First off, let’s talk about what a French knot is. It is a knot made with embroidery floss or thread and is used to create small, raised dots that mimic the look of beads. The knot is usually used to fill in small spaces to add texture or to create patterns.
To start with, you will need:
– Embroidery floss
– An embroidery needle
– Fabric
Step 1: Thread your needle
The first step in creating a French knot is to thread your needle. You can use any color of embroidery floss you like. However, it is usually best to use a thicker floss to make the knot more visible.
Step 2: Make a small knot
After threading your needle, make a small knot at the end of the floss.
Step 3: Insert the needle
Insert the needle through the back of the fabric where you want to create the knot. Pull the needle through until the knot at the end of the floss is snug against the fabric.
Step 4: Wrap the floss around the needle
Holding the floss securely with your other hand, wrap the floss around the needle one or two times, depending on the size of the knot you want to create. The more times you wrap the floss, the larger the knot will be.
Step 5: Hold the floss in place
Once you’ve wrapped the floss around the needle, use the hand holding the needle to steady it. Take the other hand and hold the floss tightly against the fabric. This will ensure that the knot doesn’t become misshapen.
Step 6: Insert the needle again
With one hand holding the floss and the other holding the needle steady, gently insert the needle back into the fabric as close to where it first entered as possible. Keep the floss taut while you’re doing this.
Step 7: Pull the needle through
Gently pull the needle through the fabric. You should notice that the wrapped floss has formed a knot as you pull the needle all the way through the fabric. Make sure to pull the floss all the way through to the back of the fabric before releasing the tension.
Step 8: Inspect the knot
Inspect the knot you’ve just created. If it’s not tight enough or if it’s loose, gently remove the needle from the fabric and try again. If it looks good, you can continue working.
And that’s it! You’ve just learned how to tie a French knot. Though it may take a bit of practice to get the hang of it, you’ll soon be able to create beautiful knots that’ll add a touch of texture to your embroidery projects. Remember to keep the wrapping taut to avoid creating uneven and unsightly knots. Be patient, keep practicing, and have fun embroidering!