Easy Guide: How To Make French Knot Embroidery For Beginners

How do you make a French knot? You make a French knot by twisting embroidery floss around your needle and pulling it through the fabric. It is one of many useful embroidery stitches you can learn. This simple guide will show you how.

A French knot is a small knot on the fabric. It looks like a tiny bead or dot. People use it to add texture and detail to their hand embroidery techniques. It is often one of the first knots people learn in beginner embroidery stitches. Learning how to tie a french knot is a good step in your sewing journey.

How To Make French Knot Embroidery
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Knowing What You Need

Before you start, gather your tools. You need just a few things.

Fabric: Choose a simple cotton or linen fabric. It should not be too stiff or too thin. A plain color is best for practice.
Embroidery Hoop: This holds your fabric tight. It makes stitching much easier.
Embroidery Needle: You need a needle with a sharp point. It should have a large enough eye for your embroidery floss. Needles like a size 9 or 10 are good.
Embroidery Floss: This is the thread you use. It comes in many colors. Start with a simple cotton embroidery floss. Six strands twisted together make up one piece. You can use fewer strands later.
Small Scissors: For cutting the thread.

Look at the table below to see the tools simply:

Tool	What It Does	Why It Helps
Fabric	Where you sew the knots	Gives a base for stitching
Embroidery Hoop	Keeps fabric tight and flat	Makes stitches even and easy
Embroidery Needle	Puts the thread through the fabric	Carries the thread for the knot
Embroidery Floss	The thread that makes the knot	Creates the look and color of the knot
Scissors	Cuts the thread	Finishes your work cleanly

Getting Ready to Stitch

First, put your fabric in the hoop. Make it drum-tight. The fabric should not sag.

Cut a piece of embroidery floss. About 18 inches is good. Longer pieces can tangle. Thread your embroidery needle.

Tie a small knot at the end of the floss. This knot stops the thread from pulling through the fabric. This is part of making knots in embroidery.

Learning the Steps for a French Knot

Now, let’s make the knot. This is your simple embroidery tutorial. Follow these steps slowly.

Step 1: Bring the Needle Up

Push your needle up from the back of the fabric. Pull the thread all the way through. Stop when the knot you tied hits the back of the fabric.

Pick a spot where you want your French knot.

Step 2: Get Ready to Wrap

Hold the thread with your non-stitching hand. Keep it a bit loose. The thread should come out of the fabric where your needle came up.

Point the needle toward the spot where the thread came up. Do not push the needle through the fabric yet. Just hold the needle tip close to the fabric.

Step 3: Wrap the Thread

This is a key step for how to tie a french knot. Wrap the thread around the needle. Wrap it just one or two times.

To wrap, take the thread you are holding. Bring it around the needle tip. Guide it with your non-stitching hand.

If you wrap once, you get a smaller knot. If you wrap twice, you get a bigger knot. Most beginners start with one wrap. Or two wraps. More wraps make the knot bigger. But they also make it harder to pull the needle through.

Keep holding the wrapped thread gently. Use your non-stitching hand for this.

Step 4: Put the Needle Down

Now, put the tip of the needle back into the fabric. Do not put it in the exact same hole you came up from. Put it in a spot very close to the first hole. Put it just next to it. A tiny step away.

Putting it in the same hole can make the knot pull through to the back. We don’t want that.

Keep holding the thread wrap against the needle with your non-stitching hand. This is important.

Step 5: Pull the Thread Down

Slowly pull the needle down through the fabric. Pull it toward the back. Keep holding the thread near the needle. This holds the knot shape tight.

As you pull, you will see the thread start to twist into a knot. Keep pulling gently and smoothly.

Pull the needle and thread all the way through to the back. Let go of the wrapped thread when the needle starts pulling the knot tight.

You should now see a small knot on the front of your fabric. That’s your French knot!

Looking at the Steps Again

Let’s go over the steps simply once more.

Needle Up: Bring the needle from the back to the front.
Hold Thread: Hold the thread coming out of the fabric.
Wrap: Wrap the thread around the needle 1 or 2 times.
Needle Down: Put the needle back down, very close to the first spot.
Pull Through: Pull the needle all the way down to the back. Keep the wraps tight as you pull.

This is the basic way of how to tie a french knot. Practice makes it easier.

Working on Getting Good Knots

Making perfect French knots takes practice. Your first ones might not be perfect. That is okay. Here are tips to help.

Tip 1: Control the Thread

Use your non-stitching hand to control the thread. Keep it pulled gently. Not too tight, not too loose. This hand guides the thread around the needle. It also keeps the wraps neat as you pull the needle through.

If you let go too soon, the knot can get messy. If you hold too tight, it is hard to pull the needle.

Tip 2: Put Needle Down Close

Remember to put the needle back into the fabric very close to where you came up. A tiny bit away is just right. Too far away makes a loop. Too close (the same hole) makes the knot disappear.

Tip 3: Pull Slowly

Pull the needle through slowly and smoothly. Do not yank it. A smooth pull helps the knot form correctly.

Tip 4: Use Right Floss

Start with a few strands of embroidery floss. Using all six strands makes a bigger knot. It is also harder to pull through. Try 2 or 3 strands when you are new. As you get better, try 4 or 6.

Different types of embroidery floss act differently. Cotton is good to learn with. Silk floss can be slippery.

Tip 5: Use the Hoop

Always use an embroidery hoop. It keeps the fabric flat. This helps keep your tension right. It makes it easier to put the needle down in the right spot.

Seeing Common Issues

Sometimes things go wrong when making knots in embroidery. Here are some things that might happen and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The Knot Disappears

This happens when you put the needle back into the exact same hole you came up from.

Fix: Always put the needle back into the fabric next to the first hole. Just a tiny space away.

Problem 2: The Knot is Loose or Messy

This often happens if you did not hold the thread wraps tight while pulling the needle through. Or if you let go too soon.

Fix: Keep holding the thread wraps against the needle until the very end. Pull the needle through slowly and smoothly. Keep gentle tension on the thread with your non-stitching hand the whole time you pull.

Problem 3: It is Hard to Pull the Needle

This can happen if you wrapped the thread too many times. Or if you are using too many strands of embroidery floss. Or if your fabric is very thick.

Fix: Try fewer wraps (just one wrap). Try fewer strands of floss (2 or 3 strands). Make sure your embroidery needle is sharp and has a big enough eye. Sometimes wiggling the needle gently helps.

Problem 4: There is a Loop Near the Knot

This means you put the needle back into the fabric too far away from where you came up.

Fix: Put the needle back down very close to the first spot. Just a small step away.

Trying More Practice

The best way to learn beginner embroidery stitches like the French knot is to practice.

Get a scrap piece of fabric. Just make rows and rows of French knots. Try different numbers of wraps. Try different numbers of embroidery floss strands. See how the knot changes.

Practice how to tie a french knot until you feel comfortable.

Comparing French Knot and Colonial Knot

There is another knot that looks a bit like the French knot. It is called the colonial knot stitch. It is also used as a dot or texture stitch.

They are both embroidery stitches that make a knot on the surface. But you make them in a different way.

The French knot wraps the thread around the needle.

The colonial knot stitch makes a figure-eight shape with the thread around the needle.

Many people have a favorite. Some find the colonial knot stitch easier to learn. Some find the French knot is neater. Try both if you like! This embroidery tutorial focuses on the French knot, but it is good to know about other hand embroidery techniques.

Using French Knots in Designs

Once you can make nice French knots, you can use them in many ways. They are great filling stitches embroidery can use.

As Dots: Use them for eyes on animals, spots on a ladybug, or seeds on a strawberry.
In Clusters: Make groups of knots close together. This looks like berries, tiny flowers, or pebbles.
For Filling: Fill a shape with many French knots. This creates a textured area. Imagine filling a circle to make a ball or filling letters for a fluffy look. This is a way to use them as filling stitches embroidery.
Flower Centers: Make a yellow or brown French knot for the middle of a lazy daisy or woven wheel stitch flower.

Think of places where a little bumpy dot would look good. French knots are perfect there. They add fun texture to your hand embroidery techniques.

Knowing About Tension

Tension is how tight you pull the thread. It is key in all embroidery stitches, including making knots in embroidery.

Too tight: If you pull the thread too tight while wrapping or pulling through, the knot can be hard to make. It might pull the fabric.
Too loose: If the thread is too loose, the knot will be messy or not form right.

Find a gentle pull. Hold the thread with just enough firmness to keep the wraps neat on the needle. Let the needle pull through smoothly. This comes with practice. Your embroidery tutorial is also about learning feel, not just steps.

Learning More Stitches

The French knot is just one of many beginner embroidery stitches. Once you feel good making them, you can learn others.

Back stitch
Running stitch
Stem stitch
Lazy daisy stitch

Each stitch adds a different look. French knots go well with many other embroidery stitches.

Making making knots in embroidery is a skill you build. The French knot is a fantastic place to start.

Choosing the Right Thread

The embroidery floss you pick makes a big difference in your French knots.

Cotton Floss: This is standard. It has six strands. You can split it. Good for learning.
Perle Cotton: This thread is not meant to be split. It is thicker. It makes very defined knots. Size 8 or 12 Perle cotton is good for knots.
Silk Floss: Very shiny. Can be slippery. Makes beautiful knots. Maybe try after you master cotton.
Wool Floss: Thicker, fuzzy thread. Makes soft, textured knots.

Try using different threads on scrap fabric. See how the same number of wraps looks different with thin or thick thread. This helps you choose the right embroidery floss for your projects.

Preparing Your Design

You can draw your design on the fabric first. Use a special fabric pen that washes away or disappears.

If you want a line of knots, draw a line. If you want knots inside a shape, draw the shape. If you just want dots, mark where you want each dot.

Using a design helps you plan where your French knots will go. It makes your embroidery tutorial follow a pattern.

More Details on Wrapping

Let’s talk more about wrapping the thread.

Most people wrap 1 or 2 times.

One Wrap: Makes a small, neat knot. Good for tiny details or when you want many small knots.
Two Wraps: Makes a slightly larger, fuller knot. This is a very common size for French knots.
Three or More Wraps: Makes a much bigger knot. This can look interesting. But it is harder to pull the needle through. It can also make the knot look less round and more like a tangle.

When you wrap, keep the wraps close together on the needle tip. Do not overlap them. Keep gentle tension as you wrap. Your non-stitching hand is key here. It guides the thread.

When you put the needle down, the wraps should slide down the needle toward the fabric. This is why you keep holding them gently.

Thinking About Fabric

The fabric you use matters too.

Tight Weave: Fabrics like quilting cotton work well. They hold the stitches nicely.
Loose Weave: Fabrics like linen or some types of cotton can be tricky. The holes are bigger. Your knot might pull through if you put the needle down in the wrong spot. You might need to use more thread strands.
Thick Fabric: Canvas or denim needs a stronger needle. It can be harder to pull the thread through, especially with multiple wraps or thick thread.

Start with a simple, medium-weight cotton. It is the easiest fabric for beginner embroidery stitches.

Keeping Your Thread Neat

As you stitch, your embroidery floss might twist. This is normal. Let your needle hang down from time to time. The thread will untwist itself. This helps keep your thread neat. It makes your stitches look better. It also makes making knots in embroidery easier.

Planning Your French Knot Areas

When using French knots as filling stitches embroidery, plan how you will fill the space.

You can place them in neat rows. Or scatter them randomly for a bumpy effect.

If filling a shape, start at one edge and work across. Or start in the middle and work out. Try both ways on practice fabric. See what you like.

Remember, each knot takes time. Filling a large area with French knots is slow work. But the result can be amazing texture.

French Knots and Design

French knots are simple embroidery stitches. But they can make a big impact in a design.

They add dimension. They add interest. They can be the star of a piece or just small details.

Think about color. Use knots of one color. Or mix colors in a cluster.

Think about size. Use different numbers of wraps for knots of different sizes in one design.

Learning how to tie a french knot well opens up many design possibilities.

The Importance of Practice

Seriously, practice is the most important thing. Don’t feel bad if your first French knots are not perfect little dots. Mine weren’t!

Keep a small piece of fabric just for practicing embroidery stitches. Anytime you have a few minutes, make a few knots. This embroidery tutorial gives you the steps. Your hand needs to learn the movement.

Soon, you will be able to make French knots quickly and neatly. You will find your own comfortable way of holding the needle and thread.

Reviewing the French Knot

Let’s quickly review what a French knot is and why it’s good for beginners.

It is a surface knot. It sits on top of the fabric.
It adds texture and detail.
It is made by wrapping thread around the needle and pulling through nearby.
It uses basic tools: fabric, hoop, needle, floss.
It is considered one of the key beginner embroidery stitches to learn.
Mastering it helps with making knots in embroidery in general.

This simple embroidery tutorial has given you the steps. Now it is up to you to grab your needle and thread and try!

Summary of Steps (Simplified)

Here are the core actions again, very simply:

Push needle up.
Hold thread off to side.
Wrap thread around needle (1 or 2 times).
Put needle down nearby.
Hold wraps; pull needle through.

That’s the heart of how to tie a french knot.

Troubleshooting Guide

Here’s a quick helper if you are stuck on making knots in embroidery:

Problem	Possible Reason	Simple Fix
Knot pulls to back	Needle went down in same hole	Put needle down next to where it came up.
Knot is messy/loose	Didn’t hold wraps tight while pulling	Keep holding thread wraps until needle is almost through.
Hard to pull needle	Too many wraps, too many threads, thick fabric	Use fewer wraps (1 or 2), fewer threads (2-3), try thin fabric.
Loop next to knot	Needle went down too far away	Put needle down very close to where it came up.
Thread is twisting	Normal!	Let needle hang free to untwist thread.

Use this guide as you practice your embroidery stitches.

Trying Variations

Once you are good at the basic French knot, try changing it slightly.

Number of Wraps: Try 3, 4, or even 5 wraps (use fewer thread strands for many wraps). See how big you can make a neat knot.
Number of Strands: Try using just 1 strand of floss for a tiny knot. Or use all 6. Or use thicker thread like Perle cotton.
Putting Needle Down: Try putting the needle down slightly further away. See how the knot looks. (Remember it might make a loop!).

Playing with these changes helps you understand making knots in embroidery better. It lets you get different looks for your projects. These variations are part of expanding your hand embroidery techniques.

French Knots as `Filling Stitches Embroidery`

Let’s talk more about filling shapes.

Why use French knots for filling? They give a nice, textured, bumpy look. They are not flat like satin stitch.

Ideas for shapes to fill:
* Circles (balls, fruit)
* Letters (monograms)
* Small animals (sheep with fluffy wool)
* Flowers (centers or petals)
* Random areas for texture (ground, sky)

When using French knots as filling stitches embroidery, try to make your knots about the same size. This makes the filled area look even. Practice making knots that are similar helps a lot.

You can use one color to fill a shape. Or use different colors scattered for a speckled look.

Final Tips for Beginners

Be patient. Learning new embroidery stitches takes time.
Do not pull too hard. Gentle tension is best for hand embroidery techniques.
Use good light so you can see what you are doing.
Start simple. Don’t try a huge project with thousands of knots first. Start with a small design.
Celebrate your progress! Even small improvements in your making knots in embroidery are good.

This embroidery tutorial covers the basics. But the real learning happens when you start stitching.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are common questions beginners ask about making knots in embroidery, especially French knots.

Q: My French knots are messy. What am I doing wrong?
A: This is very common! Most times, the thread wraps were not held tight against the needle as you pulled through. Make sure you hold that tension with your non-stitching hand until the very end. Also, check that you are putting the needle down very close to, but not in, the first hole. Practice helps messy knots become neat knots.

Q: Can I use a different kind of thread?
A: Yes! You can use different types of embroidery floss and thread. Cotton floss is good to start. Perle cotton makes nice knots too. Silk or wool threads also work but can be harder for beginners. Try different ones on scrap fabric to see what you like.

Q: How many times should I wrap the thread?
A: For beginners, wrap one or two times. One wrap makes a smaller knot. Two wraps make a classic size knot. More wraps make bigger knots but can be harder to pull through and keep neat. Stick to 1 or 2 wraps while learning how to tie a french knot.

Q: What if my needle won’t go through the fabric?
A: Check if your fabric is too thick. Check if your needle is too small or not sharp enough for the fabric. Also, too many wraps or too many threads can make it hard to pull through. Try fewer wraps or threads. Wiggling the needle gently can sometimes help push it through.

Q: Can I use French knots to fill a large area?
A: Yes, French knots are great filling stitches embroidery. You can fill any shape. It takes a lot of knots and a lot of time for a large area. But it creates a wonderful texture. Plan your work when using them for filling.

Q: Is the Colonial knot easier than the French knot?
A: Some people find the colonial knot stitch easier. Some find the French knot easier. They are different ways of making a similar knot. The French knot wraps thread around the needle. The Colonial knot makes a figure-eight shape with the thread around the needle. It is worth trying both to see which one feels better for you. They are both useful hand embroidery techniques.

Q: How do I start and end my thread when making knots in embroidery?
A: To start, tie a small knot at the end of your thread and bring the needle up from the back. The knot stops the thread. To end, pull the thread to the back when you finish stitching. Run your needle under a few nearby stitches on the back. Pull the thread through to make a loop. Run your needle through the loop and pull gently to make a knot on the back. Trim the extra thread.

Q: Does the type of embroidery needle matter?
A: Yes, using the right embroidery needle helps. A sharp needle pierces the fabric cleanly. The eye must be big enough for your embroidery floss. A needle size 9 or 10 is often good for most French knot work with standard floss. Using a needle that is too small for the thread or fabric makes stitching hard.

You are ready to start making French knots! Grab your supplies and give it a try. Enjoy adding this fun stitch to your embroidery stitches.