Knotted Cretan Stitch
Knotted Cretan Stitch is a decorative variation of the basic Cretan Stitch. To embroider this stitch, you will need to add an extra step to the technique – add a knot on each spine of the stitch.
On the reverse side, this technique appears identical to the regular Cretan stitch.
Applications of Knotted Cretan Stitch
This hand embroidery stitch is a more textured and decorative cousin of the Cretan Stitch. You can use it in botanical embroideries for branches and twigs, embroider decorative borders with this technique, or use it in your crazy quilting projects.
The Knotted Cretan Stitch takes curves well and can be stitched in a circular pattern. Besides that, you can use this embroidery technique for textural filling. Place the rows of Knotted Cretan Stitch close to each other and enjoy the texture and pattern.
More stitches from the Cretan Stitch family
Learn how to embroider Knotted Cretan Stitch
Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Knotted Cretan Stitch quickly. If you are a visual learner, watch a video lesson in the tutorial or on the Practical Embroidery YouTube channel to learn this hand embroidery stitch faster.
How to embroider Knotted Cretan Stitch
Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial
1. Mark four parallel lines for guidance. Take the needle to the surface on the third line and make a stitch to the first line.
2. Come up on the second line, inside the loop of the working thread. This will form the first spine of our Knotted Cretan Stitch.
3. Pass the needle under the stitch from left to right and inside the loop. Pull the thread to close the knot.
4. Make a stitch down to the fourth line.
5. Push the needle up on the third line and form the second spine of the stitch.
6. Create a second knot. Pass the needle under the stitch and inside the loop.
7. Make the next spine, then add a knot on top of it.
8. After the final Knotted Cretan stitch is made, push the needle to the back side of the fabric and secure the thread.
Video tutorial
Tools and materials I used for this sampler
Disclaimer. To cover the cost of creating free embroidery patterns and video tutorials for this blog, I do sometimes link to products. Please assume these links are affiliate links. If you choose to buy through my links then THANK YOU – it will make it possible for me to keep doing this.
What’s next?
If you’re in the mood to explore more hand embroidery stitches, check out the Stitches and Techniques page for the list of other fantastic stitches available on my blog. From timeless classics to modern twists, a whole world of stitches is waiting for you to explore and master. So, grab your hoop and needle, and let’s stitch our way to creative bliss!
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Need More Guidance?
The top 10 hand embroidery stitches to learn is a free online course created for beginners.
