Looking for some tips on how to work a perfect French knot?

A few years ago when I was teaching hand embroidery in workshops, ladies would often groan when I mentioned French knots. Seems that this stitch can cause some frustration.

The good news is that I am going to share with you some of my tips so that you can work the perfect French knot every time.

A French knot is a raised stitch that was traditionally worked with one wrap (by this I mean with one wrap of the thread around the needle).

They have a textural quality and can be used for a number of different effects. Often they are used in conjunction with other embroidery stitches or they can be worked on their own in different color combinations to form wonderful patterns and pictorial designs.

When working French knots it is important that you select the correct size needle in relation to the number of threads. If you find it difficult to pass your needle down into the fabric ,this indicates that your needle is not large enough. As a general guide a number 9-10 crewel needle is fine to use with 2-3 strands of embroidery thread.

Also keep in mind that a larger knot will look neater worked with more strands of thread rather than more wraps around the needle.

Take a few minutes to watch the video demonstration and then practice this stitch for yourself.

Discover more about how to embroider here.

Until next time.

Warmly,
Lenna
www.stitchingcow.com

For every quilter, there’s a story to tell about how they began quilting, here’s mine…

My name is Mary Stori. I didn’t come from a family of quilters, as a matter of fact, the only sewing experience I had growing up was making that ‘token’ gathered skirt in Junior High. I recall thinking that the end result was ugly, homemade looking and definitely something I never wanted to do again. Time marched on and no one is more surprised than me that quilting has become my career, providing the opportunity to author seven books and a DVD.

Despite being a late bloomer, (this is my third career), I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world presenting workshops, lectures, and meeting wonderful folks everywhere. First I worked for an airline, next I developed a cooking school, but then back surgery necessitated a lifestyle change. My mother-in-law put a needle in my hand while I was recuperating. She wasn’t a quiltmaker, but had always sewed. Living in California, she was influenced by the wearable art movement in her area and began incorporating patchwork into her clothing. It was with her encouragement and help that I make my first little patchwork pillow.

Soon I began making small traditional patchwork quilts. Eventually I discovered the freedom of creating original work and I was hooked! It’s funny, my favorite part of cooking was the garnishing; I loved making those little tomato roses and butter curls. My favorite part of quilting is the embellishing. So now, instead of garnishing food, I embellish quilts! However, the reason I began embellishing was because I didn’t have the proper sewing skills to accomplish what my creative side designed. For instance, instead of taking the time to perfect hand appliquéing a uniform circle for the center of a flower, I’d use a button instead. Attaching found objects to my work provided the fun, funkiness, and personality that I found appealing. Over time, I’ve honed my skills, but I still choose to incorporate embellishments into my work because they help tell my quilt’s story.

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Back stitch is one of the quickest and easiest of embroidery stitches to master. It is predominately used as an outline stitch and is ideal for Redwork embroidery designs.

There are two things to keep in mind when learning to back stitch. One is to aim for an even stitch length. Don’t fuss too much about the length, just find a rhythm that works for you and then be consistent so that your stitches are uniform.

The second important factor that is essential for a quality result is that the stitch is worked so that there are no gaps between stitches. This means that you need to pass the needle back down into the same hole from the previous stitch. Thankfully I have prepared a video demonstration of how this stitch is worked so that you can see exactly what I mean.

On the video I demonstrate two different techniques that you can use to sew this embroidery stitch. My advice is to try both and determine which works best for you.

Discover more about how to embroider here.

Warmly,
Lenna
www.stitchingcow.com