Also known as: Ghiordes knot
This is a very interesting stitch which can be used in many ways to create different effects, like make ‘hairy’ fillings or rug like edgings.
I would work over a straight stitch line. You can also try the edge of a fabric to create this stitch.
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| Fig 1: To begin, do not knot the thread ending as we would normally. Like in the illustration, put the needle in through A. Leave a length of thread. Now, bring out the needle through B, in through C and again out through A. The point A lies in the middle of B-C. | Fig 2: Now, take the needle in through D and out through C. The point C lies in the middle of A-D. Make sure you do not pull the thread looping between A-D is pulled through completely, but left as a loop. | |
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| Fig 3: Now, continue this process, each time leaving a loop of thread. Try to keep all the loops of the same length. | Fig 4: A finished row of this stitch would look like this. This adds nice finishing touch when the loops fall free out of the edgings. | |
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Fig 5: You can bring out a different effect by cutting these loops in the middle leaving the threads to hang open. The closer the stitches, the denser it will look.
You can also do fillings by doing rows of closely stiched turkey rug knots to cover the inside of the pattern. Later, cut the loops and trim it to desired length. This gives a ‘velvety or hairy effect to the pattern fillings. |
Tags: embroidery, ghiorders knot, hand embroidery tutorials, knots, turkey rug knot
Hello,
I can’t thank you enough for your website. It is the site I’ve been looking for. So many beautiful stitches so beautifully and thoughtfully photographed and easy to understand. This is a very valuable resource for me.
Please don’t think me greedy and ungrateful if I ask you for help in understanding the steps to embroidery using a tambour hook. I’m interested in doing it as it’s done in the east. Right side up. Not from underneath, I want to work with the needle on top and thread and or beads and sequins on the surface of the piece not with the beads and stitching being attached from under the work.
Do you have instructions for this or can you direct me to a tutorial?
Thank-you again,
Cheryl
I just recently started embroidery. I have completed a few projects using a handful of basic stitches my grandmother taught me when I was young.
After searching many sites for stitch guides and tutorials I stumbled across your page. I’m so happy I did. Your tutorials are by far the most informative and your step by step photos are great. Thank you so much for sharing this information and your work is beautiful.
I believe my next project will be a series of samplers using your stitch families as a guide. Now I just need to sketch out my idea and start stitching.
Yesterday I learned and used the turkey rug knot for my newest mixed media doll. Thanks for your great tutorial!
(I’m writing from El Salvador in Central America, but my flag is not displayin properly)
Maria, great dolls – would love to see more! I’ve corrected the flag, it was an error due to a plugin. Sarah will reply to your comments.
Thanks, Rocksea. Now I see my country flag.
You can take a look at my dolls here:
http://gineceoblog.wordpress.com
Dear Maria,
I cannot tell you how wonderful your dolls are. What lovely creations and such nice way to use embrodiery. It is nice to know that you have used our tutorials to learn some of the stitches and thanks for sharing them as it makes great examples and inspires many other craft enthusisats.
Thank you, Sarah, for your tutorials and for keeping this website. And thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment there. I’m glad you like my dolls.
[...] en Hana aprendí una a hacer una orilla con “pelitos” usando el nudo turco de alfombra (turkey rug knot). Este añade otro acabado al delantal de esta chica [...]