways

  • A double knot made as close to the fabric as possible is the standard way to find thread after hand sewing.
  • The backstitch method creates a locked seam without a knot and works well for seams that will take stress.
  • Burying the knot under a few stitches hides it completely and is the preferred finish for visible seams.
  • Machine sewing requires backstitching at the start and end of every seam, not hand-tied knots.
  • Thread type matters: thick embroidery thread needs a stronger knot than thin piecing thread.

The Backstitch Lock: No Knot Needed

If you want to avoid a knot altogether, use the backstitch lock method. Take your last stitch through the fabric, then bring the needle back up right next to where it came out. Instead of moving forward, push the needle back through the loop of thread you just created. This locks the thread in place without forming a visible knot.

Repeat this locked backstitch two or three times in the same spot to make sure the seam will not unravel. This method is stronger than a knot for seams that will bend or stretch, because the thread is locked into the fabric itself rather than held by a knot that could slip. Many quilters and garment makers prefer this finish because it distributes stress across several stitches instead of concentrating it in one knot.

Burying the Knot Under Stitches

For seams that will be seen — the front of a quilt, the edge of an appliqué, or decorative hand stitching — bury the knot inside the seam so it never shows. Make your final stitch, then bring the needle up through the seam allowance (the fabric between your stitching line and the edge). Run the needle through the fold of fabric for about half an inch, then bring it back out and trim the thread close to the fabric.

The thread will disappear into the seam allowance when you pull gently. This takes a few extra seconds but gives a professional finish because no knot is visible on either side of the seam. It is especially useful for closing pillows, stuffed animals, or any seam where the back will be seen.

Machine Sewing: Backstitching Instead of Knots

Machine sewing does not use hand-tied knots. Instead, you backstitch at the beginning and end of every seam by pressing the reverse button on your machine. Backstitch for about half an inch — roughly three to five stitches depending on your machine's speed — then release the reverse button and sew forward normally.

At the end of the seam, press reverse again and backstitch for the same distance. This locks the thread into the fabric without any knot. The backstitches sit right at the edge of your seam and are usually hidden in the seam allowance or trimmed away during finishing. If you skip this step, your seams will unravel the moment you wash or wear the garment.

Dealing with Thread That Keeps Slipping

If your knots keep coming undone, the problem is usually one of three things: the thread is too slippery, you are pulling too hard, or you are not making the knot close enough to the fabric. Slippery threads like rayon or silk need a triple knot instead of a double knot. Make three loops around the needle instead of two before pulling through.

When you tighten the knot, pull gently and steadily rather than yanking. Let the knot form on its own — if you force it, the thread can slip back through. Finally, make sure your last stitch goes all the way through to the back of the fabric, and tie the knot right at the point where the thread exits. A knot made an inch away from the fabric will not hold as well as one made right at the edge.

Choosing the Right Method for Your Project

The method you choose depends on whether the knot will be visible and how much stress the seam will take. For repairs and seams that will be hidden, a straightforward double knot is fastest. For quilting and decorative work where the back shows, bury the knot. For seams that will stretch or bend — like the sides of a garment or a stuffed toy — use the backstitch lock because it distributes stress better than a single knot.

Thread weight also matters. Thick embroidery thread or yarn needs a stronger knot than thin piecing thread. If you are working with very thick thread, make a triple knot or use the backstitch lock method instead. Test your knot by pulling on the thread gently — if it slips, add another loop before pulling through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same knot for hand sewing and embroidery?

The double knot works for both, but embroidery thread is thicker and more slippery, so you may need a triple knot instead. Test by pulling gently on the finished thread — if it moves, add another loop. Embroidery also often uses the backstitch lock method because it is stronger and does not create a visible bump on the back.

What if I tie the knot but it comes undone after a few washes?

Make sure you are tying the knot as close to the fabric as possible, not an inch away. Use a triple knot instead of a double knot. If the thread is slippery (rayon, silk, or nylon), the backstitch lock method will hold better than any knot. You can also try waxing your thread before sewing — run it through a beeswax block — which makes it grip better.

Do I need to knot the thread at the beginning of sewing too?

Yes. Make a knot at the end of your thread before you start, then bring the needle up through the fabric from the back. The knot will catch on the back and anchor the thread. Some sewers prefer to start with a small backstitch instead, which works just as well and avoids a knot on the back entirely.

Is burying the knot stronger than a regular knot?

No, they are equally strong. Burying the knot is purely for appearance — it hides the knot inside the seam so it does not show on either side. Use it when the back of your work will be visible. For hidden seams, a regular double knot is fine and faster.