Stitches

How do I "tie off" a quilt (not decorative knots - but to secure stitches)?

I'm learning to machine quilt. I have several projects of 14 inch sandwich squares of muslin. The instructions are to start each quilt line with the "tie off" stitch (stitches close together), then continue to quilting stitch, and end with tie off stitch. There will be a thread on the top and bottom of the square at start and end of "tie off" stitches. Am I to use those tiny bits of thread to somehow tie a simple knot? It seems like I won't have enough thread to do it (my fingers are small, but still!). And also, won't that leave ugly little knots all over the place on top and bottom? I'm thinking of a project that details freehand stitching around objects in a landscape on the fabric. For those, tracing around little windows, etc., it won't leave me with much slack to tie, and then that landscape-patterned square will be riddled with tiny knots. To be clear - I'm not looking to make decorative knots - just a method to keep the stitches secure in the fabric. Is there a tool that makes tying such knots (with the tiny remnants of thread) easier? Diane B., thanks. I'm certainly used to backstitching over top, but for a quilt meant to display the stitches, backstitching over top of stitches isn't very finished-looking. What you said about the "tie off" stitches holding the quilt stitches makes sense. I guess I'm just so used to backstitching that it seems like those "tie off" stitches wouldn't be too useful holding things together without a knot.

Public Comments

1. The only thing I can think of is to start stitching a bit, then stitch in reverse, then forward again. The stitches would not pull out that way.
2. If I understand what you're saying, the "tie-off" stitches at each end of your sewing lines should hold the thread in place without having to do anything else (certainly not tie tiny knots in them). Generally, to secure a line of stitching so it won't come out, the sewer can sew a backstitch or two at the start point then begin the forward stitches over them (then repeat at the end), or just sew a few very short stitches ...both should work. If you're really worried, you can use a dab of Fray Check or even a tiny bit of fabric glue, etc., over the thread at each end of the sewed lines (on the back side of the fabric). Diane B.