Essential Skill: How To Make A Knot When Sewing Right

Learning how to make a knot when sewing is a core skill for anyone picking up a needle and thread. Knots are needed to start your stitching neatly and to finish it securely so your stitches don’t come undone. Knowing the right way to tie off thread sewing at the end and create a strong beginning stitch knot is key for durable hand sewing. Let’s look at how to do this important step the right way.

The Core Need: Securing Thread Ends

Why do we even need knots? Think about your thread. It’s just a long string. If you just start pushing a needle through fabric, the thread will pull right through. A knot acts like a tiny anchor. It makes a bump bigger than the hole the needle makes in the fabric. This bump stops the thread from pulling through. This is crucial for securing thread end at the start and the end of your seam.

A good knot at the start keeps your first stitch firm. A good knot at the end locks all your stitches in place. Without these knots, your sewing would simply fall apart. It’s a small step, but a really big one in hand sewing.

Hand Sewing Knot Techniques: Getting Started

There are a few ways to make a knot for hand sewing. The best method for you might depend on what you are sewing and what thread you are using. We will focus on the easiest and most common ways first. These techniques help you create a good starting knot sewing.

Simple Overhand Knot Method

This is the most basic knot. It’s easy to do. Most people learn this one first.

Step-by-Step: Simple Knot

Get your thread ready. You have a length of thread through your needle. Let one end hang loose. This is the end you will knot.
Hold the thread end. Pinch the very end of the thread between your thumb and forefinger.
Make a loop. Use your other hand to bring the main thread (attached to the needle) around. Lay it over your thumb and the pinched end. This makes a loop shape.
Go through the loop. Use the tip of your finger or the needle tip. Push the loose thread end through the loop you just made.
Pull it tight. Gently pull on the loose end and the main thread. The loop will get smaller. It will form a knot. Slide the knot down towards the very end of the thread.
Check your knot. Make sure it’s snug. It should be right at the tip of the thread.

This method is simple and quick. It makes a small knot. It works well for thin threads and delicate fabrics. But sometimes, this simple knot can be too small. It might pull through the fabric. We will talk about how to make it stronger later.

Creating the Knot Directly on the Needle

This is a very popular hand sewing knot technique. Many sewers use this. It’s fast and makes a reliable knot. This method makes a knot right at the end of your thread easily. It’s a great way to tie off thread sewing quickly.

Step-by-Step: Needle Method

Thread your needle. Make sure you have your thread ready to go. Let’s say you pulled out a length of thread. You put one end through the eye of the needle. Don’t double the thread unless you plan to sew with a double strand. For this knot, we use a single strand hanging free.
Hold the needle. Pick up the needle with the hand you write with. Let the thread hang down.
Wrap the thread. Use the other hand. Pinch the thread that is coming out of the needle’s eye. Hold it close to the needle. Now, wrap the thread around the tip of the needle. Wrap it 2 or 3 times. Don’t wrap it too tightly. Just lay the thread over the needle tip.
Pinch the wraps. Slide the wraps you made down the needle. Pinch them tightly between the thumb and forefinger of your hand that is not holding the needle.
Pull the needle. Now, slowly pull the needle through those pinched wraps. Keep pinching the wraps as you pull the needle. The wraps will slide off the needle. As they slide, they will twist together. They will form a knot.
Slide the knot down. Keep pulling the needle. The knot will form near your fingers. Slide this newly formed knot all the way down the thread. Let it slide to the very end of the thread.

This method is often faster than the simple overhand knot. It also tends to make a slightly larger, more secure knot, especially if you wrap the thread a few times. It’s excellent for starting knot sewing.

Different Sewing Thread Knot Types

While the simple overhand and the needle method are common for starting, there are other knots or ways to make knots stronger. Knowing about different sewing thread knot types helps you choose the best one for your project.

The Double Knot

Sometimes, a single simple overhand knot or a single knot made with the needle method isn’t enough. It might pull through loosely woven fabric or a large stitch hole. The answer? Make it a double knot.

How to Make a Double Knot

There are two easy ways to make a double knot:

Make a knot, then make another: Make your first knot using either the simple overhand or the needle method. Let it slide to the end of the thread. Now, make another knot right on top of the first one. You can use the same method again. Slide the second knot down until it sits snug against the first one. This makes a bigger, stronger knot.
Wrap more times with the needle method: When using the needle method, instead of wrapping the thread 2 or 3 times, wrap it 4 or 5 times. When you pull the needle through, these extra wraps will create a larger knot at the end of your thread.

A double knot is much better at preventing sewing knot from slipping through the fabric. It’s good for fabrics like linen, cotton, or when using thicker threads.

The French Knot Start

This is a less common way to start, but it can be useful. It’s more of a decorative knot, but a well-made one can serve as a secure anchor. It’s often used when the knot will be visible on the right side of the fabric.

How to Make a French Knot (Start)

Bring the needle up. Come up from the back of the fabric where you want to start your stitch. Pull the thread almost all the way through, leaving a small loop on the back.
Wrap the needle. Put the needle tip right next to where the thread came up, but don’t push it through yet. Wrap the thread around the needle tip 1 or 2 times.
Hold the wraps. Keep the thread wraps snug against the needle tip with your non-needle hand.
Insert the needle. Push the needle tip back down into the fabric, very close to where you came up (maybe one or two threads away).
Pull the thread. Slowly pull the thread through to the back. Keep holding the thread wraps near the fabric with your non-needle hand as you pull. This helps the knot form correctly. Pull until the knot is snug on the surface of the fabric.

This creates a small, raised knot on the fabric surface. It acts as your starting point and anchor. It’s a different way to create a beginning stitch knot.

Practicing How to Tie a Knot with Needle and Thread

The best way to get good at making knots is to practice. Get a needle and some thread. Use a color that is easy to see. Try the simple overhand knot. Try the needle method. Try making double knots.

Don’t worry if your first knots are messy or don’t slide down easily. It takes a little feel for it. The key steps for how to tie a knot with needle and thread reliably are:

Keep tension on the thread as you form the knot.
For the needle method, pinch the wraps firmly as you pull the needle.
Slide the knot all the way to the end of the thread before you start stitching.

Set aside a few minutes. Just practice making knot after knot on a scrap piece of thread. You will quickly get the hang of it.

Starting Your Stitching: The Beginning Knot

Your beginning stitch knot is the foundation of your seam. It needs to be strong. It needs to stay put.

Placing Your Starting Knot

Once you have made your knot at the end of your thread, you are ready to start sewing.

Decide where your first stitch will be.
Bring the needle up through the back of the fabric at your chosen spot.
Pull the thread gently.
The knot should stop the thread on the back side of the fabric.

If the knot pulls through, it means your knot is too small for the fabric. Go back and make a double knot or use a thicker thread.

Hiding the Knot

Most times, you want your starting knot to be hidden on the wrong side of the fabric. Make sure you bring your needle up from the back (the side that won’t show) to the front (the side that will show). The knot will rest against the back of the fabric.

For some projects, like visible mending or decoration, you might want the knot on the front. In that case, you could use the French knot method described earlier or just start with your knot on the front side intentionally.

Finishing Your Stitching: The Ending Knot

Just as important as the start is the finish. Your ending stitch knot locks your stitches in place. This is often called tie off thread sewing. You need a secure way to end so your hard work doesn’t unravel.

Methods for Tie Off Thread Sewing

You don’t just make a knot at the very end of the thread. You need to make the knot near your last stitch, right against the fabric.

Method 1: Knotting Close to the Fabric

This is a common and simple way to finish.

Make your last stitch. Push the needle through the fabric to complete your final stitch. Your needle is now on the back (wrong) side of the fabric.
Pick up a small piece of fabric. Bring the needle tip just under a few threads of the fabric very close to where your last stitch went down. Don’t go all the way through to the front. Just pick up a tiny bit of fabric on the back.
Pull thread most of the way. Pull the thread through, leaving a small loop of thread right on the surface of the fabric you just picked up.
Go through the loop. Pass your needle through this loop of thread.
Pull to make a knot. Gently pull the needle and thread. The loop will tighten down. It will form a small knot right against the fabric.
Make it stronger (Optional). For extra security, make another knot right on top of the first one. Repeat steps 2-5, making the second knot snug against the first.
Cut the thread. Once your knot (or knots) are secure, cut the thread close to the knot. Be careful not to snip the knot itself or the fabric.

This method creates a small, secure knot directly on the back of your fabric, right where your last stitch ended. This is a very reliable finishing knot sewing.

Method 2: Knotting Around a Stitch

This method uses one of your last stitches to help make the knot.

Make your last stitch. Again, finish your last stitch so the needle is on the back side.
Slide needle under a stitch. Look at the stitches you just made on the back. Slide your needle under the last stitch you made, or the stitch right before it. Pull the thread through, leaving a small loop.
Go through the loop. Pass your needle through the loop you just made under the stitch.
Pull to make a knot. Pull the thread gently. The knot will form and pull tight against the stitch you went under.
Repeat for security. You can repeat steps 2-4 again, going under the same stitch or a nearby one, to make a second knot right next to the first. This doubles the security.
Cut the thread. Snip the thread close to the knot.

This technique is also a good way to tie off thread sewing. It helps anchor the knot firmly by wrapping it around an existing stitch.

Where to Place Finishing Knots

Like starting knots, finishing knots are usually placed on the wrong side of the fabric to keep the front looking neat. Make sure your needle is on the back when you create the knot.

For seams that might see a lot of stress, like on clothing, making a double knot at the end is always a good idea. It adds extra strength and helps with preventing sewing knot from slipping over time.

Preventing Sewing Knot from Slipping

Sometimes, even with a knot, your thread can come loose. This is frustrating. Here are tips for preventing sewing knot from slipping:

Use a double knot: This is the easiest way. A larger knot is harder to pull through fabric fibers or stitch holes.
Choose the right thread: Thin, slippery threads (like rayon or some polyesters) are more likely to slip than cotton or linen threads. Match your thread type to your fabric and project.
Match needle size to thread: Using too large a needle for your thread makes a bigger hole in the fabric. A small knot can then slip through this large hole. Use a needle that makes a hole just big enough for your thread to pass through.
Knot close to the fabric: For finishing knots, make sure the knot is pulled tight right against the fabric surface. A loose knot can catch and loosen over time.
Knot around a few fabric threads: When making a finishing knot directly on the fabric (Method 1), make sure you pick up a few threads of the fabric with your needle, not just one or two. This gives the knot something solid to grip onto.
Use a small stitch to hide the knot: After making your finishing knot, you can sometimes run the needle under a few stitches or through a small fold of fabric nearby before cutting the thread. This buries the thread end and adds another layer of security.

Following these tips helps ensure your beginning stitch knot and ending stitch knot stay put.

Sewing Thread Knot Types: A Quick Look

We’ve mainly talked about the basic knots needed for starting and ending hand sewing. Here’s a summary:

Knot Type	Description	Best Use Case	Strength / Security
Simple Overhand Knot	Basic loop-and-pull knot at thread end.	Starting thin threads on tightly woven fabric.	Low to Medium
Needle Method Knot	Thread wrapped around needle tip, pulled off to knot.	Fast, reliable starting knot on most fabrics.	Medium
Double Knot	Making a knot on top of another, or extra wraps on needle.	Starting knot sewing on loosely woven/knit fabric, or for extra security.	High
Finishing Knot (Method 1)	Knot tied by picking up fabric threads near last stitch.	Ending stitch knot on most projects. Secure.	High
Finishing Knot (Method 2)	Knot tied by looping around a nearby stitch.	Ending stitch knot, anchors knot firmly.	High
French Knot Start	Decorative knot made on fabric surface.	Visible start knot, specific projects.	Medium (if done right)

These are the main ones you’ll use in hand sewing. Each one serves the basic purpose of securing thread end, but the best choice depends on the situation.

Detailed Steps for the Needle Knot Method

Let’s go over the needle knot method again, slowly, because it’s so useful for starting knot sewing. This is often the go-to hand sewing knot technique for speed and reliability.

Getting Ready

Choose your thread length. Don’t use a piece too long, maybe 18 to 24 inches (about 45-60 cm). Very long threads tangle easily.
Thread your needle. Push one end of the thread through the eye of the needle. Let the rest of the thread hang free. You now have a needle with one thread end through it, and the rest of the thread connected.

Making the Knot

Hold the needle. Hold the needle in your dominant hand (the hand you write with). Let the thread hang down.
Pinch the thread. Use your other hand. Pinch the thread about 1 inch (about 2.5 cm) away from the eye of the needle. Pinch it between your thumb and forefinger.
Wrap the thread. Keep the thread pinched. Use the hand holding the needle to bring the needle tip to where your other fingers are pinching the thread. Use the pinching fingers to wrap the thread around the tip of the needle. Wrap it 2 or 3 times, going away from the needle eye. The thread should wrap around the needle tip loosely, just between your pinching fingers.
Hold the wraps tightly. This is a key step. Slide the wrapped thread down the needle a tiny bit, towards the pointy tip. Now, pinch these wrapped loops very tightly between your thumb and forefinger. You are holding the loops that are now around the needle tip. They are pinched between your fingers, near the tip.
Pull the needle through. While still pinching those wraps very tightly, use your dominant hand to pull the needle up and away from your pinching fingers. Pull the needle all the way through the wrapped loops.
Watch the knot form. As the needle pulls free, the pinched loops of thread will twist together. They will form a knot. This knot will be right where your pinching fingers were.
Slide the knot down. Keep pulling the thread gently. The knot will slide down the length of the thread. Let it slide all the way to the very end of the thread.
Check it. Look at the end of your thread. You should have a neat knot right at the tip. If it’s not right at the tip, pull the end of the thread gently to slide the knot down.

This method is very reliable for creating a solid beginning stitch knot. Practice it a few times, and it will become quick and easy.

More on Finishing: Securing the End

Your ending stitch knot is your last step in sewing a line of stitches. It must be strong. Let’s look closer at finishing knot sewing.

Remember, the goal is to make the knot on or very near the fabric, not way out on the thread end.

Using Method 1 (Knotting into Fabric) Again

Suppose you just finished your last stitch and the needle is on the back.

Put needle under fabric threads. Bring the needle tip under a small amount of fabric fibers, right next to where the thread just went down. Pick up maybe 3-5 threads of the fabric itself. Don’t go all the way through to the front.
Pull thread, make loop. Pull the thread through under those fabric threads, but stop when you have a loop remaining on the surface. The loop is made of your sewing thread.
Needle through loop. Pass your needle through that thread loop.
Pull tight. Pull the thread gently but firmly. The loop will close, and a knot will form snug against the fabric surface.
Add another knot (recommended). Right next to that first knot, put your needle under the fabric fibers again (or under the first knot itself). Pull thread to make a loop. Pass needle through loop. Pull tight. You now have two knots right next to each other. This is great for preventing sewing knot from slipping.
Cut thread. Cut the extra thread end close to the knot. Leave a tiny tail, maybe 1/8 inch (3mm). This small tail helps the knot stay secure.

This is the standard way to tie off thread sewing for most basic hand stitches like running stitch or backstitch.

Using Method 2 (Knotting Around a Stitch) Again

Suppose you just finished your last stitch and the needle is on the back.

Slide needle under a stitch. Look at the stitches you made on the back side. Find the last stitch, or one very close to it. Slide your needle under that stitch.
Pull thread, make loop. Pull the thread through under the stitch, leaving a loop on the surface.
Needle through loop. Pass your needle through the thread loop you just made under the stitch.
Pull tight. Pull the thread gently but firmly. The loop will close around the stitch you went under, forming a knot.
Add another knot (recommended). Slide the needle under the same stitch again (or a nearby one). Pull thread to make a loop. Pass needle through loop. Pull tight. Make sure this second knot is snug against the first.
Cut thread. Cut the thread end close to the knots.

This method is also excellent for finishing knot sewing. It’s particularly good on seams where you can easily see and get under the stitches on the back.

Special Situations and Knot Tips

Sewing with Double Thread: Sometimes you might sew with two strands of thread at once for strength or look. To start, you can either make a knot with both ends held together (like a single knot, but thicker), or use the needle method with both strands wrapped together. Or, you can bring the needle through the fabric without a knot, match the two loose ends on the back, and make a knot close to the fabric with both ends together. For ending, you would tie off with both strands as if they were one thick thread.
Very Slippery Fabric/Thread: If your knot keeps slipping, try a triple knot (wrap 4-5 times in the needle method, or make three knots stacked). You can also add a tiny drop of fabric glue on the knot on the back of the fabric after you finish. Let it dry completely. This can really help preventing sewing knot from slipping.
Delicate Fabrics: On very fine or sheer fabrics, large knots can look bulky or pull threads. You might need to use the smallest possible single knot or try to hide your knots within a seam allowance or facing. Sometimes, starting with a few small backstitches instead of a knot can work for thin fabric.
Starting mid-project: If your thread runs out in the middle of a seam, you can’t just tie a knot and start over. You need to finish your old thread securely (knot it close to the fabric on the back, maybe run it under some stitches). Then, start your new thread a few stitches before where the old one ended. This way, the new stitches overlap the old ones, making the seam strong. Your new beginning stitch knot will be a little further back.
Ending on thick seams: When you are sewing through many layers, it can be hard to pick up just a few fabric threads for your finishing knot. It might be easier to use Method 2 (knotting around a stitch) or tie the knot around one of the threads from a previous stitch on the back.

Checking Your Knots

Before you cut that thread, always check your knot:

Is it tight? Give the thread a gentle tug. The knot should not loosen.
Is it close to the fabric (for finishing knots)? It should be right there, snug against the last stitch.
Is it big enough? Does it look like it will hold? Compare it to the stitch holes in your fabric. If it looks like it could pull through, add another knot on top.

A few seconds checking your knot can save you the trouble of stitches coming undone later. This is part of sewing “right”.

Comprehending Why Knots Matter

Knots are more than just thread bumps. They are essential for the strength and look of your sewing.

They hold the start: Your beginning stitch knot gives your seam a solid anchor point. No knot means your first few stitches can loosen easily.
They secure the end: Your ending stitch knot locks all your stitches. It stops the whole line of sewing from unraveling from the end. This is the job of tie off thread sewing.
They add durability: A well-made knot, especially a double knot, makes your seam much stronger. It helps the sewing last longer, even with use and washing.
They can be invisible (mostly): When done on the back side, knots disappear, keeping the front of your work neat and clean.

Getting skilled at making simple, secure knots is a fundamental step. It lets you move on to learning different stitches and projects with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sewing Knots

Q: My starting knot pulls through the fabric. What am I doing wrong?

A: Your knot is likely too small for your fabric. Try making a double knot instead of a single one. Or, if using the needle method, wrap the thread around the needle more times (like 4-5 instead of 2-3) to make a bigger knot. Using a slightly thicker thread or a smaller needle might also help.

Q: How close should I cut the thread after tying the finishing knot?

A: Cut it close, but not right on the knot. Leave a tiny tail of about 1/8 inch (3mm). This small tail helps the knot settle and prevents it from easily unraveling from the very edge.

Q: Should I make a knot every time I start a new thread?

A: Yes, almost always in hand sewing. A beginning stitch knot is necessary to anchor your thread. The only times you might not use one are in specific techniques like starting with a few small backstitches on very fine fabric, or if you are tucking thread ends into a seam allowance on a machine-sewn piece you are finishing by hand.

Q: Is there a special knot for ending on slippery fabrics?

A: Using a double or even triple knot is best for slippery fabrics like satin or lining material. Tying the knot very close to the fabric and potentially adding a tiny dot of fabric glue on the back of the knot can also help with preventing sewing knot from slipping.

Q: Can I use any of these knots for machine sewing?

A: Machine sewing uses a different system with bobbins that create a lockstitch. You don’t tie hand-sewing knots to start or end machine stitches. Machine stitches are typically secured by backstitching or tying the top and bobbin threads together after lifting the project. Hand sewing knots are specifically for hand sewing knot technique.

Q: My thread keeps tangling when I try to make a knot. Any tips?

A: Make sure your thread isn’t too long. Shorter lengths (18-24 inches) are easier to manage. When using the needle method, keep tension on the thread as you wrap and pull. Practice helps! Sometimes using thread conditioner (like beeswax) can also reduce tangling.

Mastering how to make a knot might seem small, but it’s a huge step in becoming a confident hand sewer. Practice these simple techniques, and your stitches will be secure from start to finish.