Colonial Knot


Colonial Knot is also known as

Figure 8 Knot [EN], Nudo Colonial [ES], Noeud Colonial [FR], Kolonialknotenstich [DE],  Punto Coloniale [IT], Ponto Nó Colonial [PT].


About the Colonial Knot

The Colonial Knot looks pretty much like the French Knot but has a higher profile, which means, it looks more prominent. Also, while we wrap around twice in the same direction for the French Knot, we wrap around in an ‘8’ shape to make the Colonial Knot. To do this stitch, the awareness of the French Knot is good. This will help us to be clear about the difference between both. In my experience, I have found the Colonial Knot much enjoyable to do. The trick is in understanding and getting your hands used to using the needle to guide the thread to do the first half of the wrap.


How to do the Colonial Knot

Fig 1: Bring the needle out through the fabric. Now make a little hunch or a twist with the thread as shown in the illustration.Fig 2: Now, put the needle in through the ‘hunch’ that was made.
Fig 3: Wrap the thread around in the other direction of the ‘hunch’ so as to form a sort of ‘8’.Fig 4: Pull the longer end of the thread to tighten the wrap around the needle and hold it pulled.
Fig 5: Now, draw back the needle and put it in through a point near where it had emerged earlier. Make sure the thread is held pulled while doing this so that the wrap does not loosen or fall out of the needle.Fig 6: The finished Colonial Knot will look like this.

Related Projects

Do you want to know where and how to use this stitch? Check out the projects below and learn more. Make something beautiful today!

Flower Embroidery

Learn to do Colonial Knots in 2 minutes!


Use this stitch on a pattern

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Related Stitches from the Knot Stitch Family

33 Responses

  1. Susan Kimmet says:

    Your explanations and photos are wonderful. Thanks.

  2. D
    Diane Kent says:

    Many years ago, early 80’s, the counted cross stitch took over all craft projects for all the people I worked with. We shared patterns and stuff. A short time after that there was another stitching craze which involved ecru colored material and ecru thread using knots for the stitch. Does anyone remember what type of craft it was? I am wanting to get back to that craft because my eyes are not as good as they need to be for counted cross stitch. Thanks for your time and any help would be greatly appreciated.

  3. s
    sumita bhagat says:

    You always explain the working of a stitch beautiful. I always recommend you in Only hand Embroidery.

  4. J
    Josie says:

    Thank you for showing me how to do the colonial french knot, and it looks like it is easy to do, once you figure it out.

    Josie

  5. a
    andrea says:

    i wanted to embelish a quilt using nots is it still washable?

  6. T
    Thia says:

    Hi Sarah…
    I have a project that I could use some help on. I have a crocheted blanket with a cotton backing added to the back. I’d like to “attach” the crochet part to the cotton in order to hold it together. I was thinking in the center of the circle- or the triangles. I’ve tried french knots, but they aren’t large enough. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

  7. K
    Kristen says:

    Love your website! These tutorials are amazing. Clear pictures and instructions. Also love how you provide alternate names for the stitches and how you’ve grouped them. I have you bookmarked and am referencing the tutorials daily now that I’m trying to tinker with embroidery. You make it so much easier for us beginners! Your hard work is much appreciated. Good luck with completing your e-book:)

  8. A
    Amber says:

    Thank you so much for this tutorial! I have such a hard time with regular french knots, this really helped me!

  9. s
    sleepinghorse says:

    Thank you so much for your clear instructions. Now I have lazy daisies on my baby cardigan 🙂

  10. C
    Cece says:

    Perfect instructions! I learned this knot years ago but needed a refresher. Your instructions and photo were just what I needed. I’ ll bookmark this page and come back whenever I need to learn or re-learn a stitch.

  11. m
    mslmg says:

    I LOVE this one. I’m going to use this stitch over and over again. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

  12. F
    Fatma says:

    I love your lessons ! they are explained very well
    thanks alot

  13. m
    maham says:

    i finnd this one much neater and easier than french not 🙂

  14. s
    sima says:

    whre this colonial knot is used?

    • sarah says:

      Hello Sima,
      You can use colonial knots to make little flower petals or the centre of the flowers. you can also gather them up for small fillings. I hope this answers. 🙂

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