Mini Tutorial | Stitch a Half Hitch Knot

I've been doing a little bead weaving using square stitch and Peyote stitch this week with our Miyuki seed beads. Whilst I was changing my thread for the third time on one piece, I remembered the first time I had a go at bead weaving with needle and thread and how little things like tying/finishing off thread was a big deal when you don't know how. In the beginning, I used to just make multiple loop knots and try and push them inside or between beads to hide them.  

Then I learned the little wonder that is the half hitch knot....and let me say I was a little mortified I'd been doing it the other way for so long without thinking there might be an easier, neater way. Anyway....for those of you unlike me who ARE searching for quick tricks and new techniques, here is a super quick little tutorial showing you how to secure your thread with a half hitch knot. This technique works really well with our Fireline beading thread as it has a slightly waxed coating and is able to hold knots really well...

Step 1

Take your needle and thread from the end of your weaving back through a couple of beads further down...

Step 2

Take the needle under one of the threads in between the weave...

Step 3

Pull the thread through until you have a loop around a cm wide, then pass the needle through the loop before pulling tight to secure. Repeat this step again, going under the same thread.

Step 4

Take the needle through another bead or two and repeat step 3. When you're happy it's tight enough, snip off the excess thread and you're ready to add more.

To add more thread, simply thread a needle and stitch another couple of half hitch knots to secure it onto the weave and carry on with your beading! 

Emma xo