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Does anyone have any ideas for finishing the back of a bread cloth....so the threads do not come out with multiple washings?

If you anchor the tails securely, they won't come out. If you do the 'usual' thread-under anchor, you can make an extra loop. Here, this explains it better:
http://www.scarletquince.com/end_anchor.php" target="_blank
Note steps 3 through 5 for the extra loop and back under the threads.

I do bread cloths and afghans this way and after many washings, the threads are still secure.

You could also try a very secure pinhead stitch, it might be visible but the most secure method I have yet encountered.
Allyn's method has worked for me, as well.

Just repeating what Allyn said. I have stitched many afghans also and toss them in the washing machine and dryer and have had no problem. Several have seen a fair amount of wear and tear (two for sure have been at soccer and baseball games and seen their share of dirt) and are still strong.

Carole

Thanks to all the repsonses. Both of these methods will work. The design is so small, that the regular method of securing thread was getting bulky.

Sweeie wrote:.... Both of these methods will work. The design is so small, that the regular method of securing thread was getting bulky.

Ahhhhhh! It's a small design. Another option, which may or may not be doable for you, if the design is small and anchoring two threads of each color is bulky, I have used a single thread and done each leg of the stitch twice -- like / / and then \ \ to complete a stitch. You can't loop-start, but having to anchor a single strand makes less bulk on the back then two of each color. I know there are still two tails to anchor, but not having to put them together under the same stitches can be a help.