The French Knot

How bad have I been? I've finished my cancer treatment but not the sampler I started when the cancer was discovered, it is my dedication to my illness.

Samplers (old ones), are usually morbid and a tribute to a relative or friend who has passed on. They were started with children between the ages of 7 to 15 either because the child was sick with polio, or the general family felt the child needed to learn the stitches.

I've created a few but this is the first I've done for myself.

 This is going to be a large tree, the french knots are a after thought because I felt the sampler was looking pretty plain. The apple tree was born!
The first photo shows how to start a french knot, pick a spot where you want the knot to be and draw the needle/thread up from beneath.

 Then...holding the tread in your non dominating hand, wrap the thread around the needle starting at where it comes out of the fabric. I find 3 wraps are good. The more the wraps the larger the knot.

 Holding the tread taut, re-stitch near the area of entrance for your floss.

 You can see where the created loop makes the knot.

 Who ever thought this technique up is a pure genius!

The effects are stunning. C&G Design

Words and photos by Dawn, C&G Design.