Boston1954

I sit quilting with a smile on my face until it's time to end that section. I never know if the knot is going to slip through the fabric nicely, or the thread is going to snap off, forcing me to take out fifteen stitches and try again. I've been winding the thread around the needle 4 times, but just now I am working with batiks. Should I reduce it to 3? What works for you? It is very irritating to have to take out what I've just put it.

crashnquilt

I would reduce the wraps to 3. Since you are working with batiks, I suggest you coat your thread with beeswax. If possible, after applying the beeswax iron the thread to melt the beeswax. If not, just run your fingers down the thread a couple of time. Batik is such a stiff, closely woven fabric it is probably wearing down the thread causing it to snap.

Tartan

I usually do 2-3 wraps depending on the thread weight. I found more than that makes the knot difficult to pop through without breaking. I do leave about an inch tail buried in the sandwich before trimming.

NJ Quilter

I wrap only 1-2x regardless of fabric type I'm quilting. So far, have not had issues with those coming undone. Don't remember doing anything differently with batiks, either. I also use Thread Heaven. I like it much better than beeswax for calming tangling and making it glide through the layers better.

Jan in VA

I also wrap twice then pop the thread thru the fabric.

Jan in VA

Peckish

If you're nervous about the knot not staying, you can always push the needle through the top and make a second knot. I do that a lot.

gale

I wrap 2 or 3 times, pop the knot through, and then take a teeny tiny stitch for the first one. That seems to anchor it.

ube quilting

Yes, wax and iron your thread! I love this trick for smooth hand stitching. When knotting the thread, drop the # of times you are wrapping the thread and do a few trials before moving to your real work. Give it a test.

There is no one answer to this ? Different fabric will need different treatment. Sometimes I give my end thread two knots. I do the first time and then do a second one. This is usually if the fabric is a looser weave and gives an extra secure finish.
peace