How-To: End Threads with the L-stitch

Yesterday's post was getting too long, so I decided to make this topic its own post!

So, we've started our thread with the L-stitch, have continued stitching with it, and now want to end off the thread. With some stitches, there isn't a lot of thread on the back of the canvas, so it's difficult to end off by running under these threads. What should we do? Try the L-stitch again, of course!

Again, an area that is or will be completely covered by stitching is needed. The L-stitch can be done under existing stitching, if the stitches are pushed carefully out of the way with a needle or laying tool, and then carefully rearranged back into place after the L-stitch is made.

Ending a thread with the L-stitch is worked exactly like starting with the L-stitch, with one exception. Instead of starting with a diagonal thread on the back coming from a waste knot, the ending L-stitch starts with the thread coming from the last stitch made with the thread. So, follow steps 1-9 from yesterday's post, and then:

Step 10. Bring the threaded needle back through the canvas to the front. This can be either right next to the L-stitch (like I did with the white L-stitches shown in yesterday's pics), or further away if you feel more comfortable stitching over it a bit. If you made the L-stitch under existing stitching, skip to step 12!

Step 11. When you get to stitching over the area in which you made your L-stitches, simply stitch right over them. It's a bit tricky to keep the tails sticking through the canvas from getting caught in the stitches, but it can be done.




Step 12. Once the coverage stitching is in, grasp one of the tails between your thumb and forefinger, and pull away from the canvas. Still pulling, and using very sharp scissors, CAREFULLY cut the tail very close to the stitching. (Since I couldn't hold on to thread, scissors, and camera at the same time, please see the text and arrow in the picture! I really needed three hands here!) If there's a little bit of a tail left peeking through the stitches, that's ok! Simply take your needle or laying tool and GENTLY wiggle the stitches a bit, lifting them away from the canvas. The tail should sink back under the stitches.

Step 13. You're done! Enjoy!