Colonial knot
The Colonial knot is a decorative stitch – one of the surface knots used in hand embroidery. Colonial knots are considered a variation of French knots. The thread is twisted around the needle to form a decorative knot. The colonial knot is a bit tighter and sturdier than the French knot. Also, you will need less thread to make the same amount of Colonial knots, as this stitch uses less floss.
You can read more about the differences between French knots and Colonial knots HERE.
Applications of the Colonial knots:
- You can use it as a substitute for the French knots
- To secure the sequins on the fabric
- As a filler stitch. You can create a fluffy, textural surface with Colonial knots.
- Make single bumps for flower centers
- Candlewicking embroidery (Whitework technique)
More stitches from the Knots family
- French knot
- Pistil stitch
- Bullion knot
Video tutorial
Watch this video tutorial below and learn how to embroider a Colonial knot.
What's next?
Looking for some other stitch? Head to the Stitches and Techniques part of this blog and choose the stitch you want to learn!
N.B. Some of the links may take you to the EasyToMake designs blog. This is my older hand embroidery blog. While I’m dedicating all of my energy to the Practical Embroidery blog, the previous version still has a lot of great content!