French Knot Video Tutorial

LEVEL: Intermediate

USE: Raised highlights, filling shapes

Many stitchers struggle with the French Knot stitch, but let me tell you something, once you get the hang of it you’ll end up loving this little stitch and you might even want to give the french knot flower bouquet a try.

Let’s see how to stitch the perfect French Knot!

ENJOY THE VIDEO TUTORIAL:

Watch the step-by-step video tutorial and make sure to scroll and read the entire article!

French Knot is a decorative stitch used to create raised highlights, fill shapes, or add a lovely texture to your work.

In short, the French Knot stitch is made by winding the thread one or more times around the needle and drawing the needle back through the fabric at the same point where it came out.

Step 1

Start by bringing your needle up, where you want to place your knot (A). Wrap the thread around the needle twice – clockwise (B). The best needles to use for knotty stitches are the Milliners needles, also called Straw needles.

Step 2

Hold the thread to maintain the tension, and insert the needle back in the same place you just came up (A). Now here comes the problem most people complain about.

When you go back in the same hole, sometimes the knot might pull through the fabric and that’s your French Knot gone. Frustrating, I know!

TIP: The little trick I found helpful is when you go back down, don’t insert the needle in the exact same spot you came up, instead insert the needle slightly in front of the thread (just slightly!). This way your French Knot will hold, there’s no way it’ll pull through the fabric.

How many times should I wrap the thread around the needle when stitching French Knots? Do not wind the thread more than three times! Wrapping the thread around more than three times will only make your French Knots looser.

If you wish to create a bigger knot, just play around with the number of strands you’re using. For example, using all six strands of thread will create a bigger knot. If you’re looking to create a more subtle knot, just use two strands of thread when stitching your French Knots.

Love them or hate them, but the French Knots sure look good! Let me show you one great example of French Knot in action.

Sakura Tree Hand Embroidery Tutorial Makenstitch

As you can see in the image above, where the hero stitch is the French Knot, you can fill larger shapes using this lovely stitch. Just by playing with different shades of Violet the tree came to life!

Sakura Tree Textile Art Tutorial Makenstitch

This was all about the French Knot stitch, lovelies.

You’re now ready to get creative with your stitching! If you’re keen to practice your French Knots, make sure to have a look at the Sakura Tree Tutorial and download the free pattern from the Pattern Library.

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MORE OUTLINE STITCHES

What is your favorite embroidery stitch? Let me know in the comments below and don’t forget to tag @makenstitch on Instagram or hashtag it #makenstitch so we can connect!

French Knot Video Tutorial