How to make a French knot

Updated November 1, 2026 · 2 min read

A French knot is a small wrap that sits on the surface as a dot. Eyes, flower centres, and seeds use it because a full cross is too big. The knot fails for two reasons: too many wraps, or the needle going back down the same hole.

1. 1

   Use one strand unless the dot should be heavy

   One strand and one wrap is a small dot. One strand and two wraps, or two strands and one wrap, is a larger dot. Three and four wraps become a lump that will not sit. The chart’s dot size is a hint, not a wrap count. Practise on scrap Aida first.

   • Strand counts
2. 2

   Come up where the dot belongs

   The chart marks a dot in a square or on a line. Come up in the hole nearest that mark. Leave the tail held on the back by your finger, or anchor it under a nearby stitch if one exists.

3. 3

   Wrap the working thread

   Hold the floss taut, a few centimetres from the cloth, with the hand that is not holding the needle. Wrap the needle once or twice with that taut thread. The wrap should be snug, not knotted already.

4. 4

   Go down beside the hole

   Slide the wraps down to the fabric. Put the needle in one fabric thread away from the hole you came up through — the next hole, or a pierce just beside it. If you use the same hole, the knot follows the needle to the back. Pull through slowly while you keep the working thread taut until the knot sits.

5. 5

   End it like any other stitch

   One knot does not need a new length if you are placing several nearby. If the next knot is across empty cloth, end under the crosses. Do not carry dark thread under an open face.

6. 6

   Replace it if you hate it

   A single cross, a colonial knot, or a seed bead in the same colour will read as a dot from normal distance. Note the swap on the chart. A missing eye is more obvious than a bead.