FRENCH KNOT TUTORIAL

Tired of Your French Knots Slipping Through The Fabric or Canvas?

A patient, step-by-step approach that finally makes those little knots behave — from someone who's been in the tangled-thread trenches.

Beginner Friendly Video Tutorial Step-by-Step Photos

We've All Been There

Sound familiar? You pull your needle through the fabric or canvas, expecting a neat, perky little dot, but instead you get... a tangle. A loose loop. A sad, droopy bump that looks more like tangled fishing line than an elegant stitch. Or you can't see anything because the knot has pulled through to the back of your work.

Believe me, I've been there. I used to stare at my hoop in defeat, wondering how everyone else made it look so easy while my work was a field of wonky knots.

If you're feeling that frustration, let me tell you something: you don't lack talent. You just haven't been shown the right approach to french knot embroidery yet.

It's not about having "magic hands." It's about slowing down and giving yourself permission to doodle with knots.

My early attempts at French knots
My early attempts. If your knots look like this, you're in the right place!
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THE BREAKTHROUGH

From Rushing to Relaxing

My "aha!" moment didn't come from a fancy tool or a complicated tutorial. It came when I stopped trying to make a project and started to just play with french knot stitches.

For 15 minutes each evening, I would just sit and make knots. No pressure. No pattern. I called it my knot-doodling time. Slowly, patiently, something started to click.

That simple, daily practice changed everything. And it can for you, too.
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STEP BY STEP

The Simple 4-Step Rhythm for Perfect French Knots

Let's break down the motion that finally worked for me. Think of it as a gentle, four-step rhythm. I've used a chunky thread here so you can easily see what my hands are doing in the photos below the steps.

1

Come Up for Air

Bring your needle up through the fabric exactly where you want your knot to live. Easy.

2

Wrap, Don't Strangle

With your other hand, hold the thread taught (but not tight!). Wrap it once around your needle for a small knot, or twice for a slightly chubbier one.

3

Find a New Home

Here's the most important part! Insert the tip of your needle back into the fabric right next to where you came up, but not in the very same hole. Give it a little space—just a fabric thread or two away.

4

A Slow, Gentle Pull

Keep holding the wrapped thread taut with your other hand as you slowly and smoothly pull the needle all the way through to the back. A nice, even motion is all you need.

Step 1 of a needlepoint french knot
Step 1
Finishing your french knot stitch
Step 2 — Finishing your french knot stitch (shown on needlepoint canvas)

That's it. That's the whole dance.

Now Watch the slow, steady rhythm in action. No rushing needed!

French Knot Tutorial Video
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🧵 Includes step-by-step photos, video tutorial, and 3 pro tips below.
FROM THE COMMUNITY

What Fellow Stitchers Are Saying

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"This is the best video that I have found to teach French Knots. Worked first time and consistently :) Thank You so much"
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"French knots have been very confusing to me for ages, but this video has made them a lot clearer. Thank you again!"
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TIPS FROM MY PRACTICE

My Top 3 French Knot Secrets

During my nightly knot-doodling sessions, I ran into every problem imaginable. These three little secrets were the ones that made the biggest difference.

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Give Your Knot Some Space

When you put your needle back down, never go back into the exact same hole. Moving over by just one or two threads of the fabric gives the knot something to grip onto, so it sits proudly on top.

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Shorter is Sweeter

Work with a shorter length of thread—about the length from your fingertips to your elbow (12–18 inches). It's far less likely to tangle and makes maintaining even tension a breeze.

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Find a Little Mantra

Say a three-part mantra as you stitch: "Wrap… anchor… pull." This simple verbal cue keeps your hands and mind focused on a steady, consistent rhythm.

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YOU'VE GOT THIS

Your Tidy Knots are Waiting

Two years ago, I would have avoided any pattern that had French knots. Now, they're one of my favorite ways to add texture and detail.

Butterfly worked in French knots
From tangled messes to tidy butterflies. This is what a little patient practice can do!

Every wonky knot you make today is teaching your hands something. It's not a sign of failure; it's the foundation of your future skill.

It doesn't come from a flash of talent, but from the quiet, happy rhythm of patient practice.

The tangled-fishing-line days are behind me. With a little bit of doodling, they'll be behind you, too.

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