The "pin stitch" in cross stitch refers to a secure way to start or end a thread without using a knot. This method helps to keep the back of your work neat.
Understanding the Pin Stitch
The pin stitch is essentially creating a loop that is secured as you stitch over it with your regular crosses. Here is a step-by-step guide based on the reference material:
- Starting the Stitch:
- Bring your needle up through the fabric, leaving a small tail (about 1/2 inch) of thread on the back.
- Instead of knotting the thread, hold the tail down on the back of the fabric where your next stitches will cover it.
- As you begin your first cross stitches, make sure to pass over the tail on the back of your work.
- Securing the Tail:
- Continue stitching, crossing over the tail several times. This will anchor it and prevent it from pulling out.
- As stated in the reference, "Pull through voila that's not going anywhere". This highlights how the initial stitches hold the tail in place.
- Completing the Pin Stitch:
- Once you have passed over the tail a few times, you can trim the remaining piece or let it stay concealed beneath your crosses.
- Continue to complete the rest of your cross stitch as usual over the secured thread tail.
- The reference also notes "You will just complete your x as normal over top of it and you sometimes will get a little bit of fuzz", This is normal and will be concealed by the stitching.
Benefits of Using a Pin Stitch
- No Knots: Knots can add bulk to the back of your work, making it less smooth and professional-looking. The pin stitch avoids this problem by locking the thread in place with stitches.
- Neat Back: Using a pin stitch creates a cleaner and flatter back, which is important if your work is going to be visible.
- Secure Hold: The pin stitch securely anchors the thread tail, making sure that your work stays intact.
- Fuzz Control: As the reference explains, the fuzz that might occur from the tail is minimal and can be concealed under stitches, leaving a clean appearance.
How to End a Thread with a Pin Stitch (Similar Process)
You can use a similar method for ending a thread:
- Run your needle through the back of the completed stitches as you would if you were ending your thread normally.
- When you have a short tail, cut the thread close to the back of the fabric.
Practical Insights:
- The pin stitch might take some practice to master. Initially you might have issues with the tail moving around or the first stitch being loose.
- Using a shorter tail of thread is easier to manage and keeps your back neater.
