Knot easy
 

Getting ready to attach the back side of a quilt binding by hand, I threaded a needle and attempted to make a knot using a technique where you wind the thread a few times around the index fingertip and roll it off with the thumb. Despite the fact that I tried a few variations, it didn't work for me, not even once. Granted, I have little experience with hand stitching; I usually double the thread to knot it, and I'm one of those people who have to stop walking for a moment to pause and chew my gum, but this knotting technique doesn't strike me as rocket surgery.

Do you have a favorite method for knotting thread? Do you have a favorite method for attaching (finishing) binding by hand?

James

I knot it the way you describe... keep trying :)

This is what I usually do - the quilter's knot - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g04jPV8tM2E

I use the quilter's knot. I taught my granddaughter this knot when she was five. Also used to knot a fishing hook to fishing line too.

I have been quilting for almost 30 years and I was never able to twirl around the finger to make a knot. I just tied a knot and make sure it was buried well.

I use the same as several others.... the quilter's knot. Tartan explained it perfectly.

Just do whatever works for you. Once in awhile I can get the "quilter's knot but not all the time. I don't worry about it. Some times I double sometimes I don't. Not an issue with me. I'm good at hiding my knots so no biggy.

I do what Tartan does -- wrapping it the 3-4x around the needle & then using my thumb nail to slide it down to the end. It also helps if you remember to always thread your needle with the end coming off the spool (not the newly cut end). Thread is wound in one direction & is more likely to get twisted if you thread the needle from the other end.

I've been making that not for more than 60 yrs. and have to think about it as I just do it automatically. Maybe you are doing too many wraps or too far on your finger. Keep trying, it does work well.

Wet your finger, it will roll off easier....

I do it around the finger like you described, but I always lick my index finger first----maybe it is the spit that does the trick!!! :D:D

That's how I do it too. It is the perfect knot - every time.

I use the method you mentioned, but I've been embroidering since I was 6 years old (I'm 54 now), so it's like 2nd nature to me. I am even able to knot the thread without the little "tail" on the end. I've never tried another kind of knot.
Sorry I couldn't help.

Don't roll the thread off your finger. Instead, pull the needle through.

Here's another, better view.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L84L0HqOn50

I do both depending on how I feel and my left hand is working. Keep trying it gets easier with practise.

Quilter's knot here too but I had no idea there was a direction of thread in which to put through the eye of your needle but I'll give it a try next time...

This is me as well. I just knot the thread any old way I can and don't worry about it. It's only purpose is to NOT come through what you are working on. I don't personally care if it's a 'quilter's knot' or not.

I usually wrap the thread a couple of times around the needle then slide it off to the end

..going to try that lock stitch on end...I sometimes just tie that tail to the eye of the needle.......

James you aren't the only one that method doesn't work for. I can't get it to work for me either. I get the knot an inch or two from the end. I finally just gave up.

For all of you who can't wrap the thread around your finger and roll it off the finger w/ your thumb....

When you're finished wrapping the thread around your index finger, now you've rolled the thread off your index finger w/ your thumb....Take your middle finger and hold the glob of twisted up thread against your thumb and then pull the needle/thread away, allowing the knot to form while "tightening" everything up???

As you're rolling the thread off your index finger, the thread must twist up, or the knot won't form.

James,
I've never been able to get that knot over the finger thing to work out. Try the quilter's knot that several people have described here. That's the one that works best for me.

Rob

I was going to recommend the quilter's knot that I learned years and years ago when Georgia Bonesteel had a quilting program on PBS. However, dunster did me one better and came up with a you tube site; but that is the knot I have used for many, many years and it never fails me.

I learned that knot when I was very young. I don't use it often now, but I find it useful to know.

Keep trying. It takes practice. I only wind it around my finger one time. Too many times will not work.

Yes, one time is enough. Make sure finger is slightly wet, wind thread around until it crosses, roll it off the finger and pull it to the end.

Ah, but will you visit me in the loony bin?

The quilt still stands as is because good weather prevailed and I decided to install a new front lawn. Now that my back needs a rest, I have the perfect activity to occupy myself. Thanks for your suggestions; I now know what to do - the quilter's knot.

James

You have to pinch the knot slightly with your thumb and finger. See if youtube has a video. Keep trying. It took me a quite a few attempts before I mastered it. Once you get it, it makes hand sewing so much easier.