How do I end my stitching?

**sydnie7** · 11th September 08, 09:02 AM

At the top of the pleat, in the last 1/2-inch or so of material that will end up being encased in the waistband, simply take 2 or 3 stitches very close together and tight (like whip-stitching, but with each stitch almost on top of the last one). This is plenty to hold it together while you continue work. Once the waistband is sewn on, it locks all the pleat stitching in place for good.

**ardchoille** · 11th September 08, 09:07 AM

Originally Posted by sydnie7

At the top of the pleat, in the last 1/2-inch or so of material that will end up being encased in the waistband, simply take 2 or 3 stitches very close together and tight (like whip-stitching, but with each stitch almost on top of the last one). This is plenty to hold it together while you continue work. Once the waistband is sewn on, it locks all the pleat stitching in place for good.

I had thought of that but just assumed those last few stitches would work their way loose while you're working on the rest of the kilt. I'll try it and see how it goes.

Thanks for the advice

**sydnie7** · 11th September 08, 09:09 AM

Originally Posted by ardchoille

I had thought of that but just assumed those last few stitches would work their way loose while you're working on the rest of the kilt. I'll try it and see how it goes.

Thanks for the advice

You can leave an inch or so of thread after those last stitches (i.e. don't cut the thread off close to last stitch) and this will also help keep them from coming loose. Plenty of time to trim those threads just before you attach waistband.

**ardchoille** · 11th September 08, 09:13 AM

Just tried your advice in a scrap piece of tartan and it works beautifully!

**Barb T** · 11th September 08, 12:35 PM

I actually use 4-5 stitches, and that holds fine anywhere on the kilt, even where it won't be secured by other stitching.

**Pleater** · 19th September 08, 08:48 AM

I have always used two small stitches side by side, tied together by sliding the eye end of the needle under the two stitches and over the thread, twice. Snip the thread leaving a small tail to keep the knot firm.

When drawn up firmly the knot will hold but can be undone again and the thread removed leaving hardly a trace.

I start the sewing with one back stitch and a single knot done over the stitch and the tail of the thread.

This will hold fairly loosely woven as well as fine materials.

For very loosely woven materials make two stitches in the form of an X and tie a knot in the centre of it.

Anne the Pleater