the french knot (ohlala)

The french knot is an easy and versatile stitch. Don't let it's diminutive size fool you. It adds a pop of color and drama to your project in one easy stitch. I used to shy away from the knot because it is easy to get a floppy, misshapen blob of thread. If you follow my little tip in steps 3-5, you can create a perfect knot every time. In case you are wondering why one stitch has 6 steps, well, hmmm. Just believe me. It's just one stitch with lots of twists and turns.

1. Bring the needle up from the wrong side of your fabric and pull the thread through completely.

2. Lay the needle down with the tip crossing over the spot where the needle emerged. Wind the thread around the tip 1, 2 or 3 times, depending on the size of the knot you want. The needle tip should remain close to the fabric. Give the thread a little tug to snug it up close to the fabric.

3. With care, drag the tip of the needle towards the place where the thread emerged and insert the tip of the needle into the fabric exactly where it came out. Don't pull the thread through just yet.Don't lose those twists! I sometimes keep them tight using my left hand, while manipulating the needle with my right hand. Seems awkward, but after a few knots, it will become second nature.

4. This is the step that insures a perfect knot every time. Keep hold of the thread in your left hand and give it a gentle tug.

5. Place your left thumb over the thread, just to the side of the knot. Gently pull the rest of the thread through slowly. If you run into a knot as the thread goes through, deal with it right away before it gets tight! (Oh my, I need a manicure.)

6. Here is your perfect french knot.
I like the 2 twist knot as it doesn't disappear among other stitches. I use a single twist when placing a dot of highlight on an eyeball. I use 3 twists for the center of a flower. Its really up to you. In fact, I encourage you to experiment with every stitch you use. Keep a swatch of fabric handy among your supplies. When in doubt, practice on that fabric. In the end, you will find that when filled, that sampler fabric is pretty amazing!