*%$@& French Knots!

[Kareesh]

Okay, so I've been cross stitching for some time, but I've always had huuuuge problems with French Knots. They are the bane of my cross stitching existence. Seriously! Either they come out waaaaay too big or so small they slip through the fabric. I've read tons of things online and I still can't get them to look right.

So, I guess what I'm asking is if anyone's ever had problems with French knots and/or how one has worked through the French knots to make them look right.

[Stardrifter]

oh french knots

also the bane of my existence, until i saw this video http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 8480882240#

now they're only partially the bane of my existence, lol XD
seriously tho, this video really helped me with them

[DMLC]

I practiced on a scrap piece of material (not Aida) until I managed to do it. It is less frustrating!!
You will get it eventually... you will just have to do it over and over until you figure things out.
Once your able to do it on material use a scrap piece of Aida and start the process again.
I also use a sharp needle too-- not a blunt cross stitch needle!

Here a photo step by step!!
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=109583.0

[Huskyteer]

I never did master French knots. I found this page of useful cheats, and now I do the colonial knot instead:
http://crossstitch.about.com/od/frenchk ... frknot.htm

[RockstarGirl]

I hate French Knots with the passion of a thousand fiery suns. I think that's one thing that appeals to me so much about sprite stitching, it's all whole stitches, with no quarter stitches or french knots or any of that stuff that makes me nuts.

That being said, if I end up doing a project that needs French Knots, I make my mom do them

[tnitnetny]

I never had a problem with french knots, but it is probably because of my mother. When I was 8 years old and learning to cross stitch she would have me make these little angel ornaments with "stars" all around. I would sit and do damned french knots over and over. She told me when I was older she wanted me to master the technique when I was a kid and not so easily frustrated.

[predawn]

I have yet to master them, but I hate them with intense passion. I agree with DMLC, practice on scrap Aida before doing them on the final thing. And just try to have patience. XD

[blackberrybear]

I have issues trying to get the thread to knot up. The only times it wants to knot is when I don't want it to

[RockstarGirl]

I have issues trying to get the thread to knot up. The only times it wants to knot is when I don't want it to

I'm right there with you... I can manage to tie knots all over the front and back of my project accidentally, but when it comes to trying to make French knots, the thread is just like "Well, I'm not gonna."