Basic Knots
for Hand Embroidery

In hand embroidery, most people tie basic knots in the end of their thread to help secure their beginning stitches, and tie knots in the tail thread to secure their ending stitches. Depending on what the finished embroidery project will be used for, I do as well. Stitches not secured properly can come undone when subjected to multiple washings or extended, regular use.

Easy Sewing Knots

It’s Not a Knot

If you are a die hard “no knots” type person, and want your stitching to remain secure, but without making a lumpy knot, try what I call a Not a Knot. (Yes, the pun is completely intended!!)

Start by taking very small stitches, three (3) to four (4), in the same, inconspicuous place on your project. When possible, sew your next stitches right over the top of them. I usually will do this where I am going to start my actual stitching. That way, I am able to hide the tiny “locking” stitches underneath my starting stitches. If you are working on multiple layers of fabric, create your Not a Knot stitches on the underside layer. This will secure your beginning thread almost as securely as any of the other basic knots.

Beginning Basic Knots

This is one of the most simple and basic knots used to begin any sewing or embroidery project. Wrap the very end of your thread around end of your needle a few times. The more wraps, the larger the knot. Try to use the very end of the thread. Any tail left outside the wrap will leave a tail beyond your knot.

If you are having a problem viewing these videos, you may need to update your flash player. You can update or download the flash player for free from www.adobe.com

Basic Beginning Knot Video

I usually wrap the thread around the needle three (3) to four (4) times for most fabrics. (I will wrap more times if the thread I am using is very fine, or single ply.) Hold the wrap securely between your thumb and forefinger. Slide the wrap down the needle to the end of the thread. You should have a very secure knot in the very end of your thread.

Ending Knot - Tying Off

This is the only one of the basic knots I use to tie off any of my projects, whether it’s practical sewing or embroidery. My mother taught me how to do this finishing knot when she taught me how to darn socks.

(That’s sewing up holes in your socks, for the younger crowd ... Do people even do that anymore? My husband sure wishes I did!!)

It creates a very secure, but small, knot.

Basic Tie-Off Knot Video

Bring your working thread to the back side of your project. Usually you will end up in the back of your work when you finish your last stitch, anyway. Insert your needle through the back side of the closest stitch, or if working with multiple layers a fabric, into a very small portion of the back layer of fabric. Pull your thread until almost tight. You will have a small loop left in your working thread, insert your needle through that loop. Pull until almost tight. Insert your needle into the other loop you just created. Pull the whole thing tight. That creates a knot very close to the back of the project. You can repeat the process as many times as you feel necessary. I usually repeat it twice in the same spot. This creates a more secure double knot. This is usually more than adequate to secure your hand embroidery stitches and most standard hand sewing stitches.

It’s Not a Knot - Tie Off

You can also use the Not a Knot method for tying off and finishing your project. When you have finished your last stitch, bring your working thread to the back of your work, (if you didn’t already end up there). Using the backs of the closest stitches and catching a little bit of fabric, take several ,three (3) to four (4), very small stitches in the same place. Hide the “locking” stitches underneath your existing stitches when you can. This knot is perfect when other basic knots won't work for your projects.

More Decorative Basic Knots

French Knot

The French Knot is a popular decorative stitch used in cross stitch patterns. It is also used in many other types of hand embroidery. It leaves a knotted “bump” on top of your work. This is a great stitch to use to give any project a little more depth. Since these basic knots can be a little tricky, here is a video of how to make them.

Basic French Knot Video

Wrap the end of the needle around the working thread three (3) times, as close to your work as possible. Insert your needle back into your work very close to where you came up. Make sure to keep the loop of remaining working thread from knotting or twisting up, as you pull the needle through. Do not pull too tightly or you may pull your knot all the way through your work. If the needle sticks or gets stuck when trying to pull it through, loosen the tension on your working yarn a little.

Note: The number of needle wraps dictates the size of the finished knot. The standard number of times is three (3), although you may do a few more if you want a larger knot. (I do not recommend doing too many more than three, especially with thicker threads.)

Note: Sometimes the thread is a little thick for the fabric. This will cause your needle to stick. Just wiggle it around and continue pulling gently. It will usually work its way through the fabric.

The key to learning how to make uniform and consistent French Knots is practice. The more you do, the more you can make them consistently the same size and shape.

Colonial Knot

The Colonial Knot is created quite differently than the French Knot. It is formed by making a figure 8. The Colonial Knot is mainly used in candlewicking, but can be used in place of any French knot, in any design. It does have a similar finished look. The Colonial and the French knots are the two most popular and basic knots used in hand embroidery.

If you are having a problem viewing these videos, you may need to update your flash player. You can update or download the flash player for free from www.adobe.com

Basic Colonial Knot Video

Knot your thread. Insert your needle from behind. Pull tight. Lay your needle on your working thread (your thread will form a backwards “c” shape). Pass your needle under that thread. (You will now have half of the figure 8 on your needle.) Wrap the thread over the top and around your needle. (You will now have the entire figure 8 on your needle.) Keep holding the working thread so the figure 8 doesn’t fall off, or come undone. Insert your needle into your fabric right next to where you came up. Pull gently on your working thread to tighten up the figure 8. (Don’t pull on the thread too hard, or you won’t be able to get your needle through it.) Keeping tension on your working thread, push the needle all the way through the fabric and pull tight. Do not pull too tightly, or you may pull your knot all the way through your work. If the needle sticks or gets stuck when trying to pull it through, loosen the tension on your working yarn a little.

Note: Sometimes the thread is a little thick for the fabric. This will cause your needle to stick. Just wiggle it around and continue pulling gently. It will usually work its way through the fabric.

Once again, the trick to neat and consistent Colonial Knots is practice, practice, practice! The more you do, the better they will look.

Next stitch: Blanket Stitch

Return to Hand Embroidery Stitches

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Want to
Sign up for My Newsletter?

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Return to Embroidered Gifts

Return from Basic Knots to Home