Learn how to tie a knot for sewing! Have you ever felt that you have yourself completely tied up in knots? Confused, anxious, worried according to this English idiom. Being tied up in knots will never happen in your sewing circle if you follow these simple instructions. Learn how to tie knots with thread and needle and you will not be confused about starting your sewing projects.
How to Tie a Knot for Sewing
There are several ways to perform this essential part of sewing. The purpose of the knot is to hold the thread fast while the stitches are worked by hand. Clearly, it is a waste of time to sew something if the thread pulls out because it is not secured. Learning how to tie a knot for sewing neatly will make all the difference to the reverse side of your needlework. There are some pieces of needlework that are so beautifully neat on the back that they look like works of art.
How to Tie a Knot in Thread - Instructions
Before you start, you will need to thread a needle. You can do this with your fingers or a needle threader. Ensure you have bright light and wet the end of your thread if it is not threading easily. A diagonally cut thread tip will also help.
Cut the thread to a manageable length. At most, you will want a couple of feet (61cm). If your thread is much longer than this it will probably tangle as you sew.
Once threaded it is time to learn how to tie a knot in the thread. You may want to knot both strands of thread (called double-threaded needle) or just one end (single-threaded needle). Using a double thread is considered stronger and is recommended if you are sewing seams. Single thread is often used for embroidery or finer projects.
Here are seven different ways to tie a knot in sewing thread:
How to Tie a Knot for Sewing with Your Fingers
The finger knot method is probably the easiest and quickest way that is used most often.
- Thread your needle with either single or double thread.
- Use your fingers to make the knot by making several coils around the tip of a finger. You can use one or two fingers. Use your pointer or index fingers.
- Roll the loops off the end of your finger (using your thumb) and pull the thread through the center to form the knot at the end.
Make a Knot Using a Needle and Twirls
This is a great method how to tie a big knot for sewing as you can vary the number of twists to produce larger or smaller knots. Large knots are useful for sewing buttons and projects where you need extra security.
- Thread your needle and wrap the tail of the thread around the tip of the needle several times. The more times you wrap, the larger the knot will be.
- Pull the needle through the loops of thread. Slowly ease the thread down from the tip to the bottom of the thread. It will twist and twirl to the bottom and slowly tighten. This forms a tight knot.
- Cut the excess thread at the tail.
How to Tie a Knot for Sewing with a a Locking Stitch
A locking stitch is not actually a knot, but a way of securing the end of the thread. This stitch serves the same purpose as the knot as it secures the thread. This is similar to a tailor's tack stitch.
- Thread your needle and take up one small stitch at the beginning of the row of stitching.
- Go back to take up another two stitches.
- Then do a third stitch but leave a loop.
- Bring the needle through the loop and gently tighten the thread.
How to Tie a Knot for Sewing with Loop Knot Stitch
Loop knots are a popular way to anchor the thread in embroidery circles.
- You start this method by folding the thread you are sewing in the middle and threading both tails through the eye of the needle. There will be a fold or loop on one side and the tail on the other. The tail is kept on the shorter side.
- Push the needle through the fabric. Do not pull the whole thread out through the fabric.
- Put the needle through the fold of the thread loop and tighten your thread until it is secured in the fabric. Continue with your sewing project.
Double Back Stitches
Sewing two backstitches on top of each other make a neat starting point. Once again it is not exactly a knot, but a neat and flat way of making sure the thread is tightly fastened. This same principle applies to machine stitching where a double backstitch ensures the beginning of the sewing from the machine will not come undone.
How to Tie a Knot in Machine Stitching
Another method of tying the knot in machine stitching is to sew your line of stitching and then pull your threads so the loop of the previous stitch pulls through to the back in the form of a loop. The loop can be drawn through to the wrong side with a pin and then two single threads knotted together. This is a bit laborious when a simple backstitch by machine will do the same trick.
How to Tie a Knot for Sewing Embroidery
The above six basic ways to tie a knot in sewing are simple options to start any sewing project with needle and thread or machine and thread. There are also some knot stitches in embroidery to consider and they are worth understanding as well. It is important to use an embroidery hoop to make these embroidery knots.
How to Tie French Knots
French knots are little knots on the surface of an embroidery design. They have a decorative function rather than being used to secure a line of stitching.
- Bring the needle and thread from the back to the front of the fabric. Keep the thread in your left hand.
- Keep the needle near the fabric and wrap the thread round the needle a couple of times.
- Pull the thread to tighten it against the needle.
- Put the needle back into the fabric close to where it came out from holding the thread wrapped round the needle.
- Pull the thread out to the back. The wound up threads are left on the right side forming a decorative knot.
Hiding the Knots
There are many sewing projects where you will want to hide the knots. Here are some suggestions on how to do this:
- Quilting - Hide the knot between the layers of fabric and batting.
- Seams - Place the knot on the underside.
- Embroidery - Hide the knot underneath.
What's Next - Hand Sewing
Once you have a needle and thread with a knot, it is time to hand sew your item. Here are some sewing tutorials that will help point you in the right direction.
- Hand Stitching
- How to Embroider
- Hemming Stitch (Hand stitches for hems)
How to Tie a Knot for Sewing - In Conclusion
Starting and finishing your sewing either by hand or machine is one of the most important aspects of any sewing project. The saying you reap what you sow, or sew, comes to mind. If you set out with a good firm knot at the beginning and finish with a similar strong ending, your return will be a row of sewing that starts and ends well.
Tools
- Scissors
- Needle
Materials
- Thread
Instructions
How to Tie a Knot for Sewing with Fingers
- Thread the needle with either a single or double strand.
- Wrap the tail ends around your pointer or index finger several times. The more times you wrap, the larger your knot will be.
- Gently roll the loops off your finger with your thumb.
- Pull the tail thread through the center of the loop and pull tightly to form a knot. Cut the excess.
How to Tie a Knot for Sewing Around a Needle
- Thread the needle with either a single or double strand.
- Bring the tail of the thread up to the tip of the needle and wrap it around several times. The more times you wrap, the larger your knot will be.
- Pull the needle tip through the loops and ease the thread twists down to the bottom.
- Tighten the knot and cut the excess.
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