rvsfan

Om a recent thread about thread for hand stitching binding, someone mention that I use good quality thread usually my Aurifil. I use one strand and do the lock stitch at the start with my needle so the needle stays threaded. Well, my usual thread is Aurifil so I'm ahead there, but what is this lock stitch at the start with the needle so it stays threaded? That's my biggest complaint about hand stitching the binding - the needle constantly coming unthreaded. Please help. Thanks.

PaperPrincess

This is the way I do it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L84L0HqOn50

GailG

Thanks for the link. I will definitely try this.

Tartan

Yes, this is the method I use where you pierce the thread after threading the needle. I hold the thread taut over my finger and poke the needle through the thread usually 3 times. It can be tricky and take a bit of time but is so worth to not have to re- thread my needle until I've used up the thread. I use John James #8 embroidery needle because they are very sharp.[ATTACH=CONFIG]535718[/ATTACH]

tessagin

I'm too impatient for the lock stitch and don't really have a problem with unthreaded needles.

ManiacQuilter2

I use Mettler Silk finish thread and never have any problems with it coming unthreaded either

MarLeClair

I never use the lock stitch as I like to move the thread as I am sewing to prevent raveling/fraying. My thread becomes weaker at the needle when using the lock stitch. Might be the way I sew. There is never a right or wrong way to do one thing in particular.

yngldy

I'm with you MarLeClair, I like to move my thread so it doesn't shred.
I saw a demo of one of the desk threader's. When the thread is pushed through the eye it is doubled with a loop going through the eye. If you pull the loop up over the needle then tighten you will have locked the thread. Make sure you have a long enough tail to make it work.

Kitsie

Mine is like the lock stitch but instead of going through the thread, I thread in one direction, turn thread around and thread back in the other direction, then pull needle through the loop:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]535723[/ATTACH]

Tiggersmom

Kitsie I've never seen that before, worth a try if I can remember how next time I do hand work.