Technique question- ending thread
When you've ended your row of stitching, under how many stitches do you go to make sure it doesn't unstitch? I'm always afraid that if I don't go under enough stitches, the stitch may come out.
Posted by: Rosebud on 02/22/17
Page:
I think I've read four stitches, but I'm paranoid and do six or eight.
by: Simon Purple on 02/22/17
I think I read somewhere a 1/2" or 1" is long enough. I'm not sure where I saw this.

I normally go under three stitches. I do two if that's all of the stitches I'm doing in a particular color. I've not had any stitches become loose using this method.

I've done only one stitch because it's the only stitch in a particular color. I really don't like doing that at all. Occasionally the stitch will work itself loose. There's a single stitch method called a pin head stitch which has been done by some stitchers on this chit chat that I understand works well. There is a tutorial on www.scarletquince.com and www.youtube.com. I haven't tried it yet.

I hope this helps. I'm not an ECS employee, just a stitcher who saw your question.

Diana
by: Lady D on 02/23/17
I go under at least 6 or 7....
by: Bermuda on 02/23/17
I, too, feel I have to go under 6-8.
by: Rosebud on 02/23/17
Yep, so when the fabric is pulled for mounting before project is framed, the floss doesn't pull out from under the "anchor" stitches.
by: Bermuda on 02/23/17
When starting the first spot I have the thread under about 4 stitches. When I end it I go under one then back under it again. So far I haven't had or know of a problem with the stitch coming out and these are on crib quilts. I hide the thread between the layers of the quilt and then put a backing on it.
by: ella-27 on 02/23/17
I would consider going under 7 when you start, instead of just 4 BUT ....
If your method is working for you, why change?
My grandmother used to tell me, "If it's not broke, don't fix it." :)
by: Bermuda on 02/23/17
I do four unless I'm using metallics. They seem to work themselves loose.
by: Texas Stitcher on 02/24/17
I am fussy about tails, LOL, as I have used several model stitchers who do beautiful stitching, but have terrible tails! I always tell my stitchers, run AWAY from the edges, and clip as close as you can to the stitching, and never carry threads across unstitches spaces as they too often show on the face of the fabric...

As for how many to run under... minimum 3 as has been said, but more never hurts, LOL.

The only exception is if you are working on something that will be washed / used a lot (ie sweatshirts, table toppers or runners, tree skirts etc.). In this instance, run under 3 stitches THEN CHANGE DIRECTIONS, and run under 3 stitches in another direction. This helps prevent tails from working loose as the piece is handled or washed...
by: designerjo on 02/26/17
Thanks for asking this question, rosebud!! I, for one, am horrible at ending my threads in the back and the back of my piece is usually a hot mess, lol! I appreciate all of the replies and suggestions from everyone too! It's good to hear what all of you advances stitchers do :)

~Kristi @ ECS
by: Kristi @ ECS on 02/27/17