I was at grandma’s house the other day she was doing some stitch that looks like a little thread ball in the middle of the flower stitch. That looked so interesting, so I asked, ‘what kinds of stitches is it?’
She looked up and said, ‘Oh! That’s cross stitch french knot.’ I was like, what? Isn’t both different kinds of stitches? She then said, ‘Not really. They are very different. For example,
French Knot
To do a cross-stitch French knot, wrap the thread around the needle twice, insert it back near the entry point, and pull tight while holding the thread for a neat knot.
Grandma knew I was still confused. So she decides to sit with me and talk in detail. And teach me like how she teach me cross stitching instructions for beginners.
Table of Contents
What Is Cross Stitch French Knot?
A Cross Stitch French Knot is a small, decorative knot often used in cross-stitch and embroidery to create tiny, raised dots on fabric.
Some think it’s some kind of cross stitch. But that’s not true. It’s just another technique to add some decorative touch. It adds texture and detail to designs. That’s why it’s perfect for eyes, flower centres, or intricate accents in stitching projects.
What Is The Symbol For The French Knot In Cross Stitch?
In a cross-stitch pattern, full cross stitches are shown as blocks or symbols that fill an entire grid square. The back stitches look like thin lines running across the chart. French knots are usually little round dots.
But that also can be in many forms. For example,
- A small filled-in circle (●)
- An open circle (○)
- A star (*) or a dot (•) near a stitch area
Cross Stitch French Knot Vs French Knot
‘Ok, but still, both stitches looks the same to me. What’s the difference between them?’ I asked Grandma. Grandma laughed and said, well,
Cross-stitch French knot is a small, raised dot made by wrapping the thread around the needle once or twice before securing it in the fabric. A french knot is similar but involves looping the thread in opposite directions.
But other than that, there are more differences. Such as,
| Feature | Cross Stitch French Knot | French Knot (Embroidery) |
| Usage | Within a counted pattern | Free placement in designs |
| Fabric | Aida, linen (even-weave) | Any fabric type |
| Function | Adds texture to cross-stitch | Decorative dot-like stitch |
| Symbol | ● or ○ in patterns | No set symbol |
| Execution | Wrapped thread, stitched in Aida hole | Wrapped thread, stitched anywhere |
How Do You Make A French Knot In Cross Stitch?
After the introduction, Grandma started to show me the real french knot in cross stitch. She said to do cross stitch french knot, you need to follow 8 steps. Which are,
- Prepare the Thread
- Anchor The Thread
- Bring the Needle Up
- Wrap the Thread Around the needle
- Insert the Needle Back in the same spot
- Pull the Thread Through
- Repeat for More Knots
- Secure the Thread
After little intro, Grandma began to show me.
Prepare The Thread
Before I start, I check my pattern to see how many strands of floss are needed. If the pattern doesn’t specify, I decide based on the size of my project. But if I know the floss, then I normally got,
- For small, delicate knots, I use 1 strand of floss.
- For larger, bolder knots, I use 2-4 strands.
Once I have the correct number of strands, I thread my needle and leave a short tail at the end just like cross stitching leather.
Or if you are not so sure about it, then use a counted cross stitch calculator.
Anchor The Thread On The Behind Side Of the Pattern
To start the thread, since I already have a lot of stitched areas here, I just slide the needle under the stitch thread. I’ve got a tiny little knot on the back. That will anchor the thread in a place.
Your messy back of the cross stitch will help you in this case.😜
Nothing too bulky, just enough to hold it in place. Then, I’ll turn it around and am ready to go.
Bring The Needle Up
Now, I locate the exact spot where my French knot will go. I bring my needle up through the fabric from the back to the front.
I make sure it is positioned accurately based on my pattern. If I make a cluster of knots, I ensure they are spaced evenly. If the knot is for an eye or other specific detail, I double-check its placement to avoid mistakes.
Wrap the Thread Around the Needle
Holding the thread tightly with my non-dominant hand, I wrap it around the needle 2 times. But it can also vary for intense,
- For small knots, I wrap it twice.
- For bigger knots, I wrap it three or four times.
But remember,
Always Keeping the tension even is important. So the knot stays secure and doesn’t loosen when I pull the needle through.
Insert the Needle Back into the Fabric
With the wraps in place,
I carefully insert the needle back into the fabric, slightly away from where I first brought it up. If I insert it into the exact same hole, the knot might disappear through the fabric.
If it’s too far away, the knot might not sit properly. I ensure the needle is only a thread or two apart from the starting point for the best results.
Pull the Thread Through
While holding the wrapped thread firmly in place with my non-dominant hand, I slowly pull the needle through the fabric. I ensure the thread stays wrapped tightly and doesn’t loosen as it moves through.
If the knot appears too loose,
I adjust the tension while pulling. Once the thread is completely pulled through, my French knot is finished!
Repeat For More Knots
If my design requires multiple knots, I repeat the process, ensuring they are spaced neatly and evenly. I love how these knots add a raised, textured effect to my work, making my cross stitch more dynamic.
If a knot doesn’t turn out right, I carefully undo it and try again until I’m satisfied.
Secure The Thread On The Back
To finish, I secure my thread by weaving it under nearby stitches on the back of my fabric. I avoid tying knots since they can create unwanted bulk. Once secure, I trim the excess thread and admire.
Read our which is easier cross stitch or embroidery article if you are confused between them.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)
Can I Replace French Knots With Beads?
Yes! If you find French knots tricky or want a different texture, tiny seed beads can be a great substitute. Just sew them in a place where the knot would go.
Why Do My French Knots In Cross Stitch Look Messy?
Messy knots usually happen when the thread tension is off. Keep steady tension as you wrap the thread and pull it through—too loose, and the knot won’t hold; too tight, and it may twist awkwardly.
How Do I Remove A French Knot In Cross-Stitch If I Mess Up?
French knots can be tricky to undo, but not impossible! Use a needle or small scissors to loosen the wrapped thread carefully. If it’s stuck, snip it off and start fresh.
Final Thoughts
At first, cross stitch french knot can feel tricky, but they become effortless and fun with practice. I love using them to enhance flowers, add details to animals, or create texture in a cross-stitch design.
If you’re still struggling, try practicing on scrap fabric before adding them to your main piece. With a little patience, you’ll master them in no time!
So, have you it before? How did they turn out? 😊
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