French knots

Bring the thread out at the required position, hold the thread down where it emerges with the left thumb and encircle the thread twice with the needle (see A). Still holding the thread firmly with your thumb, twist the needle back to the starting point and insert it close to where the thread first emerged (not in the exact place or it will simply pull back through). Pull the needle through to the back, leaving a small knot on the surface, as shown, or pass on to the position of the next stitch as at B.

Use French knots in these projects:

A Jacobean Gem
Knot a Lot
New England Button Sampler
Summer Shores
A Chorus of Angels
A Bunch of Flowers
Encrusting Calico
Rock Pool
Get the Picture