How to End a Stitch in Sewing, Made Easy

Learning how to end a stitch correctly is essential for strong, durable sewing. Whether you’re sewing by hand or with a sewing machine, securing the ends of your stitches prevents seams from unraveling and helps your projects last longer. This beginner-friendly tutorial explains three easy ways to end a stitch, including tying off hand stitches, backstitching on a sewing machine, and knotting thread tails for delicate fabrics.

What Does It Mean to End a Stitch?

Ending a stitch (also called tying off or securing a seam) prevents the thread from coming undone after sewing. Without securing the beginning and end of your stitching, seams can unravel during washing or regular wear.

How to Tie Off a Hand Stitch

Ending a stitch (also called tying off or securing a seam) prevents the thread from coming undone after sewing. Without securing the beginning and end of your stitching, seams can unravel during washing or regular wear.

To tie off a stitch in hand sewing securely, you will need to knot the end of the seam. This is often referred to in sewing patterns as tying off the seam or finishing a stitch.

You will need hand sewing needles and thread. If you use matching thread, the end stitch knot will be almost invisible. Thimbles can protect your finger if you are doing lots of hand stitching or embroidery.

1. Pull the needle through the fabric, completing your final stitch.
2. Insert the needle under the last stitch on the backside of the fabric, pulling it through to create a small loop.

3. Pass the needle through this loop once or twice, then gently pull to tighten the loop into a knot close to the fabric.

4. If you want extra reinforcement, repeat the knotting process one more time in the same spot.
5. To hide the end of the thread, insert the needle into the fabric very close to the knot and bring it out a short distance away. This buries the thread between the fabric layers.

6. Cut the excess thread close to the fabric, ensuring the knot stays secure and the end is neatly tucked away.

This method creates a nearly invisible finish and is suitable for hand sewing, embroidery, appliqué, and repairs.

How to Backstitch on a Sewing Machine

You will need to use one of 2 methods to end a stitch with your sewing machine. The first is using a simple machine backstitch or reverse stitch which is suitable for beginners.

1. Complete your line of stitching.
2. Put your fabric under your presser foot at the end of the seam and take 3 stitches forwards.
3. Then press the reverse and take 3 stitches back on top of your original stitching line.
4. Release the reverse lever and just stitch forwards normally.

These 3 layers of stitching will secure your ends and stop them from unraveling. This means you can simply cut the loose threads. Back stitching is fast and easy once you get the hang of it and is the most commonly used method of starting and stopping seams. Backstitching locks the stitches together, preventing the seam from unraveling.

When to Knot Thread Tails Instead

Another way of ending your seams is to straight stitch from beginning to end, leaving long tails of thread on either end. Knotting thread tails is often preferred for darts, curved seams, sheer fabrics, and fine garments because it avoids the bulk that backstitching can create.

Use a pin or the end of your seam ripper to pull all threads to the wrong side and then knot off the tails before clipping them shorter.

This method is commonly used in sewing darts and delicate fabrics where back stitching would add unsightly bulk to the ends of seams.

Which Method Should You Use?

Sewing Type	Best Method
Hand sewing	Tie a knot
Regular machine seams	Backstitch
Darts	Knot thread tails
Sheer fabrics	Knot thread tails
Curved seams	Knot thread tails
Embroidery	Tie a knot

Tips for Strong Seam Ends

• Use matching thread for less visible knots.
• Avoid making large bulky knots.
• Backstitch only 3–4 stitches to reduce bulk.
• Trim thread tails neatly after securing the seam.
• For delicate fabrics, knot the thread tails instead of backstitching.

How to End a Stitch FAQs

How to Tie a Stitch – In Conclusion

Now that you know how to end a stitch, you can confidently finish both hand-sewn and machine-sewn projects with secure, durable seams. Whether you choose a simple knot, a sewing machine backstitch, or knotted thread tails, taking a few extra seconds to secure your stitches will help your sewing last much longer.

If you’re just getting started, explore my beginner sewing tutorials to build your confidence and learn more essential sewing techniques.

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What is your favorite method of stopping and starting a seam? Share below.