How to create a French knot

French knots add textural interest to cross-stitch designs,and are simple to make.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• fabric (Aida or your choice)
• needle
• floss

1. Bring the threaded needle up in the space where the knot is to be stitched. Be careful not to split the weave of the Aida cloth; use the holes in the fabric.

2. Wrap the floss around the needle twice. Don't wrap it tightly! For a smaller knot, you may want to wrap it only once.

3. Insert the needle into the next hole. This is a little different from regular embroidery, which is usually done on tightly-woven fabric. Because the weave is looser and has holes, using the same space will cause your knot to go all the way through to the back!

4. Gently pull the needle through the wraps until the knot is formed. If it is tight enough to be difficult, try turning the needle slowly as you pull--like a slow-motion spinning. Stop when you feel the resistance of the center thread against the wrapped thread.

Tips & Warnings

• French knots may be added to an otherwise-finished piece of cross-stitch. Just make them on top of the "x" stitch. They may also be sewn in place of the crossed stitch.
• Don't wrap the floss too tight around the needle, or you won't be able to pull it through.
• Don't pull too hard. If you do, you may pull the whole knot through the fabric.