Knotted Stitch Embroidery Techniques

KNOT STITCH (k st): Having one loop on the needle, draw it out to the length of 3 ch, thread over the needle and draw through, making an ordinary chain stitch, drawn out to three times its normal length. Then put the needle under that one of the 3 threads of the long loop which seems to lie by itself, draw the thread through and make a single stitch. This is the knot stitch.

It is usually worked by making two, then fastening to the previous row by a single stitch unless the row was knot stitch, in which case work one single stitch each side of the single stitch between the two long loops or knot stitches.

A knotted stitch is any embroidery technique in which the yarn or thread is knotted around itself. The knot is a simple technique, combining Crochet Chain with Single Crochet (US) and is ideal for both beginners and more advanced crocheters looking to learn a new technique. There are many different ways of forming this stitch - however this is the way that I find easiest.

Solomon’s Knot (also known as Lovers Knot) is an extremely versatile crochet stitch, with the finished effect belying the simplicity of the stitch. It is a traditional knot stitch which appears in many vintage and antique patterns, however works very well with contemporary crochet.

How to do the Knot Stitch: Starting with one loop on the hook, draw this loop out to the desired length, thread over the hook and draw through (as you would if you were making an ordinary chain stitch), but with the single back thread kept the same length as the first long loop, keeping the single back thread of the long chain separate from the two front threads. Next, insert the hook under this single back thread. Wrap the thread over the hook again and draw a loop through. Wrap again and draw through both loops on the hook.

When crocheting further rows of knot stitch, you will work back into the ‘knots’ between the long loops.