Colonial Knot Embroidery Tutorial

A colonial knot stitch is a simple hand embroidery stitch that creates a cute little bump.  The stitch is similar to the French knot in appearance but it is worked a bit differently.  

Some people find doing French knots difficult.  I am the exception - I enjoy wrapping the thread around the needle to make a pretty bobble on the fabric.  But recently I decided to try the Colonial knot and discovered it to be quicker and easier to work than the French knot.  Let me tell you about and teach you how to make the Colonial knot.

The colonial knot is a colonial technique attributed to the early women settlers.  With limited supplies, these women used what they had to create a homey atmosphere for their family - unbleached muslin, a needle and thick candle wick cotton were all that was necessary.   

Even though this candle wick cotton was available, it was costly and in limited supply.  Because of this, the hand embroidery technique called candlewicking emerged that used colonial knots sewn closely together to create outlines. 

Learn how to make the colonial knot by watching our video or keep reading this post for a photo tutorial with step-by-step instructions.

When to use the colonial knot?

• French Knot Substitute
• Candlewicking Embroidery
• Secure Sequins to  Project
• Single Bumps for Flower Centers
• Background Filler Stitch

Every embroiderer should know a variety of stitches.  Our hand embroidery stitch guide has tutorials for newbie and skilled embroiderer.  

What type of thread can be used?

• Embroidery Floss
• Pearl Cotton
• Yarn

what supplies are needed?

• Fabric
• Thread or Yarn
• Embroidery Hoop
• Embroidery Needle or Tapestry
• Scissor

how to make a colonial knot:

Our video tutorial also shows how to make this stitch if you are left-handed.

fabric and needle prep

Place the fabric in the embroidery hoop and stretch so there are no wrinkles.  Thread a needle.  If using two strands of floss, consider using the Loop Method for Anchoring Floss to begin your floss neatly.

What is the best type of needle to use for Colonial Knots?

The needle should match the fabric and thread thickness.  However, I recommend using a sharp (not blunt) needle with a narrow eye.  The eye of the needle should be about the same size as the shaft of the needle.  This type of needle will help the thread pull through the knot more easily.

Bring the threaded needle up from the back of the fabric where you want the place the Colonial knot.

needle position

Hold the thread downward with your left hand.  With the needle parallel to your thread, bring the needle to the left side of the thread.

slide needle

Slide the needle under the thread toward the right.  The thread will now lie over and under the needle.

figure 8

Then, wrap the working end of the thread up over the needle and then under the needle creating a figure 8 shape.

tighten knot

Pull the working end of the thread to tighten the knot around the needle and slide the knot down the needle close to the tip.

leave a space

Insert the point of the needle into the fabric next to the place where it first emerged (NOT IN THE SAME HOLE).

IMPORTANT! Inserting the needle in the same hole is one of the biggest mistakes made when creating the French and Colonial knots.  This could cause the knot to pull to the back of the fabric.

tension

As you insert the needle into the fabric, keep the working thread and knot taut by holding the working thread with your thumb on the fabric surface and pointer finger underneath the fabric about a 1/2" to the left of where the needle is being inserted.

holding working thread

Keep gentle tension on the working thread as you pull the needle and thread through the knot.  Keep tension on the working thread until the last possible moment. 

finished knot

Once all the thread is through the knot, the colonial knot is finished.

How to make Bigger Colonial Knots?

If you want your Colonial knot larger, you can vary the size using more floss or thicker thread.

To end the floss and keep the back of the project looking neat, use the no-knot method.

Are you interest in trying candlewicking?  Check out our free candlewicking patterns and projects page.

Five Advantages of Colonial Knot vs French Knot?

1.  Colonial Knot is more rounded
2.  It stands higher off the fabric
3.  It is sturdier and more compact
4. Less likely to come undone
5. Holds up to heavy use and washing

I hope you try the Colonial knot.   If you have any questions, please ask, and we'll answer them in the Contact Us section. 

Happy Stitching!

MORE HAND EMBROIDERY STITCH TUTORIALS

• Feather Stitch
• Herringbone Stitch
• Smyrna Stitch a.k.a Double Cross Stitch/Snowflake Stitch
• Chevron Stitch Tutorial
• Lazy Daisy Stitch