And now for something totally different….. Last weekend I was at Webs teaching Creative Embroidery on Knits to a wonderful bunch of women. We had a nice afternoon, even if they did walk out a bit exhausted trying to take in all they learned. They left with beautiful little samplers of many stitches.
It seems that one of the most frustrating embroidery stitches to learn is the French Knot. There are always complaints – “I can’t do it.” “My knots always disappear.” “My knots look like a little speck.” I never let anyone leave my class without knowing how to do this really versatile stitch.
For you all, my loyal readers, I have made a little French Knot Video Tutorial since you weren’t at my class. Enjoy! And please spread the word to any of your friends who have experience French Knot Frustration……
Great, simple explanation.
ReplyDeleteBut now I need to learn to make the flowers! :)
You know, you've already helped me with that! I had thought for years and years that I knew how to do them - and that they were just difficult. Then I made my daughter a pair of mittens based on a pair in your book, Kristin Knits, and I actually read the instructions in the back. I was amazed at how beautiful they look when actually done right! Silly me! and Thank You!
ReplyDeleteI always thought, just stupid me won't succeed.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I'll try again. Nothing is better than watching someone who does it right. Thanks for sharing!
Super, thanks for sharing. I would jump for joy to be able to take a class from you!
ReplyDeleteI agree with KPiep. I was always doing too much work on mine, they were fine, but tedious. These are much easier!
ReplyDeleteThanks,KN,
Linda
Thank you so much for sharing that! I used to cross-stitch, and often had to do french knots. I only ever wrapped the thread around the needle once. I can see now how it would work so much better wrapping it twice!
ReplyDeleteA very pleasing tutorial. Lovely to see a craftswoman demonstrating an effective technique that looks like second nature to her. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, how simple, I tried with embrodiery thread and was successful. In the past its been hit or miss and now I can come back to this tutorial anytime I get confused. Such technique, thank you!
ReplyDeleteI think that all these years I've been wrapping the thread wrong. How simple that was! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat tutorial! I feel so fortunate to have had the lesson in person at Colorful Stitches last spring! You are a great teacher. Will there be a tutorial on making the flowers?
ReplyDeleteThanks for offering this!
ReplyDeleteMy maternal grandmother embroidered an entire twin-sized bedspread, one that went down to the floor on the sides, entirely, completely with french knots. I have always been amazed at that!
Gerrie in MN
This is great! Makes me want to try to decorate my knitting... :-)
ReplyDeleteMy mother does embroidery but hates French knots. Whenever I visit her I spend an afternoon putting in all the French knots on whatever project she's been working on!
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ReplyDeleteMy grandmother used to call it "ro-co-có".
ReplyDeleteKristin, Thank you so much for sharing - this is great. When are you going to publish another stitchery book!!! We're all waiting!
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