How to Repair a Loose Embroidery Stitch

Gather all the necessary materials for your fix following these guidelines:

Pick the proper embroidery needle size. Lightweight fabrics can use a smaller needle, while heavyweight fabrics will need a larger needle.

Ensure that you pick a color of embroidery floss that matches the color of the thread you are trying to fix.

If using a lightweight fabric (e.g. cotton), use an embroidery hoop to stabilize the fabric.

Separate the strands and decide how many you will need to thread.

Pull the strand(s) through the eye of the needle and ensure that the needle is in the center of the strand(s).

To tie the floss, wrap the end around your pointer finger three times.

Slip the wrapped strands off your finger, and then pull the needle through the center.

Pinch your fingers where the longest part of the strand meets the wrapped portion and pull towards the end of the thread.

Pull the needle and thread through the fabric as close to the loose thread as possible.

Push the needle and thread down through the other end of the loose thread.

Repeat these steps 3 to 4 times going over the thread until it becomes flush with the rest of the embroidery pattern.

To tie the anchor knot, push the needle and thread through an existing stitch or fabric hidden under the pattern. This should form a loop when you pull the needle.

Place your needle through that loop and pull to create an anchor knot.

Repeat this step 1-2 times to strengthen the knot.

To use fabric glue, apply 1-2 drops everywhere that there is embroidery on the back of the fabric. Allow this to dry for at least 5 minutes.

If using a steamer, follow the instructions to turn it on for your particular model. Run the steamer over the back of the fabric two times. This will make the stitches taut.