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The backs of my projects look like my 2 year old grandbaby did them

How do you finish off threads? I am always so worried they will un ravel that I make a mess

I pass my threaded needle under the next couple of stitches. I try to get it under 4, but sometimes its only 2. And I try to go under stitches of a similar color- never crossing an area that won't be stitched.

You go under a few stitches and that holds it? My problem is I go under a few then a few more in a different direction. Then a few more & so on LOL

MaggieM1750 wrote:I pass my threaded needle under the next couple of stitches. I try to get it under 4, but sometimes its only 2. And I try to go under stitches of a similar color- never crossing an area that won't be stitched.

that is pretty much the same as what I do--and yes, it really does hold!

I do exactly the same - and have not had anything unravel yet! Sometimes I finish my threads on the front, depends on what project I am working on.

I do the same thing also (going to check out the thread about finishing in front though). On the afghans because I am a little more concerned about threads holding (since they get used and washed a lot) I sometimes put them under 3 or 4 stitches and then come back again under 2 or 3 in the opposite direction. I don't know if it really does make for a stronger hold, but it feels like it will be less likely to come loose that way.

Carole

I usually go through my next to last stitch.. and as it's going through I loop through it to make a tiny knot...
Faith

Nanna2Five wrote:You go under a few stitches and that holds it? My problem is I go under a few then a few more in a different direction. Then a few more & so on LOL

Never had one unravel yet. If your stitch tension is even it should hold. Theres no hard and fast rule about how to finish.. so there is nothing "wrong" with zig zagging your threads either. As my projects are generally framed, I really only need my stitches to hold secure through the final washing and the mounting and framing. Chances are slim they will come undone once it has been framed.
I only think about really really securing my threads when making things I know will be used and abused- pillows, towels, blankets, etc.

I usually do as you all and run the thread under the other stitches but it took me forever to convert from knots. I like you Nanna was terrified that my stitches would come out. I know it is a shameful thing but I still on occasion will knot the end of my threads to secure them on a piece.

My opinion has been and always will be the back is the back for a reason. As long as the front looks good and there are no terrible lumps then I am good with what is behind the scenes. I also NEVER show my backs only I know what a nest is back there.

MaggieM1750 wrote:I pass my threaded needle under the next couple of stitches. I try to get it under 4, but sometimes its only 2. And I try to go under stitches of a similar color- never crossing an area that won't be stitched.

That about sums it up. sometimes I will loop it, depending on how many stitches I'm passing the thread under. It doesn't come undone. Don't be tempted to make a knot as that can show bumps at the front after it's framed.

Do the same as everyone else to. Sometimes I do leave it hanging if the end length isn't very long then when I do the stitches next to it I make sure I attach the lose thread on the back as I stitch the next part.