Ask Purl Bee: French Knots

Our Connect the Dot Pillows are embellished with vibrant embroidery constructed of French knots.  The intricate knots are inspired by scattering seeds, glowing stars, and microscopic plants.  You can find the pattern to make your own unique collection of pillows in different sizes, colors, and designs in the Connect the Dot Pillow Project Journal.

 
Our Connect the Dot Pillows were inspired by a question from a reader. Please send us your questions about knitting, sewing, quilting, and crafting to Ask Purl Bee! 

Here's the question; it comes from Jill:

I've recently started to do some embroidery and am having the hardest time making French knots.  They always seem to "knot" too early and leave a big loop of thread on top of the knot.  Is there a trick to making these?  Do you have any suggestions?

French knots are a beautiful element of embroidery. You can make them with bulky knitting yarn or fine thread, a bright polka dot or a tiny speck.  Although they seem simple enough, there is a bit of a technique to them.

Making French knots is a two-handed job, so it helps to have your fabric secured in an embroidery hoop.  We think the trick is to maintain a tight grip on the thread as the needle is drawn through it.  This keeps the thread from tangling and creates a tidy knot.  We put together a quick French knot how-to in our Knot Know-How Tutorial.

Comments

[Jill]

Thank you for your answer to my question! Very helpful.

[comfies]

you guys are so full of inspiration!! these are beautiful pillows.

[G girl]

What a coincidence. Earlier this evening I was trying to make a flower out of french knots but it wasn´t going so well so I put the work down and started surfing the net. Along comes the purl bee with a beautiful project and a tutorial on french knots. Thank you so much.

[Kathy]

I had a hard time with French Knots also. Did a denim shirt where the backside was covered with them once I finally learned (grapes dangling down).
So - I finally learned from another left hander. Made all the difference in the world. That a question that should always be asked on hand work - is the student a leftie.

[rfg]

I love these! Especially the subtle colors! Beautiful.

[Kathy Merrick]

Indescribably beautiful! And, as always, goreous fabric/color combinations.
I worship your surperb taste.

[sabrina]

I love the pillows! Truly inspired!

[cyndie]

Great pillows! I could never get the knots... Yours look perfect - such detail that makes all the difference!

[badecca]

I literally cannot stop doing these since you posted this project. I've completed one pillow and have started two others, in all my favorite colors. I love how tactile they are. Some remined me of little beads, others remind me of sprinkles for ice cream cones. So fun!

[textile artist]

I love your blog, you are very kind to share your skills and designs with others. I have made a cushion sewing french knots on a piece of woolen fabric. I have only done small knots, but I think the finished cushion looks good. I will put it on flicker
Mavis

[Happy House Quilts]

wow! awesome...and I'm a leftie too!