How to Do French Knots (Easy Method That Actually Works)
French knots are small, raised knots stitched on the surface of the fabric. They are brilliant for filling shapes, flower centres, tiny berries, scattered texture, and anywhere you want a little dot of detail that sits proud of the stitch. It's a stitch that often feels tricky at first, but once it clicks it becomes a really satisfying one to use.
How to do French knots (step-by-step)
- Bring your needle up through the fabric.
- Hold the needle horizontally and wrap the thread around it twice.
- Keep gentle tension on the thread and slide the wraps down the needle.
- Insert the needle back into the fabric just next to where it came up (not the same hole).
- Pull through slowly to form a small, neat knot.
If your knot feels loose, it usually just needs a little more steady tension as you pull through. It’s worth taking this part slowly while you’re learning.
Try French knots in a real project. These beginner-friendly kits include small details and textured stitching, so you can practise French knots naturally as you go.
Floral Embroidery Kit
£21.00
Christmas Bear Embroidery Kit
£15.00
More about French knots
French knots are perfect for adding texture without filling an area completely. A few scattered knots can bring a design to life, while clusters create simple, effective flower centres.
You can adjust the size by changing the number of wraps or the thickness of your thread.
Ready to keep practising?
If you’d like to keep going, you might enjoy trying French knots in a simple project. These are designed to help you build confidence as you stitch.
Tips for French knots
- Keep gentle tension on the thread.
- Do not go back through the same hole.
- Wrap in the same direction each time.
- Slow down while learning.