tie off instead of backstitching

How to Tie Off Instead of Backstitching

The first time I came across this idea, I had no clue how to do it! I flipped the fabric over and pulled at the thread. Of course, all that happened was I undid the stitches! So if you also don’t know what this means, I am here to show you how to tie off instead of backstitching, and just how easy it is.

For the sake of ease in seeing the stitches in these pictures, I have two different thread colors: white and navy.

One:

Have your fabric so that the bobbin thread (white) is showing.

Two:

Gently pull on the bobbin thread tail (white), until you can see a small loop of the needle thread (navy).

Three:

Gently slide a seam ripper (or needle or pin) through the loop of needle thread (navy).

Four:

Continue pulling gently until the entire thread tail comes out.

Five:

Tie off the needle and bobbin thread tails into a knot and trim the ends. That’s it!

The knot will be fully on the back side of the fabric and the top side of your fabric will have a clean beautiful finish. This method works very well for applique (such as on Apple or Cocoa), adding labels and tags, and any other sewing where you want a perfectly finished visible seam.

Example of this method used with Apple and Cocoa Applique on a Tamarack hoodie.

I hope this tutorial of how to tie off instead of backstitching helps you get beautiful topstitching every time!

XOXO Jessie

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