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A Two Loop Knot Will Secure your Hand Stitching

 

It seems that quilters are always looking for a quicker and easier way to do most everything, and tying knots to end stitching is one of those things.

For those of us who do some hand stitching, there are several options for ending your stitching so that it stays sewn but doesn't create bulk in your quilt.

Here is a quick way to create a secure knot that will keep your stitching in place.

To make this knot easily, you should have about 4" of thread left - in other words, plan ahead!

For an alternative method to make a 2 loop knot, click here.

The first step is to take a backstitch and create a small loop with your thread. Pull the needle and thread completely through the fabric, leaving a small loop. Click on the picture for a larger image.

Thread your needle through the loop. Take care to keep the loop intact. Click on the picture for a larger image.

Pull the thread through the loop and create a second loop. Click on the picture for a larger image.

Thread your needle through the second looptaking care to keep both loops intact. Click on the picture for a larger image.

Pull the thread through the second loop. Keep both loops intact. Click on the picture for a larger image.

Pull the thread gently, creating a figure 8. This will be your knot. Click on the picture for a larger image.

Pull the thread all the way through the loop creating a knot next to the fabric. If you pull it too tight, it will create puckers in the thread stitching. Trim the excess thread, leaving a tail about 3/8" long. Click on the picture for a larger image.

This quilt, made in the mid-1980s was done entirely by hand. The patches were cut individually with scissors, and each was sewn together using the techniques in this and other articles about hand sewing patches:

Click here to see a different way to make a two loop knot to secure your hand stitching.

 

Hope that helps.

Happy Quilting!

Penny Halgren

www.How-to-Quilt.com
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©2005, Penny Halgren
Penny is a quilter of more than 24 years who seeks to interest new quilters and provide them with the resources necessary to create beautiful quilts.

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