[Easy! Sewing Basics] How to Make a Knot - Tips for Starting and Ending Your Sewing

Knotting and securing stitches are essential when hand-sewing. Surprisingly, many people find them difficult. Once you've mastered the basics and learned the tricks to a neat finish, you'll have nothing to fear! Let's master them now!

Couturier kits allow you to learn the basics of sewing, such as knotting, securing stitches, and running stitches, using a lesson cloth. They are also recommended for those who have been sewing somewhat haphazardly on their own and want to review the fundamentals.

◇ How to tie a knot

Making a knot using only your fingers

We'll show you two methods: one using only your fingers and another using a needle. Using only your fingers is easy, but using a needle allows you to create a consistent size without making mistakes.

Wrap the thread once around the tip of your index finger. (You can use either your right or left hand!)

Hold your thumb down and pull out your index finger as if twisting the thread.

While holding the top of the loop you've created with your middle finger, pull the thread.

The knot is now complete.

- Making a knot with a needle

Thread the needle through its eye, place the end of the thread on your index finger, and secure it by pressing down with the needle.

Wrap the thread around the needle two or three times.

While holding down the wrapped portion, pull out the needle.

Hold it firmly and tighten the thread until the very end.

The knot is now complete.

◇ How to tie a knot

Once you learn the trick to making a knot at the end of sewing, you'll be able to tie it securely and firmly.

Place the needle at the end of the stitching and wrap the thread around it two or three times.

Pull the thread and secure it just before the end of the stitching.

To prevent the wound thread from shifting, hold it in place with your thumbnail and pull the needle out.

Keep the knot securely in place until you have completely pulled the thread.

Cut the thread, and you've made a knot.

◇Tips for neatly tying knots and securing knots

The basic rule for starting a seam is to insert the needle in an inconspicuous place, such as the wrong side of the fabric or a seam allowance that is not visible from the right side. The same applies to the end of the seam, but sometimes there is no place to hide it, so remember the tricks to "hide" or "make the knot less noticeable."

When attaching buttons

Insert the needle from the front and attach the button.

After attaching the button, tie a knot once at the base of the button.

Tie a knot on the back of the fabric, bring the needle to the front, and cut the thread.

- When using a blind stitch (for example, when hemming)

Bring the needle out from inside the seam allowance so that the knot is hidden, and begin stitching.

To finish the stitching, tie a knot on the back of the seam allowance so that the knot is not visible. Then, pass the needle through the seam allowance about 1-2 cm and cut the thread.

- When attaching the facial features to a stuffed animal

When attaching eyes to a stuffed animal, insert the needle from the back of the head. Pull the thread tightly and hide the knot inside the head.

To finish sewing, tie a knot behind the head, then return the needle to the same eye, bring it out from a slightly different spot, and pull the thread tightly to tuck the knot inside.

Cut the thread and you're done.

When quilting

Similar to making stuffed animals, to make a knot, pull the thread tightly and tuck it into the quilt, and to make a stopper knot, insert the needle into the same eye and pull it through.

Cut the thread and you're done.

U-shaped binding

The same method can be used when stitching back openings or other areas with a U-shaped stitch.

For the last stitch, sew with a small stitch and tie off the knot.

Pull the knot through the eye of the needle.

Cutting the thread close to the edge of the fabric will give you a neat finish.

More simply...

Insert the needle right next to the knot and bring it out a little further away.

If you cut the thread this way, the end of the thread won't be noticeable, even without pulling the knot through the needle's eye.

◇Tips for preventing seams from unraveling

For example, when using a loosely woven fabric, have you ever had the knot come undone if you pulled the thread too hard? Making a knot is important, but backstitching will ensure a secure start to your stitching. Also, backstitching at the end of your stitching will keep the thread firmly in place even if you don't make a perfect knot, so you can rest assured.

- Starting to sew

Sew one stitch, return the needle to the beginning, and sew another stitch in the same spot.

Sew the same spot again. (This means you've stitched it back two times.)

Finished sewing

Just like at the beginning of the seam, make two backstitches at the end of the seam.

・Thread stopper

This is one way to finish off the thread at the end of sewing. When making stuffed animals, you can use this method to secure the thread when you're pulling the opening tightly to make it look secure, such as when you're not sure if a simple knot is enough.

Pick up a small amount of fabric with the needle.

Pull the thread and pass the needle through the loop that forms.

Tightening the thread will secure the end of the stitching firmly. It's also a good idea to tie a knot at the end.

The beginning and end of a seam are crucial for proper finishing!

Finishing the beginning and end of your stitches is crucial to prevent fraying. Mastering this technique will bring you one step closer to professional skill!

The Couturier blog also features lots of other helpful information, from basic sewing procedures to more elaborate embroidery techniques. Be sure to check it out! Don't miss the Couturier shop, which sells DIY kits, and our official social media accounts!

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