Hand Quilting: To Knot...or NOT
 

I have always tried to put a knot at the beginning and at the end of my quilting, but recently I saw some instructions which said to run the thread under the fabric and into the batting for a couple of inches and leave it at that. This is very tempting for me as sometimes my thread breaks just at the point where I am trying to get the knot under the fabric.

Is this something that I should consider, or should I just leave well enough alone? My concern is that after a time, the thread could start to come out by itself.

I've seen it where someone did that and then started with a backstitch. I think in the greater scheme of things, that backstitch won't be noticed.

I prefer to knot, but I have read of quilters who end with a backstitch and then leave a tail between the batting. If it doesn't come loose, it should be fine.

Janet

I always knot, maybe because I am just used to this.

I have been a hand quilter for almost 40 years. I always knot. I make it as small as possible and make sure I pop it through the top surface so it is hidden. I have quilts I have used for years without any of the knots coming loose. I noticed just today when I made our bed a thread hanging. I believe my cat is responsible as he gets his claws caught sometimes. I am not going to worry about it. Should a whole thread come loose I will just requilt that part.

I always knot and hide it.

I'm a knotter too but when I took a class from a reknowned hand quilter she does not. So it is up to you.

when hand quilting I take a small backstitch on the back and I knot and pop it into the batting. Guess I really err on the side of caution.

I knot in the beginning and run thru at the end

I take the thread and tie 2 small knots on top of one another. That's usually still small enough to pull thru the top layer and bury in the batting. I do make a small not when I end and pull it thru - just to give it a little extra hold.