How to Start and End Cross Stitch Thread Without Knots
You've prepared your Aida, chosen your colors, separated your embroidery floss and threaded your needle.
Now comes the moment when many beginners stop and wonder:
“Do I tie a knot in the end of the thread?”
Usually, the answer is no.
In counted cross stitch, thread is generally secured underneath other stitches rather than with knots.
This keeps the back of your work flatter and prevents little bumps from showing through the fabric when your finished piece is framed or displayed.
And once you learn a couple of simple techniques, starting and ending your thread without knots becomes second nature.
Let's look at the easiest methods.
Why Don't We Normally Use Knots in Cross Stitch?
A knot certainly seems like the easiest way to stop your thread from pulling through the fabric.
But knots can create a few problems.
They can make the back of your work bulky, catch on other threads, and sometimes create a visible bump on the front of your finished piece.
This can be especially noticeable when your embroidery is mounted tightly in a frame or hoop.
Instead, cross stitchers usually secure the thread underneath stitches.
The result is flatter, cleaner and surprisingly secure.
Before You Begin: How Many Strands Are You Using?
Before starting your thread, check how many strands your pattern requires.
Standard embroidery floss is made from six individual strands, and most cross stitch patterns use only some of them.
For example, two strands are commonly used on 14 count Aida.
If you're not sure how this works, read our previous guide:
How Many Strands of Floss Should I Use for Cross Stitch?
Understanding your strand count is particularly useful because one of the easiest ways to start cross stitch — the loop start — works beautifully when stitching with two strands.
Method 1: The Loop Start
The loop start is one of my favorite methods for beginners because it's simple, secure and creates a wonderfully neat back.
It also eliminates the little loose thread tail you would otherwise need to secure.
When can you use a loop start?
The traditional loop start works especially well when your pattern calls for two strands of the same color.
Instead of taking two separate strands, you'll use one longer strand folded in half.
The fold becomes your loop.
How to Do a Loop Start Step by Step
Step 1: Cut one strand of floss
Separate one individual strand from your six-strand embroidery floss.
Cut it approximately twice the length you would normally stitch with, because you're going to fold it in half.
Step 2: Fold the strand in half
Bring the two ends together.
You'll now have:
two loose ends at one side + one loop at the other.
Step 3: Thread your needle
Thread the two loose ends through the eye of your needle.
The folded loop remains at the opposite end.
Step 4: Begin your first stitch
Bring your needle through the fabric and begin the first half of your cross stitch.
Don't pull the thread completely through.
Leave the loop hanging at the back of the fabric.
Step 5: Catch the loop
Complete the movement of your first half stitch and, on the back of the fabric, pass your needle through the loop.
Step 6: Pull gently
Pull the thread until the loop closes neatly against the back of your fabric.
That's it.
Your thread is secured.
No knot. No loose tail.
And you can continue stitching normally.
Why Is the Loop Start So Useful?
For beginners, the loop start has several advantages.
It gives you a secure starting point immediately, creates very little bulk on the back, and means you don't have to hold a loose tail while making your first few stitches.
It's also quick.
Once you've used the loop start a few times, you'll probably do it without even thinking about it.
What If I Can't Use a Loop Start?
The loop start isn't always appropriate.
Perhaps you're using one strand.
Maybe you're using an odd number of strands.
Or perhaps you have a short piece of floss that you don't want to waste.
That's perfectly fine.
There's another very simple method.
Method 2: Secure the Tail Under Your First Stitches
Thread your needle normally and leave a short tail of floss at the back of your fabric.
As you make your first few cross stitches, position that tail underneath the stitches you're creating on the back.
The new stitches will trap the tail against the fabric.
After you've made several stitches over it, the thread should be secure.
You can carefully trim away any excess tail if necessary.
Again:
No knot required.
How Much Thread Should I Secure?
You don't need to bury a huge length of floss.
Passing the tail underneath several stitches is generally enough to hold it securely.
You want the thread to be secure without creating unnecessary bulk.
The exact amount can vary depending on your fabric, floss and stitching tension, so give the thread a gentle check before trimming the remaining tail.
How Do I End Cross Stitch Thread?
Finishing a thread is very similar to starting one.
When your thread becomes too short to continue comfortably — or you've finished that color section — turn your work over.
Slide your needle underneath several completed stitches on the back of the fabric.
Pull the thread gently through.
Once it's secure, trim the remaining floss close to the fabric.
And you're finished.
There's no need to make a knot.
Don't Wait Until Your Thread Is Too Short
We've probably all done this at some point.
You look at the tiny piece of floss left on your needle and think:
“I can definitely get three more stitches out of this.”
Then suddenly your thread is so short that you can barely maneuver the needle.
Try to finish your thread while you still have enough length to comfortably slide the needle underneath your existing stitches.
It makes securing the end much easier.
And it saves you from trying to perform embroidery gymnastics with an inch of thread!
What If I Run Out of Thread in the Middle of a Section?
Nothing is wrong.
You don't need to finish an entire color section with one continuous piece of floss.
Simply secure your current thread underneath several stitches on the back.
Trim it.
Prepare another piece of the same color.
Start again using your preferred starting method.
Then continue stitching from where you stopped.
The join shouldn't be visible from the front.
Avoid Carrying Thread Too Far
Sometimes the same color appears again several stitches away.
It can be tempting to simply carry your thread across the back rather than ending it and starting again.
For very small gaps, this can sometimes be perfectly reasonable.
But carrying thread across large empty areas can cause problems.
Long threads on the back can catch on your fingers or needle, show through lighter fabric, create tension problems, and make the back unnecessarily messy.
When the next section is far away, it's often better to end the thread and start again.
What Should the Back of My Cross Stitch Look Like?
This is something beginners worry about far more than they need to.
You'll sometimes see photographs online showing backs of cross stitch projects that look almost as immaculate as the fronts.
They're beautiful.
But your cross stitch does not have to look like that to be good cross stitch.
A practical goal is simply to keep the back reasonably tidy.
Try to avoid:
- Large knots
- Tangled floss
- Very long thread carries
- Thick piles of thread
- Loose ends that aren't secured
If your stitches are secure and the back is reasonably flat, you're doing just fine.
Does the Back of My Cross Stitch Have to Be Perfect?
Absolutely not.
The front is the part you're creating to enjoy and display.
A neat back can make stitching easier and help the finished piece lie smoothly, but trying to achieve a perfectly beautiful back can take some of the enjoyment out of learning.
Especially when you're a beginner.
Concentrate first on:
even stitches, comfortable tension, secure threads and enjoying the process.
Neatness naturally improves as you stitch more.
Should I Ever Use Knots in Cross Stitch?
Traditional counted cross stitch generally avoids knots for starting and ending ordinary cross stitches.
However, that doesn't mean knots never appear in cross stitch.
Some designs intentionally include decorative stitches such as French knots.
Those are part of the visible design and serve a completely different purpose.
So when we say “cross stitch without knots,” we're talking about knots used to secure ordinary embroidery floss on the back — not decorative knot stitches specifically included in a pattern.
Common Beginner Mistakes When Starting and Ending Thread
Making a large knot at the back
It may hold your thread, but it can create unnecessary bulk.
Try the loop start or secure the tail underneath stitches instead.
Cutting the thread too short
Leave yourself enough thread to comfortably secure the end.
Cutting the thread too long
Very long strands can tangle, fray and become frustrating to work with.
A comfortable working length is usually better than trying to stitch with an enormous piece of floss.
Leaving loose tails
Make sure the tail is properly trapped underneath several stitches before trimming it.
Pulling too tightly
Your securing stitches should hold the thread firmly, but you don't need to pull aggressively.
Overtightening can distort the Aida and affect the appearance of your stitches.
Obsessing over the back
Neat is useful.
Perfect is optional.
A Simple Routine for Beginners
If you're stitching with two strands, try this routine:
Start with a loop → stitch normally → finish by running the thread underneath several stitches → trim.
That's really all you need.
Once you're comfortable with these basic techniques, you'll be able to handle most ordinary thread changes without giving them much thought.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you tie a knot when starting cross stitch?
Usually, no. Cross stitch thread is generally secured using methods such as a loop start or by trapping the thread tail underneath stitches.
What is a loop start in cross stitch?
A loop start uses one long strand of floss folded in half. The folded end creates a loop that secures the thread at the back when beginning your first stitch.
Can I use a loop start with two strands?
Yes. Two-strand stitching is one of the simplest situations for using the traditional loop start: fold one strand in half to create two working strands.
How do I end a cross stitch thread?
Run the needle underneath several completed stitches on the back of your work, gently pull the thread through, and trim the excess.
How long should my cross stitch thread be?
A working length of approximately 18 inches (45 cm) is a comfortable starting point for many stitchers. Longer threads may be more likely to tangle and become worn as you stitch.
Can I carry thread across the back?
Across small gaps, sometimes. For larger distances, ending the thread and restarting is often cleaner and prevents long threads from crossing the back of the fabric.
Is it bad if the back of my cross stitch is messy?
A slightly untidy back isn't a disaster. Aim for secure threads and avoid large knots, tangles and very long thread carries. Your back does not have to be perfect.
Ready to Practice?
Starting and ending your floss can seem surprisingly important when you're making your very first stitches.
But after a little practice, it becomes one of the easiest parts of cross stitch.
Remember the basic idea:
Secure the thread without creating unnecessary bulk.
If you're using two strands, try the loop start.
When you finish, run your thread underneath several stitches on the back and trim it.
Simple.
And if you're learning cross stitch and would like an approachable project to practice on, take a look at our Beginner-Friendly Cross Stitch Patterns collection.
These patterns are a lovely way to practice your new skills while working toward a finished piece you can enjoy.
Explore our Beginner-Friendly Cross Stitch Patterns:
Beginner-Friendly Cross Stitch Patterns
Every project teaches you something new — and every stitch makes the next one a little easier.
Happy stitching!
Cindy Stitch Studio