Colonial Knot

What you will learn

• Figure-eight wrap
• Holding thread tension

Materials and tools

• Embroidery hoop, 5 or 6 in (13 or 15 cm)
• Plain cotton or linen practice fabric
• Embroidery (crewel) needle, size 5 to 7
• Six-strand embroidery floss
• Embroidery scissors
• Water-soluble or heat-erasable marking pen

Before you start

• Put the fabric in the hoop so it is drum-tight.
• Cut 18 in (45 cm) of floss, separate the strands you need, thread the needle and knot one end.

1. Come up where you want the knot.
2. Hold the thread loosely to the left in a backward C shape. Slide the needle point under the thread from left to right, so the thread lies over the needle.
3. With your other hand, take the working thread over the needle tip and then under it, making a figure of eight round the needle.
4. Put the needle point into the fabric one or two threads away from where you came up.
5. Pull the working thread so the figure of eight tightens down onto the fabric.
6. Push the needle through to the back, keeping the thread taut until the knot closes.

Tips for a neat result

• Left-handed stitchers mirror the directions.
• If French knots keep failing, switch to this. It locks itself as it tightens.

Common mistakes and fixes

Check your result

• The knot is round, firm and sits upright.