Have a length long enough to get into your needle so you can run it through the stitches. If it isn't long enough try and work under as you stitch. Hope this helps.

I don't think it matters, Jackie. I don't use waste knots, I just use the loop method when I start a thread and then run that thread under 6 or 8 threads when I finish with it, so I think your 10 is just fine. There is no set rule, but I would not do any less than 6 threads.

Thanks for the replies guys!
Susie, you still haven't posted your haed WIP! LOL I kid I kid, no pressure! But that must mean you're tent-stitching your haed 2 over 1 if you're using the loop start?... I'm going to master the 1x1 pin stitch one of these days, but I'm too chicken/easily frustrated to even try yet!
Judy, do you prefer one way or another? From what I understand, a "waste knot" gets stitched over and snipped from the front once covered, and an "away knot" gets snipped from the front, but woven in the back later. Personally, I detest flipping my work over, so I try to stick with the waste knot.

Okay, okay, Jackie, I'll dig it out and get a photo taken of it. I'm not currently working on it. I was only commenting on waste knots in general, and not on my HAED WIP. That's stitched 1 over 1, so I can't use the loop method on that particular project. But generally, if you are stitching with two threads, the loop method is commonly used as a way to start a new thread. Use a single long thread folded in half, thread the loop through your needle. When you pull it up through the fabric leave the loop on the reverse side and catch it with your needle when you poke it back through. Then continue your row of stitches and return back to the beginning of the row and cross your loop stitch the same as any other stitch. No need for waste knots. Actually I've never heard of a knot on the front, only on the back. I do any kind of thread covering on the back side.

No, no, Susie! Really, no pressure! I'd feel terrible if I made you do anything you didn't want to! 😳 but when you DO work on it, what is your method for securing 1 strand? Just catch it on the back first?

Jackie, if I'm just starting a project and stitching with one thread, I just leave a short tail, maybe 2 or 3 inches, and then stitch over it as I make my first stitches and cut off the excess. After I have larger areas stitched, then I just run my needle under half a dozen stitches on the backside to start it. If I'm really concerned about it pulling out, I run the needle under the stitches and pull it through, then I run the needle under the last stitch or two again so that it loops around them and then it will stay in place. Does that make sense? Or do I have you more confused than ever? 🙃

Thanks Susie, makes perfect sense. I'm new to only using one strand, so hearing how other people start and finish their threads is always helpful!

Jackie, I don't use waste knots except when doing canvas work and then I thread under the stitches.