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Starting and Finishing Thread Securely

Three ways to anchor thread at the start and one reliable way to finish, with and without knots.

Beginner10 min

Step by step

Simple knot (fine for practice and for anything backed or framed): tie a small knot at the long end of the thread and come up from the back. The knot sits behind the fabric.
Waste knot (no lump on the back): knot the thread, then go DOWN from the front about 2 in (5 cm) away from where you will start, along the path you are about to stitch. Come up at the start point and begin. Your stitches cover and trap the thread lying on the back. When you reach the knot, snip it off.
Anchoring stitches: make two tiny stitches on top of each other inside an area that will be covered by later stitching, such as inside a satin-stitch shape.
To finish, take the needle to the back. Slide it under the backs of the last three or four stitches without piercing the fabric.
Pull through, then pass back under one or two of those stitches in the other direction to lock it. Snip the thread close.
Start a new length the same way, or by sliding under the backs of existing stitches before coming up to the front.

Finish and restart when moving more than about 1/2 in (12 mm) to a new area. Long threads carried across the back can show through and catch.
Keep the back reasonably tidy but do not chase perfection. Flat and secure is the goal.

My knot pulled through to the front

The weave is too open for that knot. Use a waste knot or anchoring stitches instead.

The end worked loose after washing

It was woven under too few stitches. Pass under at least three and double back.