This is a really good tutorial on knots. I haven’t done knots in many, many years, so it was a great refresher. I don’t think I have ever done a Palestrina knot and I thought those were just lovely and elegant. Thanks again.
Once again a great video. Thank you for sharing the different kinds of knots. I will definitely be trying the two new ones to me, I’ve never had problems with my French knots. I was an embroider before a cross stitcher. Your videos are so informative and I just learn so much. ❤️❤️👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I enjoyed the different “knotty” instructions. I loved it!! I love learning new techniques. I enjoy the Colonial knot better than the French knot. I suppose it is what you get comfortable with that makes the stitching more enjoyable. I loved the last knot. I had never heard of the Palestrina knot before and I plan on using it in the future. Thank you ever so much.❤️🧵🪡❤️
Jean, thank you so much for this tutorial - and such serendipity! I worked on "America, Land That We Love" this morning, and finished stitching the State of Alaska and set it aside for the back stitching tomorrow. I wasn't happy with the eye of the crab, and was debating I wanted to replace the stitch with a French knot or a seed bead. Lo and behold, I am watching your video for this past weekend. It was like a cartoon light bulb appeared over my head. I ran downstairs, grabbed "ALTWL," replayed your tutorial and replaced the crab's eye with a Palestrina knot. Voila! My little crab now has the "personality" I wanted it to have this morning. Thank you again for these videos and your tutorials. PLEASE keep them coming!!
Very wise words! I have always done French knots, but will happily try the Colonial and Palestrina knots. Your visual aids are wonderful. Thank you so much for continuing to share your knowledge and love of stitching.
Thank you so much! I have been stitching for over 35 years and I love learning new or different stitching techniques! I had never heard of the Palestrina knots and your beading method is wonderful. I will be doing that beading technique on my Mirabilias.
I just recently found your UTube channel and I've got to say, I am so glad I did. You are so extremely informative. Started back on number one and am up to six. Thank you so very much for taking the time to share your knowledge. I have learned so much in just six video's. Can't thank you enough. Thank you.
Hi Jean, firstly, I found your podcasts a short time ago & was so impressed that I have gone back & watched all your videos. I’m a very new cross stitcher, although old, & even though I have been a craft person all my life, I have found cross stitching much harder than I thought I would. In your wonderful videos I have learnt so much , but still, my stitches are way inferior to yours. May I say that your work is just stunning & I thought maybe as I stitch in hand without a hoop, that maybe the reason why my stitches don’t look so good. Now realising that you stitch in hand & your stitches are so perfect has given me inspiration. I also find that counting the squares is the most difficult thing for me & I constantly get it wrong even though I have only ever stitched on Aida 😔. Needless to say I still love it & will certainly be continuing as I can only improve ........... right! Now I would like to ask you your advice on a good embroidery scissor to get. After all these years of sewing & quilting I thought I would like to purchase a good embroidery scissor. So I did some research & decided on the one, only to find that they don’t make them any more. I was after a Dovo 3.5” scissor, but now don’t know what to purchase as there are so many on the market to choose from. Would you please be able to guide me in the right direction perhaps & let me know what your favourites are? I just love all your podcasts & hang on every word you say & wish to thank you for disclosing many of your tips that you have learnt along the way, the one I have got the most success with, is to dampen your floss on a sponge 👏. Many thanks again from a very appreciative viewer in Western Australia. Cheers 😘🥰❤️💕😊😍
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and questions. I was so disappointed when Dovo stopped making embroidery scissors. Here are some suggestions: Gingher, Premax (especially their RingLock style), and Bohin. Look for a fairly short blade with thin, sharp points. And it's important that your fingers fit comfortably!
I just now made my first Palestrina knot/stitch while rewatching your instructions. It's great! I used it for a little mouse nose. I have a seed bead for the eye so I didn't want a knot for the nose. The Palestrina is perfect for giving it some extra heft to stand out a bit. It looked a bit wonky until I did the 4th leg...it does just as you said...pulls the knot over in place. I love this stitch. Thank you! Thank you, too, for putting in time stamps for each stitch/knot. Very helpful for coming back to.
Lovely video. Great tutorials on knots, thank you so much for sharing your techniques. I can't wait to try the Palestrina knot! Have a great week and happy stitching!
Thank you so much....I just did 268 French Knots for a project....I used you teaching video and they looked amazing...thank you so much...please take care and be safe..
Wow, absolutely fabulous topic and the timing could not have been better. I have two bear noses to do in French knots and was debating about leaving them off entirely. Now I am excited to try all the knot variations to see which I like best. I've always hated French knots and now know why, I've been stitching them incorrectly all these years!! Thank you Jean for the ease of how you teach and it's understandable translation to the stitcher.
Thank you for the instructions, so helpful.ni especially appreciate the tip on making a simple cross stitch, like for an eye, stand out a bit. Very nice! I enjoy your videos, Jean!
What a fabulous video! I’m learning so much from you! I’ve never heard of a Palastrina knot before, and the bead technique was also completely new. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us! You’re a great teacher.
I always appreciate your frankness in expressing your opinions. Thank you for the clear demonstrations. I frequently use beads instead of French knots. I’ll have to keep the Palestrina knot in mind for single stitches.
Thank you so much for showing how you do the knots. I always learn the easier way to do things from you!! You are a wonderful teacher. I am glad you talked about needles as well. I use a 26 but I plan to buy some 28 to try them. Like you said, try it and see. I always use John James and I really like them. Thank you again and I look forward to your next podcast.
Oh such an interesting video and I'm off to try the palestrina stitch. The splitting of the thread on bead is also a grand tip. So nice to watch and learn. Many thanks and I hope you have a wonderful time on your trips.
Jean, thank you so much for your wonderful tutorials. I would never learned so much without them. I have only been cross stitching for a year and I’m so glad I came across your channel. I agree with your philosophy to use best practice and I know I am learning with the best! You mentioned having some Zoom meetings for the Roxie participants and am very much looking forward to that since I don’t know anyone else who does cross stitch. Again, thank you for all you do for our stitching community.
I really like the demo on the Palestrina know and I hope to use it in future projects. I could see it being pretty to stitch a bee hive, a roof, or even a pineapple. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Jean, I have struggled with french knots for as long as I can remember and have never liked my bead work but thanks to your lesson today, I feel more comfortable with both. Thank you for your time and love of the art.
Thanks for sharing your knot knowledge, 2 ways I didn't know about but will be practicing. Beading trick was new to me too, always told to just make complete cross stitch through each bead your way is easier. Keep on stitchin' on. ✂🧵💜
Hello, Jean! Simply wonderful video, as usual. I really appreciate how you took the time to show us the difference between the knots, and also how to attach a bead. The needle 🪡 information was also spot-on, and most appreciated. I wish I was in a position to go along on the National Parks trip, but it’s not to be. I know y’all will have a wonderful time, though! ☺️ Thanks again for your calm spirit, and excellent presentation skills. Have a very blessed week! Meline
My older granddaughter saw a cross stitch of mine with people and critters and she said “They're all dead!” referring to the cross stitch eyes. I will have to try the Palestrina Knot. 😆
When you were looking for a lady like term I said out loud "nonsense" not one second later you said nonsense. LOL I can not thank you enough for sharing your knowledge on all subjects Cross Stitch! You keep saying whatever you want!
Thank you Jean so much for this video it has made French knots less frightening but I really do love the Colonial knot which I hadn't heard of until now. Also the beading, well just marvellous, I am doing a cross stitch at the moment of a Geisha which has both knots and beading so this video is going to be well used for my next project. Take care and keep safe. Look forward to seeing you soon.🙋
Thank you for this video. Finally, I feel like I can master the french and colonial knots. I really did like the look of the Palestrina knot. I can see as you suggested how it would really stand out in certain places on your stitching. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Hi Jean, Thanks for the knot tutorials- they were very clear and precise. I love your teaching style. I really liked the palestrina knot and am going to try it soon!
Thanks so very much Jean for this tutorial. So many people seem to think the Colonial knot is easier than the French knot!!! Not me...I will definitely have to practice the Colonial. The French comes easy. Maybe because I learned embroidery before cross stitch. I can’t wait to find a place to use the Palastrina knot/stitch. It looks beautiful. I have a Joan Elliott piece that only needs the beads and kreinik. I have been putting it off but now I feel confident to do the beads!!! Thank you and take care 💜🪡🧵
Great info! Thank you so much. I agree with you on mis-information these days. As I watch more videos and see more groups on Facebook, it is apparent that people like to put their own spin on things. I think sometimes that someone works out how to do something that works for them, and all of a sudden it's the gospel truth for everyone, and an attitude of "you should be doing this" suddenly becomes their new technique. Your trips sound fantastic! I'm so glad that you are here each week to promote our beautiful hobby. Happy stitching.
I already know where I'll put palestrina knots, thank you! For us lefties, I think the stitch leg that is wrapped is the usual first leg, bottom left to top right.
Thank you for another great video! I have ben using Colonial knots for a number of years because my French knots either don’t hold or are never the right size. I especially like your idea of using a Palestrina knot for an ‘eye’ or ‘berry’. Thanks again!
Great info I have never seen the Palestrina knot I can see where this would come in handy. I have always despised fr. knots I have used colonial but great to see all. Thanks for all your handy tips and expertise.
Once again I so enjoyed your video. Thank You! I learned my french knots as a little girl and remember the struggle and yet still so love embroidery! It is now fun to learn them on yet a different canvas. Thank you for the beading tutorial as I will be tackling some projects with those in the near future. Thank you for promoting this art form!
Just bought the Roxie pattern and have ordered the threads. Very much looking forward to learning some new stitches. Thanks for your wonderful tutorial, you make it look so easy!
Thank you Jean for another informative video. This explains why I can manage French knots easier in my crewel work than counted thread work. What a great tip for securing the bead. May I ask an unrelated question, I am still loving 28 even weave but I have a very large area of a black Raven to do and I can see the background fabric showing through. At the moment I am stitching 2 over 2 is there a way to make the stitching area more dense? ( sorry not very good English) The design called for 30 count but I was unable to source that here in the UK Thank you in advance. Stay safe and well.
If you are using DMC floss, I hear from multiple sources that black (310) floss seems thinner than other DMC colors. I no longer stitch with DMC so I can't confirm this observation. So, one alternative would be to use another brand of floss like Anchor or Cosmo or perhaps using flower thread for that area. The next question is, are your two strands lying parallel to each other on both legs of each cross? If not, that can contribute to seeing more of the background fabric. Finally, when you step away from the project and view it from the distance you will see it when finished, does the amount of background fabric bother you? For me, seeing a bit of the linen creates sort of a tweed effect and adds texture to what would be unrelieved black. I hope this helps!
Hi Jean :) Thank you so much for this video. I always struggle with French knots which I'm pretty sure has a lot to do with my tension from stitching in hand. I had heard that the Colonial knots were easier but wasn't sure how to do them. I can't wait to start practicing them. I'm also very excited to try the Palestrina knot as well. I had never heard of that one before. I'm currently hosting Zoom Stitch Togethers for folks who are stitching any of the Hawk Run Hollow charts and I thought the way I've been getting participants email addresses might be useful for you with your Stitch Along. I created a Google Form that I link in the show notes for a few weeks preceding the date. Participants who are interested in joining fill it out and then I email them the link the day before. I hope that was helpful ~ Pam
Thank you once again for a great tutorial video! You can never have too many tutorials on knots! Thanks for the info on needles as well. Can you just explain what the numbers mean? Is a size 24 needle thicker than a size 26 or 28, or is the number referring to the size of the eye? If it is referring to the size of the eye, does that mean a 26 is narrower than a 24? Thanks! I never understood what the numbers on needles meant!
Thank you for teaching the knotty information and beading technique. It really gives me peace of mind learning best practices and then adjusting my own stitching accordingly. I am loving working on Roxy and the videos are exemplary, outstanding, I can’t say enough good things about the SAL. I’m so glad I joined in on the fun. Do you mind if I ask, what characteristics make a needle poor quality? When I’m stitching with a needle 🪡 what things should I be watching out for? Thanks in advance, Blessings, 🙋♀️
Good question! The needle brand I didn't name has a very rough eye and is known to actually fray or cut through the floss. If the finish rubs off easily (when you don't have that experience with other brands) that would indicate poor quality, too.
Hi Jean. Wonderful tutorial! I have a couple of questions that you may have covered in previous videos. The first question is regarding the tent stitch. I'm confused as to when and why you use it. My other question is regarding the pin stitch. I've seen multiple ways of doing it but don't know which is best--or maybe the answer is it depends...lol. Thanks for your time.
The tent stitch is what I call an umbrella term because it covers three different stitches: half cross, basketweave, and continental. They all look the same on the face of the fabric but are executed in very different manners and so they look entirely different on the back. The term is usually associated with needlepoint rather than cross stitch but I am seeing it more and more in cross stitch groups. I've been wondering why that is.
Thanks so much for the knotty lesson. 2 comments and a question: I had never heard of a Palestrina knot but will be trying it - it seems perfect for the use you described. I thought a colonial knot was something completely different - a multi wrap longer knot. Question: I wrap my French knots the opposite way, away from me rather than towards me as you did. Is that an issue? I will also try the beads over one thread rather than 2. That makes a lot of sense, although I usually cross the second leg through the bead rather than around it. Thanks again.
I would apply the bead "over one" when it is taking the place of a French knot and "over two" when it is taking the place of a cross stitch. If wrapping the thread in the other direction works for you, then that's the way to do it!
I appreciate you sharing your knowledge very much! As a beginner stitcher it is so valuable! Would love to join one of your SAL zooms sometime. I just don’t feel like I can keep up just yet.
Hi Jean, thank you so much for sharing everything you do. My question is, since I am originally from the west and have traveled through the southwest including the National Parks. Is there any chance that you will sell your Buffalo pattern at a later date after the trip? Also, an amazing Native American cultural landmark I would recommend is “Sky City” in New Mexico, Home of the Acoma Indians. I believe it is the only place where natives have continuously lived since it was established. Thank you again for sharing with us. P.S. My daughter and I tried Hannah’s cookie Recipe. Yum!
Yes, I plan to offer "The Bison & the Elk" later this fall. Thanks for the suggestion ... and I'm so happy to pass on Hannah's recipe to yet another family!
15:20 Question.... I’m a bottom left to top right stitcher. With this said, on the Palestrina knot is it a MUST that you start in bottom right to top left? With this change of stitch direction, if you take the piece for judging, they would know that you started your stitch in the opposite hole of your original cross stitches. Can you explain more. Thank you
Hi Jean. Thank you so much for the wonderful tutorial. I had never heard of the Palestrina knot and can see that stitch as coming in very usual for those 1 stitch ninja stitches that are used so often for berries, etc. I have a question regarding needles...I keep hearing that you should be using a new needle for each project. Do you subscribe to this practice? My favorite needle is the ball-tip needle which I usually use a size 28 as they are shorter and I am able to use more of the floss, although do go up to a 26 if using 14 Aida as I have problems with the 28 falling out of the hole before I can grab it from the top (I am a poke and stab cross-stitcher). As the ball-tips are fairly expensive, I generally do not use a new needle as they usually run about $4 a piece. Generally the only time I switch is if I get a bur on the needle or if it becomes too bent to work with, but am looking forward to hearing your feelings on this. Thank you, as always, for your time and knowledge.
Hi Jean, I have only ever used the tapestry needles produced by (That company) because they were the only brand offered in our stores. Could you elaborate a bit and explain "exactly what should someone look for in a high quality needle?" I don't know any different because these have been all I've ever used. I did some research online and did find "John James", "Organ" , and a few other brands. I ordered some from John James, but would like to hear more about what exactly makes for a Great tapestry needle for cross stitch. Thank you.
That's a good question. I need to think about my answer ... there may be more to add ... but off the top of my head, a good needle has an eye that is smooth and doesn't cause the thread to abrade and the finish should remain intact.
It all depends on the situation but basically, I rely on the standard ways: away waste knot, buried waste knot, loop method, or securing the tail under nearby existing stitches.
Thank you for this most enjoyable and informative Flosstube! I was wondering if you will be selling your chart from the bus tour separately? I I did a tour similarly a few years ago and it would be lovely to stitch this. Thanks C. Robin
Thank you so much for this clear explanation of knots. Tech question... I use the loop method to start and sometimes although not always, find that I end up with 1 end shorter than the other - occasionally by as much as an inch, Is this because I am stitching unevenly or is it purely a matter of 1 strand travelling father around the bends than the other. My stitches are pretty even as a rule.
I used to think that unevenness at the end of a floss run was an indicator that I was doing something wrong. I pay a LOT of attention to keeping my two strands parallel to each other and 99% of the time my two strands are an inch or so off. It's a mystery ... your traveling around the bend theory works for me!
Love your tutorials very easy to follow. I have a question on thread for Roxie, I have most of the threads but I am having trouble locating some of the colors, how do you feel about using some of the called for and mixing in DMC threads in?
Great video. So informative! How do you secure the orphan knots or beads on the back when done? If stitching with 2 threads, do you use two threads in the needle to make the Palestrina or just one thread? Wow! I was doing pretty much everything wrong with those french knots....I thought it was supposed to go in and out of same hole, I tried to fatten them up by wrapping and wrapping and wrapping ...😂 Oh my! The Palestrina Knot! Holy Cow!!! That will be a game-changer😃. The 'x' for eyes has always bugged the heck out of me (looks like the creepy Voodoo dolls' eyes). I tried plumping those up, too, by stitching over them again...and then it just looked like even more creepy, bug-eyed, fat 'x's that still didn't fill in the square. lol. I'm going to pull out all my unframed pieces and re-work the eyes using the Palestrina knot. Awesome! Thank you so much.
"Orphan" stitches are a challenge regardless of what kind of stitch you are making ... both the beginning and the ending of the working thread. To begin, I think I would do a loop start over one intersection and place the French Knot or Colonial Knot over the same stitch. The Palestrina knot can be done with any number of strands, depending on the thread used, the fabric count, and the look you want.
Thank you for teaching us about the various knots, I've really enjoyed the lesson. After 38 flosstubes, I would like to ask a question that has nothing to do with the lessons, but a set a books you have on your shelf that appear to be the same size and a variety of colors. Are they books on cross stitch, embroidery, or . . .??
I’m interested in the SE Asia cruise, but I’d need to share a room. The tour operator says there are twin bed rooms available. Anyone interested in a roommate?
If you do Facebook, here's a suggestion: join the group called "Stitching Events" and make a post there about looking for a roommate on the Asia cruise. facebook.com/groups/stitchersescapes (I recently changed the group name and I don't know how to change the URL but that link should take you to the group.)
There will be more and I will be sure to change up the time of day. I want to see how it works out with using Eventbrite for the reservations. Once I have a system in place, it will be easier to set up!
This is a really good tutorial on knots. I haven’t done knots in many, many years, so it was a great refresher. I don’t think I have ever done a Palestrina knot and I thought those were just lovely and elegant. Thanks again.
Glad it was helpful!
Jean! Thank you so so much! You are just the best teacher ever. I appreciate it with all my heart. ❤
Wow, thank you!
Once again a great video. Thank you for sharing the different kinds of knots. I will definitely be trying the two new ones to me, I’ve never had problems with my French knots. I was an embroider before a cross stitcher. Your videos are so informative and I just learn so much. ❤️❤️👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I appreciate your lessons, I am a new stitcher and take your lessons very seriously. I enjoy enormously your tutorials,
Thank you so much!
I enjoyed the different “knotty” instructions. I loved it!! I love learning new techniques. I enjoy the Colonial knot better than the French knot. I suppose it is what you get comfortable with that makes the stitching more enjoyable. I loved the last knot. I had never heard of the Palestrina knot before and I plan on using it in the future. Thank you ever so much.❤️🧵🪡❤️
Glad it was helpful!
Jean, thank you so much for this tutorial - and such serendipity! I worked on "America, Land That We Love" this morning, and finished stitching the State of Alaska and set it aside for the back stitching tomorrow. I wasn't happy with the eye of the crab, and was debating I wanted to replace the stitch with a French knot or a seed bead. Lo and behold, I am watching your video for this past weekend. It was like a cartoon light bulb appeared over my head. I ran downstairs, grabbed "ALTWL," replayed your tutorial and replaced the crab's eye with a Palestrina knot. Voila! My little crab now has the "personality" I wanted it to have this morning. Thank you again for these videos and your tutorials. PLEASE keep them coming!!
That's a great idea!
Sewing beads? You blew my mind! 🤯 I never would have tried sewing beads, but I sure will, now! Thanks!!!
They add a nice touch to many projects!
Very wise words! I have always done French knots, but will happily try the Colonial and Palestrina knots. Your visual aids are wonderful. Thank you so much for continuing to share your knowledge and love of stitching.
I'm happy to help!
Thank you so much! I have been stitching for over 35 years and I love learning new or different stitching techniques! I had never heard of the Palestrina knots and your beading method is wonderful. I will be doing that beading technique on my Mirabilias.
Glad it was helpful!
I just recently found your UTube channel and I've got to say, I am so glad I did. You are so extremely informative. Started back on number one and am up to six. Thank you so very much for taking the time to share your knowledge. I have learned so much in just six video's. Can't thank you enough. Thank you.
Welcome! And thanks for the compliment!
Hi Jean, firstly, I found your podcasts a short time ago & was so impressed that I have gone back & watched all your videos. I’m a very new cross stitcher, although old, & even though I have been a craft person all my life, I have found cross stitching much harder than I thought I would. In your wonderful videos I have learnt so much , but still, my stitches are way inferior to yours. May I say that your work is just stunning & I thought maybe as I stitch in hand without a hoop, that maybe the reason why my stitches don’t look so good. Now realising that you stitch in hand & your stitches are so perfect has given me inspiration. I also find that counting the squares is the most difficult thing for me & I constantly get it wrong even though I have only ever stitched on Aida 😔. Needless to say I still love it & will certainly be continuing as I can only improve ........... right! Now I would like to ask you your advice on a good embroidery scissor to get. After all these years of sewing & quilting I thought I would like to purchase a good embroidery scissor. So I did some research & decided on the one, only to find that they don’t make them any more. I was after a Dovo 3.5” scissor, but now don’t know what to purchase as there are so many on the market to choose from. Would you please be able to guide me in the right direction perhaps & let me know what your favourites are? I just love all your podcasts & hang on every word you say & wish to thank you for disclosing many of your tips that you have learnt along the way, the one I have got the most success with, is to dampen your floss on a sponge 👏. Many thanks again from a very appreciative viewer in Western Australia. Cheers 😘🥰❤️💕😊😍
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and questions. I was so disappointed when Dovo stopped making embroidery scissors. Here are some suggestions: Gingher, Premax (especially their RingLock style), and Bohin. Look for a fairly short blade with thin, sharp points. And it's important that your fingers fit comfortably!
I just now made my first Palestrina knot/stitch while rewatching your instructions. It's great! I used it for a little mouse nose. I have a seed bead for the eye so I didn't want a knot for the nose. The Palestrina is perfect for giving it some extra heft to stand out a bit. It looked a bit wonky until I did the 4th leg...it does just as you said...pulls the knot over in place. I love this stitch.
Thank you! Thank you, too, for putting in time stamps for each stitch/knot. Very helpful for coming back to.
Wonderful! You will find many uses for it!
Lovely video. Great tutorials on knots, thank you so much for sharing your techniques. I can't wait to try the Palestrina knot! Have a great week and happy stitching!
Thank you so much!
Thanks for all the great information and tutorial. So much appreciated! Thanks for sharing and happy stitching!
You are so welcome!
Thank you so much....I just did 268 French Knots for a project....I used you teaching video and they looked amazing...thank you so much...please take care and be safe..
WoW!
Wow, absolutely fabulous topic and the timing could not have been better. I have two bear noses to do in French knots and was debating about leaving them off entirely. Now I am excited to try all the knot variations to see which I like best. I've always hated French knots and now know why, I've been stitching them incorrectly all these years!! Thank you Jean for the ease of how you teach and it's understandable translation to the stitcher.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the instructions, so helpful.ni especially appreciate the tip on making a simple cross stitch, like for an eye, stand out a bit. Very nice! I enjoy your videos, Jean!
Glad it was helpful!
What a fabulous video! I’m learning so much from you! I’ve never heard of a Palastrina knot before, and the bead technique was also completely new. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us! You’re a great teacher.
Glad it was helpful!
This is a nice, clear tutorial! Thank you for taking the time to share it with us. 😊
Meline
I always appreciate your frankness in expressing your opinions. Thank you for the clear demonstrations. I frequently use beads instead of French knots. I’ll have to keep the Palestrina knot in mind for single stitches.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Thank you so much for showing how you do the knots. I always learn the easier way to do things from you!! You are a wonderful teacher. I am glad you talked about needles as well. I use a 26 but I plan to buy some 28 to try them. Like you said, try it and see. I always use John James and I really like them. Thank you again and I look forward to your next podcast.
Thank you so much for your comments and for watching!
Oh such an interesting video and I'm off to try the palestrina stitch. The splitting of the thread on bead is also a grand tip. So nice to watch and learn. Many thanks and I hope you have a wonderful time on your trips.
Oh thank you!
Jean, thank you so much for your wonderful tutorials. I would never learned so much without them. I have only been cross stitching for a year and I’m so glad I came across your channel. I agree with your philosophy to use best practice and I know I am learning with the best! You mentioned having some Zoom meetings for the Roxie participants and am very much looking forward to that since I don’t know anyone else who does cross stitch. Again, thank you for all you do for our stitching community.
I hope you join the Zoom gathering!
Another educational and encouraging video. Thank you Jean!
You are so welcome!
Thanks you for this demonstration. The Palestrina stitch was new for me. Happy stitching.
You are so welcome!
I really like the demo on the Palestrina know and I hope to use it in future projects. I could see it being pretty to stitch a bee hive, a roof, or even a pineapple. Thank you so much for sharing this.
You are very welcome!
Jean, I have struggled with french knots for as long as I can remember and have never liked my bead work but thanks to your lesson today, I feel more comfortable with both. Thank you for your time and love of the art.
Wonderful!
Thanks for sharing your knot knowledge, 2 ways I didn't know about but will be practicing. Beading trick was new to me too, always told to just make complete cross stitch through each bead your way is easier. Keep on stitchin' on. ✂🧵💜
Glad it was helpful!
Hello, Jean! Simply wonderful video, as usual. I really appreciate how you took the time to show us the difference between the knots, and also how to attach a bead. The needle 🪡 information was also spot-on, and most appreciated. I wish I was in a position to go along on the National Parks trip, but it’s not to be. I know y’all will have a wonderful time, though! ☺️ Thanks again for your calm spirit, and excellent presentation skills. Have a very blessed week!
Meline
Thank you so much! Hopefully, there will be another stitching event for you in the future!
Once again an excellent tutorial, Jean. I learn so much from you to improve my stitching! Thank you for all you share with us. You are a treasure.
You are so welcome!
My older granddaughter saw a cross stitch of mine with people and critters and she said “They're all dead!” referring to the cross stitch eyes. I will have to try the Palestrina Knot. 😆
You'll love the results and it will please your granddaughter, too! :)
😂
I am anxious to tryout colonial knots and use them forever......thank you so much. I really enjoy your videos and I'm trying to catch up.
Wonderful!
When you were looking for a lady like term I said out loud "nonsense" not one second later you said nonsense. LOL I can not thank you enough for sharing your knowledge on all subjects Cross Stitch! You keep saying whatever you want!
Exactly!!
Thank you Jean so much for this video it has made French knots less frightening but I really do love the Colonial knot which I hadn't heard of until now. Also the beading, well just marvellous, I am doing a cross stitch at the moment of a Geisha which has both knots and beading so this video is going to be well used for my next project. Take care and keep safe. Look forward to seeing you soon.🙋
You are so welcome!
Thank you so much for your videos. You are a great teacher and I learn something from everyone of them.
Thank you!
Thank you for this video. Finally, I feel like I can master the french and colonial knots. I really did like the look of the Palestrina knot. I can see as you suggested how it would really stand out in certain places on your stitching. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Jean,
Thanks for the knot tutorials- they were very clear and precise. I love your teaching style. I really liked the palestrina knot and am going to try it soon!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks so very much Jean for this tutorial. So many people seem to think the Colonial knot is easier than the French knot!!! Not me...I will definitely have to practice the Colonial. The French comes easy. Maybe because I learned embroidery before cross stitch. I can’t wait to find a place to use the Palastrina knot/stitch. It looks beautiful.
I have a Joan Elliott piece that only needs the beads and kreinik. I have been putting it off but now I feel confident to do the beads!!! Thank you and take care 💜🪡🧵
It's so nice that we have these options and can use what works best!
I always learn something new in your videos. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise!
My pleasure!
Jean, thank you so very much for you tutorials. Most excellent!! I appreciate you sharing your knowledge ❤️
Thanks for watching!
Good demonstration. I have used palestrina knot for surface embroidery, but never on cross stitch. What a great idea. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Brilliant!!! Thank you!
You're welcome!
Thanks so much ! I really learned a lot about the differences in the stitches and I appreciate that !!!
I'm so glad!
13:35 Palestrina knot!! Oh my goodness I love this knot and will be incorporating it into my stitching projects!!
Great!
Always learn so much. You make everything look so easy. Now I have a video to reference next time and need to stitch a French knot.
That's the idea! I'm happy to know it was helpful.
I don't know how you knew I needed this knotty video 😂 but "Thanks so much!" You're a great teacher 🍎! Patricia
Oh thank you!
@@JeanFarishNeedleworks You're so very welcome.
Great content as always. The knot tutorials were very clear and I’m certainly going to use the Palestrina stitch in future stitching.
Wonderful!
Loved this tutorial! So helpful! Thank you for all you do to educate us.
You are so welcome!
Thanks so much for all teaching in your video!! 💖💖
You are so welcome!
Great info! Thank you so much. I agree with you on mis-information these days. As I watch more videos and see more groups on Facebook, it is apparent that people like to put their own spin on things. I think sometimes that someone works out how to do something that works for them, and all of a sudden it's the gospel truth for everyone, and an attitude of "you should be doing this" suddenly becomes their new technique. Your trips sound fantastic! I'm so glad that you are here each week to promote our beautiful hobby. Happy stitching.
Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching!
I already know where I'll put palestrina knots, thank you! For us lefties, I think the stitch leg that is wrapped is the usual first leg, bottom left to top right.
Thanks!
Thank you! ❤️
Thank you so much for this video.
You are so welcome!
Thanks Jean, as always I learn something each visit. You are inspiring so keep cheering us on.
Thanks!
Thank you for another great video! I have ben using Colonial knots for a number of years because my French knots either don’t hold or are never the right size. I especially like your idea of using a Palestrina knot for an ‘eye’ or ‘berry’. Thanks again!
Wonderful!
Wonderful instructions, thank you! Look forward to all your videos.
Glad you like them!
Great info I have never seen the Palestrina knot I can see where this would come in handy. I have always despised fr. knots I have used colonial but great to see all. Thanks for all your handy tips and expertise.
You’re welcome!
Once again I so enjoyed your video. Thank You! I learned my french knots as a little girl and remember the struggle and yet still so love embroidery! It is now fun to learn them on yet a different canvas. Thank you for the beading tutorial as I will be tackling some projects with those in the near future. Thank you for promoting this art form!
You are so welcome!
Thank you for this lesson. Really learned a lot.
Glad to hear it!
Thank you for this video. It had a lot of great information.
Glad it was helpful!
In one of my latest samplers the sheep's wool was made with palestrina knots.
That must be amazing!
Just bought the Roxie pattern and have ordered the threads. Very much looking forward to learning some new stitches. Thanks for your wonderful tutorial, you make it look so easy!
Wonderful! I am enjoying stitching Roxie and getting to know the SAL participants.
🤗 I see that I have been trying to do French knots wrong!! Thank you Jean! The coach tour sounds like so much fun! Take care.
You can do it!
I learned a lot from this video. Especially beading and colonial knots. You’re an inspiration.❤️
Awesome! Thank you!
Thank you Jean for another informative video. This explains why I can manage French knots easier in my crewel work than counted thread work. What a great tip for securing the bead. May I ask an unrelated question, I am still loving 28 even weave but I have a very large area of a black Raven to do and I can see the background fabric showing through. At the moment I am stitching 2 over 2 is there a way to make the stitching area more dense? ( sorry not very good English) The design called for 30 count but I was unable to source that here in the UK Thank you in advance. Stay safe and well.
If you are using DMC floss, I hear from multiple sources that black (310) floss seems thinner than other DMC colors. I no longer stitch with DMC so I can't confirm this observation. So, one alternative would be to use another brand of floss like Anchor or Cosmo or perhaps using flower thread for that area. The next question is, are your two strands lying parallel to each other on both legs of each cross? If not, that can contribute to seeing more of the background fabric. Finally, when you step away from the project and view it from the distance you will see it when finished, does the amount of background fabric bother you? For me, seeing a bit of the linen creates sort of a tweed effect and adds texture to what would be unrelieved black. I hope this helps!
I can't wait to try the Colonial knot! this was quite educational for me. love your videos and thank you for doing them!
You are so welcome!
Thank you, Jean, for these lessons! I was only familiar with the French knot but had heard of the Colonial knot.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much Jean!! I needed this lesson very much!! I can’t wait to practice!🥰
Good timing!
Hi Jean :) Thank you so much for this video. I always struggle with French knots which I'm pretty sure has a lot to do with my tension from stitching in hand. I had heard that the Colonial knots were easier but wasn't sure how to do them. I can't wait to start practicing them. I'm also very excited to try the Palestrina knot as well. I had never heard of that one before.
I'm currently hosting Zoom Stitch Togethers for folks who are stitching any of the Hawk Run Hollow charts and I thought the way I've been getting participants email addresses might be useful for you with your Stitch Along. I created a Google Form that I link in the show notes for a few weeks preceding the date. Participants who are interested in joining fill it out and then I email them the link the day before. I hope that was helpful ~ Pam
Thanks for the tip! I have explored Google Forms a little so I'll give it a try!
Thank you.
You're welcome!
Thank you Jean. I love seeing your episodes in my feed.
I'm so glad!
Wow never seen the Colonial or Palestrina before definitely will use one of those instead od the French.
They are such good alternatives!
Thank you for the advice on using a fine pearl cotton to get a bigger French knot! #youcandrawbloodwithatapestryneedle 😂
Happy to help!
Thank you for the information. I have struggled with French knots, now zi have a reference video to return to for prompts! You're the best!
Thank you so much I can’t wait to try the Palestrina knot. You make everything so understandable.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you Jean for such great information ❣️
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you, Jean. Very helpful!
So glad!
Thank you once again for a great tutorial video! You can never have too many tutorials on knots! Thanks for the info on needles as well. Can you just explain what the numbers mean? Is a size 24 needle thicker than a size 26 or 28, or is the number referring to the size of the eye? If it is referring to the size of the eye, does that mean a 26 is narrower than a 24? Thanks! I never understood what the numbers on needles meant!
Both the eye and the shank get smaller as the number gets higher. So a number 28 is finer than a 24.
Thank you for teaching the knotty information and beading technique. It really gives me peace of mind learning best practices and then adjusting my own stitching accordingly.
I am loving working on Roxy and the videos are exemplary, outstanding, I can’t say enough good things about the SAL. I’m so glad I joined in on the fun.
Do you mind if I ask, what characteristics make a needle poor quality? When I’m stitching with a needle 🪡 what things should I be watching out for? Thanks in advance, Blessings, 🙋♀️
Good question! The needle brand I didn't name has a very rough eye and is known to actually fray or cut through the floss. If the finish rubs off easily (when you don't have that experience with other brands) that would indicate poor quality, too.
Hi Jean. Wonderful tutorial! I have a couple of questions that you may have covered in previous videos. The first question is regarding the tent stitch. I'm confused as to when and why you use it. My other question is regarding the pin stitch. I've seen multiple ways of doing it but don't know which is best--or maybe the answer is it depends...lol. Thanks for your time.
The tent stitch is what I call an umbrella term because it covers three different stitches: half cross, basketweave, and continental. They all look the same on the face of the fabric but are executed in very different manners and so they look entirely different on the back. The term is usually associated with needlepoint rather than cross stitch but I am seeing it more and more in cross stitch groups. I've been wondering why that is.
Thanks so much for the knotty lesson.
2 comments and a question: I had never heard of a Palestrina knot but will be trying it - it seems perfect for the use you described. I thought a colonial knot was something completely different - a multi wrap longer knot. Question: I wrap my French knots the opposite way, away from me rather than towards me as you did. Is that an issue?
I will also try the beads over one thread rather than 2. That makes a lot of sense, although I usually cross the second leg through the bead rather than around it.
Thanks again.
I would apply the bead "over one" when it is taking the place of a French knot and "over two" when it is taking the place of a cross stitch.
If wrapping the thread in the other direction works for you, then that's the way to do it!
I appreciate you sharing your knowledge very much! As a beginner stitcher it is so valuable! Would love to join one of your SAL zooms sometime. I just don’t feel like I can keep up just yet.
There's no competition. We all started as beginners so you are welcome to join!
Hi Jean, thank you so much for sharing everything you do. My question is, since I am originally from the west and have traveled through the southwest including the National Parks. Is there any chance that you will sell your Buffalo pattern at a later date after the trip? Also, an amazing Native American cultural landmark I would recommend is “Sky City” in New Mexico, Home of the Acoma Indians. I believe it is the only place where natives have continuously lived since it was established.
Thank you again for sharing with us.
P.S.
My daughter and I tried Hannah’s cookie Recipe. Yum!
Yes, I plan to offer "The Bison & the Elk" later this fall. Thanks for the suggestion ... and I'm so happy to pass on Hannah's recipe to yet another family!
15:20 Question.... I’m a bottom left to top right stitcher. With this said, on the Palestrina knot is it a MUST that you start in bottom right to top left? With this change of stitch direction, if you take the piece for judging, they would know that you started your stitch in the opposite hole of your original cross stitches. Can you explain more. Thank you
The direction of the first half cross is not critical. It can be worked the other way around. As far as how it would be judged, I really don't know.
I never heard about the colonial knot. Have to try it instead of the french knot. Somehow I still am not able to get that one right
Practice when you have a calm moment before you need it ... it's so much harder to learn under pressure!
Hi Jean. Thank you so much for the wonderful tutorial. I had never heard of the Palestrina knot and can see that stitch as coming in very usual for those 1 stitch ninja stitches that are used so often for berries, etc. I have a question regarding needles...I keep hearing that you should be using a new needle for each project. Do you subscribe to this practice? My favorite needle is the ball-tip needle which I usually use a size 28 as they are shorter and I am able to use more of the floss, although do go up to a 26 if using 14 Aida as I have problems with the 28 falling out of the hole before I can grab it from the top (I am a poke and stab cross-stitcher). As the ball-tips are fairly expensive, I generally do not use a new needle as they usually run about $4 a piece. Generally the only time I switch is if I get a bur on the needle or if it becomes too bent to work with, but am looking forward to hearing your feelings on this. Thank you, as always, for your time and knowledge.
I use a needle until the eye breaks or I lose it, whichever comes first. I'll definitely chat about this next week ... thanks for asking! :)
Hi Jean, I have only ever used the tapestry needles produced by (That company) because they were the only brand offered in our stores. Could you elaborate a bit and explain "exactly what should someone look for in a high quality needle?" I don't know any different because these have been all I've ever used. I did some research online and did find "John James", "Organ" , and a few other brands. I ordered some from John James, but would like to hear more about what exactly makes for a Great tapestry needle for cross stitch. Thank you.
That's a good question. I need to think about my answer ... there may be more to add ... but off the top of my head, a good needle has an eye that is smooth and doesn't cause the thread to abrade and the finish should remain intact.
How do you secure the knot from the back?
It all depends on the situation but basically, I rely on the standard ways: away waste knot, buried waste knot, loop method, or securing the tail under nearby existing stitches.
Thank you for this most enjoyable and informative Flosstube! I was wondering if you will be selling your chart from the bus tour separately? I I did a tour similarly a few years ago and it would be lovely to stitch this. Thanks C. Robin
I will offer it once the trip is over :)
Thank you so much for this clear explanation of knots. Tech question... I use the loop method to start and sometimes although not always, find that I end up with 1 end shorter than the other - occasionally by as much as an inch, Is this because I am stitching unevenly or is it purely a matter of 1 strand travelling father around the bends than the other. My stitches are pretty even as a rule.
I used to think that unevenness at the end of a floss run was an indicator that I was doing something wrong. I pay a LOT of attention to keeping my two strands parallel to each other and 99% of the time my two strands are an inch or so off. It's a mystery ... your traveling around the bend theory works for me!
Love your tutorials very easy to follow. I have a question on thread for Roxie, I have most of the threads but I am having trouble locating some of the colors, how do you feel about using some of the called for and mixing in DMC threads in?
If they look good together, I say go for it!
Great video. So informative!
How do you secure the orphan knots or beads on the back when done?
If stitching with 2 threads, do you use two threads in the needle to make the Palestrina or just one thread?
Wow! I was doing pretty much everything wrong with those french knots....I thought it was supposed to go in and out of same hole, I tried to fatten them up by wrapping and wrapping and wrapping ...😂 Oh my!
The Palestrina Knot! Holy Cow!!! That will be a game-changer😃. The 'x' for eyes has always bugged the heck out of me (looks like the creepy Voodoo dolls' eyes). I tried plumping those up, too, by stitching over them again...and then it just looked like even more creepy, bug-eyed, fat 'x's that still didn't fill in the square. lol. I'm going to pull out all my unframed pieces and re-work the eyes using the Palestrina knot. Awesome! Thank you so much.
"Orphan" stitches are a challenge regardless of what kind of stitch you are making ... both the beginning and the ending of the working thread. To begin, I think I would do a loop start over one intersection and place the French Knot or Colonial Knot over the same stitch.
The Palestrina knot can be done with any number of strands, depending on the thread used, the fabric count, and the look you want.
Thank you. 🤗
Thank you for teaching us about the various knots, I've really enjoyed the lesson. After 38 flosstubes, I would like to ask a question that has nothing to do with the lessons, but a set a books you have on your shelf that appear to be the same size and a variety of colors. Are they books on cross stitch, embroidery, or . . .??
That's a set of VHS video tapes ... it's a series of projects that I organized and produced just before the world went digital :)
I’m interested in the SE Asia cruise, but I’d need to share a room. The tour operator says there are twin bed rooms available. Anyone interested in a roommate?
If you do Facebook, here's a suggestion: join the group called "Stitching Events" and make a post there about looking for a roommate on the Asia cruise.
facebook.com/groups/stitchersescapes
(I recently changed the group name and I don't know how to change the URL but that link should take you to the group.)
Do you have an instructional book? Thank you
I don't ... but I've always wanted to write one :)
@@JeanFarishNeedleworks bet would be amazing!
Yes! I would buy it!
Thanks as always for a great video. The Jane zoom sounds fun but it will be in the middle of the night here, so I better pass 😴.
There will be more and I will be sure to change up the time of day. I want to see how it works out with using Eventbrite for the reservations. Once I have a system in place, it will be easier to set up!