Learn the Continental Stitch

Beginning a New Strand of Thread

The ‘waste knot’ is the best way to start and anchor your new thread:

• Start by creating a knot at one end of your thread. 

• Poke your needle in the front of the canvas about half an inch from where you are going to start stitching. 

• Start stitching in the direction towards your knot. As you go along, your stitches will wrap around the thread. 

• When you get close to the knot with your stitches, cut off the knot, and your thread is secured.

How to start with a waste knot.

The Continental Stitch

The continental stitch is the most basic stitch to learn. It is ideal for beginners. Many use it for small spots,or lines of color, or letters. The best way to think about this stitch is that you are making a / with your stitches. 

Start in the hole that is in the direction you are stitching: 

• If you are going to the left or down, you put your needle in the bottom of the /.

• If you are going right or up, you put your needle at the top of the /.

Continental stitch going side to side.

Continental stitch going up and down.

Ending Your Thread

When you get close to the end of your thread, go to the back of your canvas and thread your needle under previously stitched threads that are nearby to secure it, then clip of any excess.