A stitch knot in hand sewing is a localized thickening of the thread designed to prevent the entire line of stitching from unraveling under tension or wear. This small knot acts as an anchor, creating resistance greater than the force required to pull the thread through the fabric weave. Properly executed knots ensure that individual stitches remain firmly in place. This guide provides instruction on creating secure knots for both the beginning and end of a sewing line.
Tying the Starting Knot
The first knot anchors the thread to the fabric before the initial stitch is placed. The most reliable method for this starting anchor is the needle-wrap technique, also called a quilter’s knot. Begin by threading your needle and holding the tip horizontally close to the thread end.
Take the long end of the thread and wrap it around the needle shaft three to five times, depending on the thread thickness and fabric type you are using. Finer threads, such as silk or fine cotton, may require more wraps to create a substantial knot. Firmly pinch the coiled wraps against the needle using your dominant hand, preventing them from loosening.
Without releasing the pinch, gently pull the needle completely through the coils and away from the thread end. The coils slide down the thread, gathering tightly into a compact knot near the end. For added security, repeat this process a second time directly over the first knot to create a double-knot.
Securing the End of the Thread
Securing the end of your stitching line requires a knot that sits flush against the fabric to prevent the seam from undoing itself. Unlike the starting knot, this knot is created directly on the fabric surface after the final stitch is completed.
To begin, insert your needle under the last few stitches, catching only a small bundle of fabric threads without pulling the needle all the way through. As you pull the thread, a small loop will form close to the fabric surface. Pass the needle directly through this loop before pulling the thread taut.
This action creates a single, small overhand knot that lies flat against the fabric, locking the thread in place. For a durable finish, repeat this loop-and-pull process one or two more times in the same spot to stack the knots.
Once the knot is secured, you can then “bury” the remaining thread tail. Insert the needle a short distance from the knot and run it between the layers of fabric before clipping the excess thread close to the surface. This technique hides the thread tail within the material, protecting the knot from abrasion and making the finish virtually invisible.
Specialized Locking Knots
While the standard overhand or needle-wrap knots are suitable for most general sewing, specific situations demand a knot with enhanced locking properties. Knots like the tailor’s knot, which is essentially a carefully positioned pretzel knot, are often used when working with slippery materials like silk or synthetic blends where a simple knot might slip.
The figure-eight knot is another option, providing a stable configuration for high-stress areas. A common, secure method for ending a stitch involves a variation sometimes referred to as a surgeon’s knot. This technique involves passing the needle through the loop multiple times before pulling it tight, resulting in a complex interlock that is less likely to loosen.