I find that stitchers either love or hate French knots. They're one of those stitches that can be tricky to master and frustrating until you do. But once you get them down, you'll wonder why you avoided them for so long.
I love that French knots create a rich texture. This can be a single dot to an entire filled in space, that looks almost like popcorn. And French knot can be created in all sorts of sizes, making them unique to the maker.
So if you're struggling with the French knot or are just looking for a few tips to make them easier, keep reading for my 4 tips to mastering the French knot.
Tension
If you take anything away from this post, please know that tension is key to creating any French knot. I prefer to use the two handed approach to French knots, so that way I can hold my working thread in one hand and the needle in the other. Keeping the working thread taught throughout the stitching process, ensures that your French knot will look like a knot and not a loopy blob.
Placement
Often times, when stitcher create a French knot, they think the thread needs to go back down in the same hole. This isn't so. By bringing your needle back down next to the place you came up, you're less likely to pull your French knot through the fabric and create a hole.
Thread Wraps
The number of times you wrap your thread around your needle will determine how large our French knot is. More wraps=larger, less wraps=smaller. How you wrap your thread will also determine what your French knot will look like. If your wraps are loose around your needle, before you pull the thread back through the fabric, you will have a loose and loopy knot. Keep your thread tightly wrapped around your needle to ensure you make a knot.
Patience
Much like anything with embroidery, French knots take patience. Going slowly at first will help you master the basics needed to create a French knot.
Need a French knot tutorial? Check out this video.
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