If you’re a seasoned cross-stitcher or embroidery enthusiast, you’ve probably encountered that one stitch that feels more like an enemy than a technique. You know the one. The stitch that, despite your best efforts, seems to haunt every project you take on. For many of our customers at Lizzy B’s, that stitch is none other than the infamous French knot. And, closely trailing behind, is the dreaded backstitch.
So, let’s dive into why these stitches have earned such a notorious reputation—and maybe share a few ways to make peace with them.
The French Knot: A Knotty (naughty?) Little Problem
Ah, the French knot. It looks so innocent on paper, doesn’t it? A tiny little knot, adding texture and flair to your stitching. But as many of you have shared with me over the years, it’s often more of a nightmare than a neat embellishment.
Why the hate? For starters, French knots require precision; your tension, the number of wraps around the needle, and the placement all need to align perfectly. It’s easy to pull too much or too little, leading to a knot that’s either too tight or too loose. And let’s not forget how frustrating it is when they unravel or look lopsided.
Many of our customers have come in to purchase beads instead of threads for French knots, which is a fantastic alternative. Beads are easy to stitch through and provide a more predictable finish. Plus, they add a nice, smooth texture to your piece and I’m a fan of anything shiny.
Backstitch: A Stitch of Precision
Now, let’s talk about backstitching. While it’s often used to outline designs and create fine details, it’s also the cause of many cross-stitching headaches. If you’re working on a piece with intricate lines or borders, the backstitch seems to get under your skin.
The most common complaints? Getting the stitches to stay straight and uniform. And don’t even get me started on how annoying it is when you accidentally miscount and have to frog all your hard work. I think the main reason, though, might be because backstitching often feels like the endless final step when you’re eager to be done with a project. It’s like the stitch that never ends!
But, when done correctly, backstitching can make your design pop and bring your piece to life. So, while it might not be your favourite stitch, it really does help give a polished, finished look.
Tips to Tame Your Arch-Nemeses
If you’re struggling with French knots or backstitching, here are some tips to make them a bit more manageable:
- For French Knots:
- If you’re using more than one strand of floss, try pearl cotton instead.
- Use beads instead of knots for a smoother, more predictable result.
- Be patient! French knots are all about practice, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t work out right away.
- For Backstitching:
- Backstitch as you go instead of leaving it all to the end.
- If you’re using more than one strand of floss, try a laying tool to get the threads uniform.
Final Note
French knots and backstitching do have a bad rap, but with a little practice and patience, you can learn to make peace with them. Or, if you’re like many of our customers, you can embrace the bead alternative and avoid the knotting chaos altogether. Whatever you choose, remember that cross-stitch and embroidery are all about enjoying the process—and even the tricky stitches will eventually become part of your creative journey.
What’s the stitch that makes you groan the most? Leave a comment below and let us know! Maybe we can help you conquer your stitching nemesis!
