When you thread your needle for hand sewing - whether it is

piecing or quilting - tie a knot in the end of the thread

that is closest to where you cut the thread off of the spool.

Because thread is twisted as it is made, it has a kind of

"grain." Stitching with the thread in the direction it

comes off the spool will keep it from tangling and twisting

as much when you are sewing.