Creative Ways Embroiderers Are Using the French Knot Stitch to Produce Awe-Inspiring Art

Photo: Stock Photos from Anna Kepa/Shutterstock

There are hundreds of embroidery stitches that you can create by simply using a needle and thread. Some are more basic in technique than others, but all have their charm. Of the stitches suitable for beginners, the French knot is one that is both easy to learn and looks fancier than your average flat stitch.

As the name suggests, the French knot is a stitch that forms a tiny ball on the fabric when complete. Unlike larger knotted stitches such as the bullion, this particular technique yields a small knot that is perfect for creating in bunches to build embroideries that are full of gorgeous texture.

There are varieties of ways in which embroidery artists utilize the French knot. Because of its tactile nature, some prefer it as accents among fill stitches such as the satin stitch. Other embroiderers take a different approach. Artist Litli Ulfur, for instance, comprises entire hoop art using French knots and other similar stitches. It’s perfect for her subject matter of green, mossy-inspired landscapes.

Scroll down for French knot inspiration. And if you’d like to try the stitch for yourself, we’ve included a video featuring a quick and easy tutorial.

The French knot embroidery stitch is a beginner-level stitch that looks fancier than your average flat stitch. Here's how to do it:

Here's how embroidery artists around the world have used it in their work.

 

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