Knots knots knots!
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,783
Sometimes I will use the thread on a bobbin to do handwork, rather than a spool, and it never occurred to me that when doing that I needed to knot the opposite way because the thread on the bobbin is wound on there the reverse of the spool. I was constantly getting knots. Someone on here mentioned the need to knot the loose (not freshly cut) end of the thread when working off a bobbin. Duh! Now I no longer have such problems. As long as I remember right away when I start....
#22
Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southwestern Ontario
Posts: 11
When I took home economics at university (boy, does that date me!) we were always told to never use a thread more than 1 yard long. We had to pull the thread from nose to outstretched fingertips. After more than 60 years I still measure my thread this way. Also to thread the needle from the end coming off the spool is a great idea and it always works for me.
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,369
When hand sewing, I regularly hold my work up with the thread attached and the needle hanging down. I let the thread and needle dangle until it stops spinning. The spinning is the twists that developes when hand sewing. The twists in my thread cause the thread to double back and cause knots. There is also thread wax that can help with hand sewing.
#26
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Arizona
Posts: 5,578
Judy in Phx, AZ
#27
I have a love for hand piecing as well as hand quilting. In the beginning I had the same problem as you and spent a lot of time untangling knots. As you get better you realize that you are making those knots because you keep flipping your thread in circles. Try using thread only as long as your forearm that is form wrist to elbow. You will find as you improve the length of thread you use will grow longer. Also keep your thread moving left to right or right to left as the case may be so you are not putting those knots in it. You will find your stitches and enjoyment improving as you gain confidence in your work.
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Southern California
Posts: 341
I constantly had a problem with my thread twisting and knotting. I gather 4 or 5 stitches on my needle before pulling it through. A friend suggested that I pull the needle through with my left hand (I'm right handed) every so often. What a difference! Problem almost totally eliminated.
#30
I had the same problem when embroidering and found I was also turning my needle with each stitch. I have to make a very concentrated effort to roll the needle back to left to keep twisting at a minimum. And, when sewing grandmother flower garden hexies together, I was trying to use up all my older thread and found that the polyester thread twisted the most.
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