Sisty88

I am currently working on my first EPP project. It's going really well and I'm loving it because it lets me sew when I'm not well enough to use my machine (which is quite a lot at the moment).
My problem is that the thread keeps getting knotted and I seem to be spending quite a bit of time unraveling the knots so I can continue.
Anyone got any tips to stop the thread from knotting? I thought maybe the length of the thread was the problem but making it shorter doesn't seem to have helped. It may just be something I have to deal with but I thought if anyone would know a sneaky tip it would be you guys!
Any comments would be greatly appreciated!

Nammie to 7

Knot the other end of the thread. When threading my needle I take the end coming off the spool, take it through the eye, then cut and knot the end of the thread attached to the spool. You can also use thread conditioner.

Tartan

When hand sewing, I regularly hold my work up with the thread attached and the needle hanging down. I let the thread and needle dangle until it stops spinning. The spinning is the twists that developes when hand sewing. The twists in my thread cause the thread to double back and cause knots. There is also thread wax that can help with hand sewing.

sewwhat85

Try the thread conditioner Thread Heaven it is wonderful. Also the hint about what end to knot is very important. Try and not make your thread too long when cutting .

Treasureit

I thought this was the opposite...I will have to try it this way and see if it makes a difference

thimblebug6000

I have a little block of beeswax that I just run my thread over before stitching, you can get it at a health food store here.

ManiacQuilter2

Tartan is right, you have to let the needle dangle to unwind. I use a product called Thread Heaven that I bought at JAF when notions are half off. Just run your thread thru the product and it will cut down on the knots.

tessagin

Ditto what everyone stated. If you start to knot stop and dangle and let it finish spinning.

Sisty88

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I knew you'd be able to help me :-)
I've just tried the tip to knot the other end, and it's definitely better! I did get a knot, but it's a vast improvement on what was happening before!
I believe my mum has some thread conditioner type stuff that she uses for beading so I might see if I can find that!

Auntie V

I prefer bee's wax but even a bar of hand soap helps stop the knots.