To make sure that your embroidery will have a neat back, start your stitches with a temporary knot. This knot will serve as the lock so as not to pull the thread as you stitch. The knots at the back of your embroidery are what makes it look like haywire. To lessen these annoying knots and bumps, here are two ways to make temporary knots. Away Knot Waste Knot Both types begin with a knot at the end of the embroidery thread. An away knot is common to all embroidery stitches. Meanwhile, a waste knot is best for a stitch that you can cover the thread tail as you stitch. The satin stitch and cross stitch are examples of waste knots. These stitches cover the tail of the knots on the reverse side of the work. Away Knot You begin your stitches 3 to 5 inches (7.62 to 12.7 cm.) away from the spot where your embroidery will start. Hence, the term “away” for this method. You clip the knot once you finish the embroidery work. Using the tail of your thread, weave it into the stitches on the reverse side of your fabric. This is like how you end your stitches without making a knot. If you are using expensive threads, this may not be a frugal option since you will be wasting a few inches of thread. As you stitch, be careful not to hit or cross these weaved threads Waste Knot You make a waste knot on the surface of the fabric. You draw out the tail of the thread on the reverse side of the fabric. As you stitch towards the knot, you will cover and lock the tail of the knot to secure it. Once you lock it, trim the knot away. There is nothing wrong with having knots at the back of your embroidery. But if you want to have a neat finish, these temporary knots work wonders.