Comment broder Knotted blanket stitch
Tutoriels de points de broderie > Tous les points > Knotted blanket stitch
The Knotted blanket stitch, step by step
We guide you here, step by step, to embroider the Knotted blanket stitch.
The knotted blanket stitch forms a line of triangles linked by a small knot worked at the intersection of each triangle, adding a subtle raised effect to the decorative line.
1 – Begin the first triangle
Bring the needle up at A on the base line, keeping the thread held down with your thumb. Insert it at B to form the tip of the triangle. Bring it back up at C, just to the right of A, sliding the needle tip under the thread. Pull the thread towards you to form the first side of the triangle.
2 – Form the second side of the triangle
Keep the thread held down with your thumb. Insert the needle again at B. Bring it back up at D on the base line, sliding the needle tip under the thread. Pull the thread gently to form the second side of the triangle. The first triangle is complete.
3 – Begin the next triangle
Insert the needle at E. Bring it back up at F, just to the right of D, sliding the needle tip under the thread. Pull the thread to form the first side of the next triangle.
4 – Form the intersection knot
Pass the needle under the second side of the previous triangle, then under the side of the current triangle. Keep the thread held down with your thumb. Pull the thread towards you to form a small knot at the intersection of the two triangles.
5 – Continue along the line
Complete the next triangle by forming its second side in the same way. Repeat these gestures for each following triangle, working the knot after beginning each new triangle. Pass the thread to the back of the fabric and fasten it under the stitches already worked. ___________
Tips for a perfect knotted blanket stitch
Triangle construction: Make sure both sides of each triangle are well balanced to maintain a harmonious line — an uneven triangle will be even more visible once the knot is in place.
Thread position: Always keep the thread under the needle tip to form both the sides of the triangle and the intersection knot correctly.
The intersection knot: Pass the needle under the second side of the previous triangle AND under the side of the current triangle before pulling — it is this double pass that forms the characteristic knot of the stitch.
Thread tension: Pull the thread towards you and flat against the fabric so the knot sits neatly at the intersection of the triangles without distorting the base line.
Regularity: Keep a consistent spacing between the stitches to achieve a regular succession of triangles with well-aligned knots along the full line.
Result
On the front: A line of triangles linked by small decorative knots, creating a geometric, rhythmic motif with a subtle raised effect.
On the back: A series of small stitches aligned along the base line.
EXPLORE FURTHER
The Knotted blanket stitch, an essential stitch for learning hand embroidery
The knotted blanket stitch adds a further dimension to the triangle line of the classic closed blanket stitch by creating a small relief at each intersection.
It is used to highlight borders or add rhythm to a line within decorative motifs in traditional embroidery.
The combination of the triangle and the knot gives it a stronger visual presence that sets it apart from other variations in the family.
The knotted blanket stitch: a variation of the closed blanket stitch.
Its construction is based on a succession of triangles linked by a knot formed at their intersection, combining a geometric base stitch with a knotted stitch to create a structured and textured effect.
This technique adds relief and precision to a simple line.
It belongs to the family of stitches derived from the blanket stitch used in hand embroidery to compose decorative borders and friezes.
DISCOVER OTHER STITCHES
Why learn the Knotted blanket stitch?
• combine blanket stitches and knotted stitches
• enrich a decorative line with a raised effect
• develop precision of movement
• explore further variations of the closed blanket stitch
Learn the Knotted blanket stitch with Un Chat dans l’Aiguille
At Un Chat dans l’Aiguille, the knotted blanket stitch is taught step by step with clear, structured guidance.
Our approach to teaching is part of a complete hand embroidery stitch encyclopaedia, designed to support every embroiderer on their journey.
It allows you to progress at your own pace whilst building precision, consistency, and confidence in hand embroidery.