How to start and finish a thread without a knot
In cross stitch the thread usually isn't tied with a knot. A knot makes a bump that shows through the fabric, especially once the piece is stretched or framed. It can also slip through the large holes of Aida. Instead, there are a few simple ways to secure the thread.
Method 1. The loop start
Works when you stitch with an even number of strands — two, for example.
- Take one strand twice the length you need and fold it in half. Thread both ends through the needle; the fold stays as a loop.
- Bring the needle up to the front at the start of the first stitch, leaving the loop at the back.
- Make the first half of the cross and, as the needle goes to the back, pass it through the loop.
- Pull it snug — the thread is secured with no knot and no tail.
Method 2. The waste knot
Works with any number of strands.
- Tie a knot at the end of the thread and push the needle in from the front a short distance from where you'll start, along the line of the row.
- Stitch towards the knot: the stitches on the back cover the thread running underneath and hold it.
- Once the thread is covered, cut off the knot on the front.
There's also a variant where the knot sits away from the row; afterwards you thread the tail into the needle and run it under the stitches on the back.
Method 3. Under existing stitches
If there are stitched crosses nearby, take the needle to the back, run it under several stitches on the back and start working. It's the simplest method when a neighbouring area is done.
How to finish a thread
Take the needle to the back, run it under several nearby stitches of the same colour and trim the tail close. Don't hide a dark tail under light stitches: it can show through.
Small tips
- Don't use a very long thread. It tangles, wears and loses its sheen.
- Keep tails short. Long tails on the back catch on new stitches.
- Don't pull too tight. The finish should hold the thread, not pucker the fabric.
If you're just starting out, see "How to start cross stitch". And for working several threads at once, see "What is parking in cross stitch?".
About the author
This article was written by the Crossette team. We're building Crossette, a cross stitch tracker for iPhone and iPad: you mark stitches on the chart and see what's left of each thread. It's in development; to join the beta, see the Beta page.