How to Create a French Knot Design on a Pillow

Wake up a plain white pillow by stitching on French knots. The editors at HGTV Magazine make it easy with this step-by-step DIY.
White Pillow with French Knot Design

French Knot Design on a Pillow

Wake up a plain white pillow by stitching on French knots.

Photo by: Thomas Liggett

Thomas Liggett

By: Jessica Dodell-Feder

Materials Needed:

  • disappearing-ink pen
  • drinking glass
  • embroidery needle
  • embroidery thread

Step 1

Use the pen to trace around the mouth of a drinking glass in the center of the pillowcase. Then use the pen to freehand concentric circles around it.

Tracing Pattern for French Knot Design

French Knot Step 1

Use the pen to trace around the mouth of a drinking glass in the center of the pillowcase. Then use the pen to freehand concentric circles around it.

Photo by: Philip Friedman/Studio D

Philip Friedman/Studio D

Step 2

Thread an embroidery needle with embroidery yarn, and knot the end. Stick the needle and yarn inside the case. Starting with the smallest circle, pierce the fabric from underneath and pull the thread through.

Pulling Thread for French Knot

French Knot Step 2

Thread an embroidery needle with embroidery yarn, and knot the end. Stick the needle and yarn inside the case. Starting with the smallest circle, pierce the fabric from underneath and pull the thread through.

Photo by: Philip Friedman/Studio D

Philip Friedman/Studio D

Step 3

Holding the needle, pinch the yarn a few inches above the fabric with your free hand.

Stretching Yarn for French Knot

French Knot Step 3

Holding the needle, pinch the yarn a few inches above the fabric with your free hand.

Photo by: Philip Friedman/Studio D

Philip Friedman/Studio D

Step 4

Tightly wind the yarn below your fingers around the needle three times.

Creating Loop of French Knot

French Knot Step 4

Tightly wind the yarn below your fingers around the needle three times.

Photo by: Philip Friedman/Studio D

Philip Friedman/Studio D

Step 5

Insert half of the needle through the fabric, next to the original hole. Pull the remaining loop of yarn (the part you didn’t wrap around the needle) taut.

Pulling Loop of French Knot

French Knot Step 5

Insert half of the needle through the fabric, next to the original hole. Pull the remaining loop of yarn (the part you didn’t wrap around the needle) taut.

Photo by: Philip Friedman/Studio D

Philip Friedman/Studio D

Step 6

Pull the needle through to create a knot.

Creating Knot with Needle

French Knot Step 6

Pull the needle through to create a knot.

Photo by: Philip Friedman/Studio D

Philip Friedman/Studio D

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