I use the 'loop' method for starting, using a long piece of thread ( single strand) fold in half and thread needle, come up from below the material holding the LOOPED end open in one hand underneath, go back down to make first stitch ensuring needle goes through the loop and pull, uses less thread and makes the back less bulky:)
Thank you, I will hae to try this. I tried a similar method, where you pull your thread tight but I didn't like the way it looked. This seems to be better.