French Knot

French knot stitch is a textural decorative hand embroidery stitch. It has many uses – from filling areas and accent stitches to being a part of complex composite stitches as a lattice stitch. I consider this stitch one of the embroidery stitches you should learn when you are starting your embroidery journey.

The French knot is an embroidery technique in which the thread is knotted around itself in a specific way. This stitch has a reputation for being one of the most difficult, but I find it very simple, and I like to use it. Follow these simple tips, and you’ll love French knots as I do:

Use both hands to make this stitch.
Wrap the thread around the needle 2 times (3 times is maximum). If you need a bigger knot – use thicker yarn or more strands.
Leave a small space between the beginning of the stitch and the place where you take the needle down into the fabric. The knot will not pop to the back of the material.
Pull the thread slowly through the wraps to the back of the fabric. Also, keep the working thread under tension until the last possible moment as it passes to the back of the cloth.
Use a milliner needle instead of an embroidery needle. It has an eye that’s the same thickness as the shaft, so it’s easy to pass the needle through the tight wraps without getting hung up on the eye.

Other Names Of The Stitch

Sometimes French knot is also called a French dot, knotted stitch, or twisted knot stitch.

Applications Of The French Knot Stitch

This decorative stitch creates one or more knots or dots on the surface.
It is a filling stitch when you need to create a textural surface. Widely used in floral embroidery to fill the flowers’ centers or depict blooms. Also, this stitch is excellent to imitate all soft surfaces – like a cloud or a sheep.
Often, French knot is a part of composite stitches – like lattice stitch or Guilloche stitch.
Also, it is handy when you create a border design with decorative elements.
Use this knotted stitch to pin down sequins and beads in bead embroidery.

Other Types Of Knotted Stitches:

Bullion knot
Colonial knot
Four-legged knot

Video tutorial

If you are a visual learner, watch a video tutorial below or on the Practical Embroidery YouTube channel. In this video, you’ll find easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions that will have you creating the French knot like a pro in no time.

What’s next?

If you’re in the mood to explore more hand embroidery stitches, check out the Stitches and Techniques page for the list of other fantastic stitches available on my blog. From timeless classics to modern twists, a whole world of stitches is waiting for you to explore and master. So, grab your hoop and needle, and let’s stitch our way to creative bliss!