How to Embroider French Knot Flowers

Simple embroidery stitches combine to make decorative designs.

Embroidery is a form of fabric embellishment that traces its origins to the fifth century B.C. Beginning with a design and using one or more of dozens of stitches, the artist works with embroidery thread and a needle on fabric. The French knot stitch results in a three-dimensional dot of thread that lends texture and focus to an embroidery design. You can make French knot rosebuds using ribbon that is 1/2-inch or less in width. Whether working with thread or ribbon, follow the same steps to create a French knot and flowers.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric of choice
• Scissors
• Embroidery thread or narrow ribbon
• Crewel embroidery needle or milliner needle
• Embroidery hoop
• Beads (optional)

Instructions

Creating French Knots

1. Insert the fabric into the embroidery hoop. Pull the fabric taught and tighten the hoop by twisting the screw to the right.

2. Thread the needle with either embroidery thread or ribbon. Knot one end.

3. Insert the needle from the back side of the fabric, pulling up the length of the thread or ribbon. Snug the knot up against the back side of the fabric.

4. Grasp the thread with the non-stitching hand. Wrap the thread snugly around the shank of the needle two to four times.

5. Insert the needle back into the fabric as close as possible to the original stitch. Gently hold onto the thread with the non-stitching hand until there is only an inch of thread left to pull through the new stitch hole.

6. Firmly finish pulling the thread through the back side of the fabric. The thread-wraps—or ribbon-wraps— on the needle shank will gather together, forming a French knot.

Creating French Knot Flowers

1. Draw flower designs on fabric of choice.

2. Option 1: Fill the petal—or outlined flower shape—with French knots until covered.

3. Option 2: Satin stitch flower petals, and make a grouping of French knots in the center of the flower.

4. Option 3: Make a ribbon rose bud with ribbon French knots, and sew a bead in the center.

Tips & Warnings

• Embroidery floss comes in 6-strand lengths. Using two strands at a time is standard for most embroidery stitches, including French knots.

• The more thread wraps around the needle shank, the bulkier the finished French knot will be.

• When making rosebuds with ribbon, wrap the ribbon around the needle shank three or four times.

References

• Embroidery Stitches: My Embroidery Stitches Page