Start without a knot: the loop start
Knots make lumps under framed work. The loop start anchors an even number of strands neatly.
Step by step
- Take a single strand twice as long as usual and fold it in half.
- Thread both cut ends through the needle, so the loop hangs at the other end.
- Bring the needle up from the back, leaving the loop at the back.
- Make the first half stitch, taking the needle down to the back.
- Pass the needle through the waiting loop and pull gently: the thread is anchored.
- To finish any thread, slide the needle under three to five stitches on the back and snip close.
Pinny's tip
The loop start only works for 2 or 4 strands. For an odd number, hold a short tail at the back and stitch over it.
The loop start only works for 2 or 4 strands. For an odd number, hold a short tail at the back and stitch over it.
Watch
The One Strand Loop Start: How to Start a Cross Stitch! (7:11)
By The Museum Stitcher · Open on YouTube
Chosen from its title and channel: a 7-minute video from The Museum Stitcher on the same topic as this guide. Embedded from YouTube with credit; we don't host it. It only loads when you press play.
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Sources
All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.