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Hi,
I have crossed stitched for several years and have always anchored my thread by going under four or five stitches then turning it around and going back through on another row under three or four stitches. I don't really like this method but I don't want my stitches to come out.
I just recently found on Scarlet Quince site: http://www.scarletquince.com/end_anchor.php" target="_blank
to go through three stitches, make a loop, then continue through two more stitches. Has anyone done this and does it really secure it good enough? I sure don't want to finish the project and wash it to find that the stitches didn't secure it enough.
Thanks,
Linda

I use both methods that you have mentioned. Most of the time if I have enough stitches I will do what you do. But if I have fewerstitches then I will use the scarlet method. I wash everything I stitch and I have never had them come out.

I use the Scarlet Quince way a lot of times when I am starting and ending when using blending filaments alone or with regular thread. Other wise, I just run the thread under a few stitches.

I usually run the thread through under a few stitches and then back again. I have used this with all of the afghans I have cross stitched and they go into the washing machine and the dryer (on gentle cycles but still in the machines) and have never had a problem with stitches coming loose.

Carole

WOW, I didn't expect a reply so fast let alone this many. Thank you all so much.

I'm glad to know that the Scarlet Quince method works well.

Carole, do you run your thread back through the same stitches that you went under the first time or go up another row.

You all are wonderful. I always read the posts and enjoy them.

Thank you again.
Linda

Linda,
I do both depending on how many stitches there are. With the afghans, because I try much harder to keep the backs relatively neat, I try to run the thread through stitches of the same color. If there aren't enough stitches, I will go back through the same stitch if I can. My first concern is that the stitch is secure. Some of my afghans have gone to middle and high school baseball and soccer games and others accumulate a lot of cat hair (and I have to admit the occassional fur ball) so they have to be able to tolerate a good washing. And so far, so good.

Carole