How to Cross Stitch: French Knot Embroidery Stitch - Instructions and Tips

How to Cross Stitch: French Knot Embroidery Stitch - Instructions and Tips

by Brooke Masek

French Knot Embroidery Stitch: Instructions and Tips

One of the most charming and versatile stitches in embroidery is the French knot. In this guide, we'll show you how to create beautiful French knots that will elevate your needlework to the next level. French Knots included in the patterns for the 18th Century Band Sampler and Euphemia Woodger. They are indicted on Secret Language Sampler patterns by small, color coded knots. 

What is a French Knot?

A French knot is a small, textured stitch that resembles a tiny knot or bead. It's commonly used for adding decorative accents, creating flower centers, or adding depth and texture to your embroidery projects. French knots can be made in a variety of sizes, depending on how many times the floss is wrapped around the needle.

How to make a French knot

To make a French knot, follow these steps:

  1. Bring the needle up through the fabric where you want the knot to be.
  2. Hold the floss in your non-dominant hand and wrap it around the needle twice (or more, for a larger knot).
  3. Insert the needle back into the fabric a short distance away from where you brought it up.
  4. While holding the floss taut with your non-dominant hand, gently pull the needle through the fabric.
  5. Hold the knot in place with your non-dominant hand and slowly release the floss from your dominant hand.
  6. Tighten the knot by pulling gently on the floss.

Tips for making perfect French knots

Here are a few tips for creating perfect French knots:

  • Use a sharp, smooth needle. A dull needle will be more difficult to pierce the fabric and will make it more likely that your knot will come loose. Try using a gold plated needles for this task.
  • Use the correct number of floss strands. For a small French knot, use two or three strands. For a larger knot, use four or five strands.
  • Keep the floss taut. This is essential for creating a beautiful and secure knot.
  • Don't overtighten the knot. If you overtighten the knot, it will be difficult to pierce the fabric with the needle.
  • Practice makes perfect! The more French knots you make, the better you will become at it. Practice on scrap pieces of fabric before stitching on your project.

Uses for French knots

French knots can be used to create a variety of effects in embroidery, including:

  • Flowers
  • Eyes
  • Leaves
  • Berries
  • Stars
  • Snowflakes
  • And more!

French knots are also a popular stitch for use in embroidery lettering. Euphemia Woodger utilized many French Knots in her work dated 1894 to create her name and the place, Riddell House. Learn more about Euphemia and her life when you purchase the pattern or kit inspired by her classic sampler. 

French Knot embroidery stitch placed in a way to write out Euphemia Woodger who made the piece and the place she lived when she made it, Riddell House. Dated 1894.

Check out a video on how to create a French Knot by master needleworker Mary Corbet below. Now that you've mastered the French knot, you can use it to embellish your embroidery designs with intricate details and textures. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced embroiderer, this classic stitch is sure to add elegance to your creations. Happy stitching!