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Have You Ever Used a Colonial Knot?

December 6, 2024 by Sarah White

I’ll admit there are a lot of things I don’t know when it comes to cross stitch techniques, but it’s not often that I come across a term I’ve never heard of before.

It happened recently when I found a post at Fab Reilly all about decorative knots, specifically comparing French knots to colonial knots.

Of course I know what a French knot is; I’ve made tons of them and even wrote a post about how to make French knots and comparing the look using different numbers of strands of thread and different numbers of turns around the needle.

The colonial knot has a similar look but it’s done in a different way, by twisting the thread around the needle in a figure 8 rather than just wrapping it around the needle. I don’t know why they are called colonial knots.

In their side by side comparison, French knots and colonial knots look pretty much the same, but the colonial knot maybe is a little nicer looking because the threads lie a little flatter. Once you get the hang of it you might find colonial knots easier to make, and you can use them interchangeably when a project calls for a decorative knot.

The Fab Reilly post has a step by step photo tutorial on how to do colonial knots, as well as a video if that helps you learn. Of course now that I know it exists there are tons of tutorials out there I just had never seen before.

This is definitely a technique I’m going to have to try and see if I like it better than standard French knots. (I actually think making French knots is kind of fun.)

Have you ever done this method of knot making before? Do you prefer French knots or colonial knots? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

[Photo: Fab Reilly]

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Designer Spotlight: Flossy Fox Shop

If you like your cross stitch designs full of color and with a bit of an 8-bit video game feel, you’ll want to check out Flossy Fox Shop. This Etsy seller based in Washington state specializes in fantasy creatures, cozy witch scenes, magic and myths, as well as other designs that are sure to delight. 

I know that shop category “cozy witch scenes” caught my attention, so let’s take a look. It’s mostly sampler style designs with lots of little elements, and some are specifically parts of the house like a cozy with kitchen or library. The one shown here is called Bats and Bells, Tea and Spells, and it includes a table in front of a window with plenty of fun creatures like a fox, crow, dragon and cat. 

On the wall there are swords and an axe, and maybe also some drying herbs and a teapot. The design is 82 by 77 stitches and uses 22 colors. On 14 count fabric it comes out to 5.9 by 5.5 inches, or almost 15 by 14 cm. 

The largest category is myths and magic, which includes cryptids, dragons, mermaids, kitsune and other fanciful creatures. Another large group is animals and nature, which is heavy on cats and corgis, as well as foxes.

There’s also a handful of cute bookmarks, some Christmas designs, and a few cute video game inspired designs. They also have a few stitchalongs if that’s something you enjoy. 

These projects are colorful, cute and whimsical, and look like they would be a lot of fun to stitch if you like this style. 

The shop also includes some cute needle minders and washi tape in a similar style if you want to coordinate your stitching. 

Check out all the cuteness at Flossy Fox Shop, and if you stitch up one of their patterns I’d love to hear about it!

[Photo: Flossy Fox Shop]

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