Stitch of the Week French Knots

French Knots can be the bane of a stitcher's existence but once you figure out how to do them, they are really easy, and dare I say, “fun!” With a little practice, anyone can be an expert at French Knots. If all else fails, we'll show you a simple trick to substitute french knots in patterns!

French knots can be made on any cross stitch or embroidery fabric, including weaver's cloth, aida, or linen. For this demonstration, we are using a 28 count linen and 2 strands of DMC floss.

Begin by securely attaching the floss to the fabric. I suggest making a small x underneath where you'll place your french knot. If your floss is already secured to your fabric, continue onto the next step.

Next, pull the needle up through the fabric in the approximate place you want the french knot to be.

Holding the floss in your left hand and your needle in your right, wrap the floss around your needle two times. (For thicker/bigger french knots, try wrapping three times.)

Keeping the floss taught in your left hand push the needle down through an adjacent hole. The key is to keep proper floss tension in your left hand as you continue pulling your needle down with your right.

When you've almost pulled all the floss through, let go of the floss in your left hand and continue pulling with your right.

Ta-Da! You've made your first french knot!

Unlike other stitches, this stitch takes a lot of practice. Use a scrap of fabric and make numerous french knots until they start looking consistent.

If all else fails, and in your frustration you are tempted to throw your piece out altogether, try substituting a bead in place of a french knot. They are an adorable and easy way to get the same circular look as the french knot, with half the work!

Here is an example of substituting beads for french knots.

{"Snowmen for All Seasons" by Stoney Creek}

If you're looking for hand embroidery projects that use french knots, try "Bloom, Bud, Grow, Spring!" by Twin Stitchers or "Sunbonnett Sue Stitching" by Oh My Bloomin' Threads! For cross stitch patterns using french knots, try "Petite Geisha" by Dimensions or "Majestic Peacock" by Dimensions.

Model stitched on 32 ct. "Rue Green" using 2 strands of DMC 3854.

Do you have questions or extra tips and advice? Comment below! We love to hear from you!