How to Start Cross Stitch Thread Without a Knot

Knots seem logical. You're sewing, you need the thread to stay put, you tie a knot. Done.

Except in cross stitch, knots cause problems. They create bumps that show through the fabric. They catch on other threads. They make the back of your work lumpy and uneven. And when you frame your finished piece, those little bumps cast shadows.

Professional stitchers don't use knots. Neither should you.

Here's how to start your thread securely — no knots needed.

The Loop Start Method

This is the most popular knot-free technique, and for good reason. It's fast, secure, and works beautifully with even numbers of strands.

How it works:

You're using two strands? Start with one strand twice as long as normal. Fold it in half. Thread both cut ends through your needle, leaving the folded loop at the tail.

Step by step:

Step 1: Cut one strand of floss about twice your normal length.

Step 2: Fold it in half.

Step 3: Thread both cut ends through the needle eye. You now have two strands coming from the needle and a loop at the other end.

Step 4: Come up through the fabric at your starting point.

Step 5: Make your first half-stitch (the diagonal), but don't pull the thread all the way through. Leave that loop hanging on the back.

Step 6: Go down to complete the half-stitch. Your needle is now on the back of the fabric.

Step 7: Pass your needle through the waiting loop.

Step 8: Pull gently. The loop tightens around your first stitch, locking everything in place.

Step 9: Continue stitching normally.

That's it. Secure, flat, invisible from the front.

Works with: 2 strands (start with 1), 4 strands (start with 2), 6 strands (start with 3). Any even number.

The Waste Knot Method

For odd numbers of strands, or when the loop method doesn't suit your project, the waste knot is your answer.

How it works:

You tie a temporary knot that sits on the front of your fabric, away from where you're stitching. As you work, your stitches secure the thread tail on the back. Once the tail is anchored, you snip off the waste knot.

Step by step:

Step 1: Thread your needle with however many strands you need.

Step 2: Tie a knot at the end. Yes, a knot — but it's temporary.

Step 3: Go down through the fabric from the front, about 3-4 cm away from where your first stitch will be. The knot sits on top, visible.

Step 4: Position this entry point so your thread tail runs along the path where your stitches will go.

Step 5: Come up at your actual starting point and begin stitching.

Step 6: As you stitch, your work covers and secures the thread tail running along the back.

Step 7: Once you've made 5-6 stitches over the tail, the thread is locked in.

Step 8: Snip the knot off the front. The tail stays secure under your stitches.

Works with: Any number of strands. Especially useful for 1 strand or 3 strands when loop start isn't possible.

The Away Waste Knot

A variation of the waste knot, but the knot sits farther from your stitching area.

Same concept — temporary knot on front, tail runs along the back, stitches secure it, snip the knot when done. The difference is distance. Your knot is placed well away from your work area, and you might need to weave the remaining tail under stitches after cutting the knot.

Some stitchers prefer this because the tail doesn't interfere with their immediate stitching area.

Stitching Over the Tail

The simplest method, no loop, no knot, just thread and patience.

How it works:

Leave a tail of thread on the back of your fabric. Hold it in place with your finger while you make your first few stitches, catching the tail under them.

Step by step:

Step 1: Come up at your starting point, leaving about 3 cm of thread hanging on the back.

Step 2: Hold this tail flat against the back with your non-stitching hand.

Step 3: Make your stitches so they cross over the tail, trapping it underneath.

Step 4: After 4-5 stitches, the tail is secured. Let go.

Step 5: Trim any excess tail if needed.

Works with: Any number of strands. Takes a bit more attention at the start but becomes automatic with practice.

Pin Stitch Start

A technique borrowed from hardanger and other counted thread work. Creates an almost invisible anchor.

How it works:

You make a tiny stitch that disappears into the fabric weave, then stitch over it to lock everything down.

Step by step:

Step 1: Come up at your starting point.

Step 2: Go down one fabric thread away — literally one thread of the fabric weave, not one square.

Step 3: Come back up at your starting point.

Step 4: You've made a tiny pin stitch that's nearly invisible.

Step 5: Begin your regular stitching, which will cover and secure this anchor.

Works with: Any strand count. Takes practice to make the pin stitch small enough to disappear.

Which Method to Choose?

Loop start — your default for even strand counts. Fast, secure, leaves no tail to weave.

Waste knot — odd strand counts, or when loop start doesn't work for your situation.

Stitch over tail — when you want something quick and simple, no setup required.

Pin stitch — when you need maximum invisibility, or for specialty techniques.

Most stitchers use loop start 90% of the time and waste knot for everything else. Master these two and you're set.

The Back Tells the Story

Flip your work over. A back without knots lies flat, looks neat, and causes no problems when framing.

More importantly — no bumps pushing through to the front. No shadows. No amateur tells.

That's why knotless starts matter. Not for showing off. For a finished piece that looks as good as the hours you put into it.

Cross - Stitch Collection

https://splashsoulgallery.com/collections/mandala-1