How to Stitch a French Knot

The French knot, also called the French dot, creates dimension to a cross-stitch design. The French knot is often used to create eyes, flower centers or just embellishments. Some stitchers prefer to use beads instead or a colonial knot, but the French knot, if done correctly, adds a nice element to a cross-stitched pattern.

Things You'll Need

• Needle
• Thread
• Pattern
• Cloth

Instructions

1. Use a sharp needle which will help you split the threads of your fabric and make the knot easier. You don't need anything special, just use the best needle available to you.

2. Look for dots on a cross-stitching pattern. Dots are the representative symbol for the French knot.

3. Push your needle and thread up through the fabric where you want your knot to be. Keep your work as flat as possible.

4. Hold the thread in your left hand and wrap it two times around the needle. Most people prefer to wrap in a clockwise motion, but it doesn't matter as long as you're consistent in your direction.

5. Keep thread taut in your left hand while pushing the needle back through the fabric as close as possible to where you pulled it through. You'll have to make your own hole and split threads.

6. Pull the needle through, still holding the thread with your left hand. You should have a neat, fat knot.