How to Secure Thread When Doing Long Stitches

Patricia Sone has posted a short video on her Instagram account showing us how to use a pin stitch (I call these Locking L stitches because of their shape) to secure a thread before you work a series of long stitches.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DVMji6DDgP0/

It's really pretty easy.  This is a technique used in Japanese embroidery and it does hold well.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 26, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Debbie Rowley's Starting and Ending Thread Help

Debbie Rowley has been showing this little YouTube video on starting threads in her classes and it's been such a hit, she's sharing it via her blog.
https://debbeesdesigns.com/2018/05/07/keeping-it-fresh/

She has another blog post on ending threads here.
https://debbeesdesigns.com/2018/05/09/the-end-is-near/

As a bonus, Debbie talks about parking threads.
https://debbeesdesigns.com/2018/05/11/finding-a-parking-spot/

UPDATE:  Debbie's added a series explaining pin stitch and the variations T and L stitch thoroughly.

https://debbeesdesigns.com/2021/09/28/anchoring-with-pin-stitches-part-1/

https://debbeesdesigns.com/2021/10/04/anchoring-with-pin-stitches-part-2-t-stitches/

https://debbeesdesigns.com/2021/10/11/pin-stitches-part-3-l-stitches/

https://debbeesdesigns.com/2021/10/20/pin-stitches-part-4-a-straight-line/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 8, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Quail Run (and Margaret Bendig) Speak

With holiday madness in the air, I am just now getting around to mentioning that Quail Run's December e-newsletter was full of great Christmas finishing, as well as a great tip section from Margaret Bendig who often teaches at the shop.   You'll learn how to make your satin stitches cover better, how to anchor threads securely with a few tiny stitches, and how to get the best light reflection with white threads.  Thanks, Margaret!
http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk//launch.aspx?pbid=69bfa3f1-dd93-4618-b806-6880fc346117

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Are You a Pin Head?

Just as I found Sheena's cute witch boot diagrammed for her version of the ANG Stitch of the Month program,
http://www.sheenasstitches.com

...I also discovered this great explanation of pin head stitches, those tiny stitches we do under light coverage stitching to secure the thread without knots or away stitches that might show. (The diagram is set up for cross stitchers but anyone can use a pin stitch.)  A pin stitch is perfect for Sheena's witch boot as well as for the T stitch she plans to use in the background.
http://home.comcast.net/~bethkatz/stitch/pinhead.html

If you aren't familiar with T stitch, here it is diagrammed from the ANG website.
http://www.needlepoint.org/StitchOfTheMonth/2012/jan.php

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com